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US: Fight for marijuana legalization continues Sarah Griffith Sonoma State Star Monday 26 Sep 2011 "The current law criminalizes millions of Americans. There is something wrong if many people are being arrested for something doctors are prescribing for health reasons," said Jonah Raskin, communications professor. Joe Rogoway and Omar Figueroa are two Sonoma County lawyers who are working on the Repeal Cannabis Prohibition Act of 2012, along with three others. They are pushing for the legalization of marijuana with the hopes that adults would also be able to grow without the government enforcing high taxation. "The act would allow up to three pounds and up to 100 square feet of agricultural growing, all of which would not be subject to taxes," said Figueroa during a phone interview. With the 2012 election coming soon, voters may have the ability to decide again whether to legalize marijuana or not. Before voters can assume their reefer will be legal after the 2012 election, there are still procedures that need to be taken. "Title and summary, which would give approval of the repeal, is needed from the general attorney before fundraising and signatures can be attained. It is estimated to come back around mid-October," said Rogoway. Assuming the general attorney approves after October, signatures and funding will proceed to get the act on the 2012 ballot. They have plans of getting the signatures from the younger generation of voters and making California residents aware by utilizing the Internet. "Any California registered voter can sign," said Figueroa. "We're planning on using social media sites to increase signatures, because there would be a limited time to attain the necessary amount needed." Before voters sign for the Repeal Cannabis Prohibition Act of 2012, voters can question if this good for the economy, driving laws and how small growers would be affected. "The economy would save on criminal justice and incarcerating against marijuana crime, and would see all that money come back to us," said Rogoway. He added that time and effort spent against fighting the crimes of marijuana users would be saved, and the taxes on cannabis would generate more money for the state. "We hope that it would stream revenue back to education, which is good for all students regardless if they use cannabis or not," said Rogoway. Legalizing what most would classify as a recreational drug could potentially reap great benefits for the education system and put money back into circulation with hopes of boosting the economy. Local growers and small-time growers could be at risk of losing their profits, not being able to compete with what could potentially become a very large legal business. "I worry about marijuana becoming a commerce item and the quality going down," said senior Natali Visger. Small-time growers and sellers may no longer be able to survive with bigger marijuana businesses, such as Emerald Triangle Coalition. "I fear smaller growers will not be able to compete. I am scared that the larger scale farmers will ban together and not be welcoming," said Visger. Legalization may turn marijuana sales into a big corporation business and leave smaller scale business with no consumer base. Other students are indifferent and realize, regardless of the law, people will do what they want. "I want it to be passed. Let people do what they want as long as they do not infringe on other people's rights," said freshman Brock Batliner. If the legalization of marijuana passes, stricter driving laws could possibly be enforced it combat any effects. "It should be about personal safety, looking out for your own safety and other people's too," said senior James May. "If someone over the age of 18 can consent to a contract, join the military, get married, buy cigarettes and vote, they can certainly participate in cannabis-related activities," said Rogoway. Marijuana users look at their recreational or medical use essentially harmless and less damaging than alcohol, but everyday people are punished for the use, possession, selling and growing of the product. Marijuana is legally distributed for medical purposes, but officials are constantly arresting others who hold possession without a medical marijuana card. "The movement is relentless. We will not stop until we succeed and I believe we will succeed. We believe this initiative will turn this Golden State green," said Rogoway. The Rohnert Park Police Department was not available for comment as of press time. http://www.sonomastatestar.com/news/fight-for-marijuana-legalization-continues-1.2612215#.ToGJjeyTNPx
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