Prop 19 and the aftermath

Now I don't live in California however as a fellow West Coast resident I want to say a few things about Prop 19.

First off, I support Prop 19 100%. I have long wondered why we don't legalize the use of marijuana if for no other reason that the tax revenue. I read an article a couple years back that said marijuana was the 5th largest "cash crop" in Washington state, just ahead of cherries. That could represent a substantial amount of tax revenue, especially here in Washington where "sin taxes" are the norm.

It makes sense that California is the first to take it on because they're having even more budget problems than we are and let's be serious here: Humboldt County. 'Nuff said. So I encourage everyone in California to vote YES ON PROP 19!!!!

That being I said I want you all to understand what is going to happen. When Prop 19 passes the federal government is going to sue the state of California. Now before you get all pissed off about how when you voted for Obama you never thought he would do such a thing. He has no other choice. The fact is that Prop 19 violates the federal governments authority. It's the same reason that they sued Arizona over SB1070 (Immigration).

However by voting yes on 19 you're sending a strong message to the country that the time for marijuana reform is now. While the law is being argued through the various courts it may be enough pressure to convince the Californian representatives to start pushing for a national bill, allowing the states to self regulate their own marijuana policy. It'd be hard to lose the votes for that one. Democrats in blue states will support it if only to  defer the problem to local politicians. Republican, especially Tea Party candidates, are consistently arguing for smaller federal presence and more state control. So unless they want to pull a 180 on one of their core believes they're going to have to support the reform. Then Prop 19 stands and every other state is going to have a referendum vote on the issue. Everyone wins.

Now this would be a best case scenario and what it really requires is that first you pass the law. Then when it passes and the government steps in, write your senate. Write your congressmen. Write everyone you can. This is where those of us in other states join your battle. So I encourage anyone out there in California to get out and approve Prop 19 now because we've got your back later.