Roseville, Calif. – Placer County residents along with twenty other counties lost their bid to prevent Californians from smoking marijuana in the privacy of their own homes.
It’s not easy to overcome 100 years of government dogma on any topic, but the end of prohibition based on decades of misinformation and fear mongering is moving forward in the United States.
As of today, California residents (21+) may possess up to 1-ounce of marijuana for personal use in the privacy of their own home. They may also grow up to 6 plants out of public view. The proposition passed by a 12 percent margin, 56% in favor to 44% opposed. In Placer County, residents opposed Prop 64, 53% against and 47% for approval.
Cities and counties will have the ability to ban all marijuana businesses by passing a city or county ordinance. However, if they do, they will not be able to receive any of the tax revenue from Prop. 64.
It remains to be seen how the communities of Placer County will weigh the community’s desire versus the possible additional flood of revenue. Placer County is currently exploring the possibility of medical marijuana cultivation.
Penalties
Proposition 64 also eliminates or substantially reduces most criminal penalties for marijuana offenses, beyond what is explicitly made legal by Prop. 64. Certain crimes, such as selling marijuana to minors (under 18) and manufacturing marijuana with a volatile substance without a license, will remain felonies.
People with prior convictions for marijuana offenses that have been reduced or eliminated by Prop. 64 can petition a court to have their convictions reduced or expunged.
This applies to people that are in jail or prison, on probation or parole, or who have already completed their sentence.
As with any new laws, there will be both positive and negative effects.
- Overall, did Californians make a wise decision?
- What do you see as the biggest impacts?
- Are Placer residents out of touch or is California crazy?
- What will be the impact in Roseville, Rocklin and the rest of South Placer County?