Has marijuana decriminalization and legalization reached the tipping point?
Marijuana, once considered in the same league as “harder” drugs such as cocaine and heroin, has slowly become more accepted in the US and abroad, primarily for medicinal purposes (to manage chronic pain, stimulate appetite, etc). However, in a growing number of jurisdictions, possession of a small amount of marijuana (a few grams, typically) has also become decriminalized. There are a number of states (8) that have medical cannabis laws on the books, 6 more that decriminalized possession of small amounts, and for 4 states both are the case, including our home state, California. Calif governor Schwarzenegger urged a study on the possible legalization and taxation of pot earlier this month. An April poll showed that 56% of Californians favor legalization and taxation of marijuana, and there is that matter of the state’s awful budget deficit that an extra source of tax revenue would no doubt help. As California goes, so goes the nation…sometimes. Does California’s possible path towards
