How Do You Really Feel?

Comments from the survey administered to college students in California. 

What did you know about Proposition 19 prior to voting?

“Everything. Read up on it very carefully. It’s not simply about being able to smoke (similar to 21 year olds drinking) its about California's economy and the massive revenue that this "drug" (use this term very loosely) can provide. Additionally it would help out California's already crowded prison systems and force the police to work on crimes that really do hurt people.

"I wanted to vote but sadly I missed registration even after researching the proposition. 2 of my roommates however, did vote (on my behalf in a way)”

“A lot. How much revenue it will generate. How it will be controlled and regulated by the government. Only 21+ can obtain weed.”

“I knew Prop 19 dealt with the legalization of marijuana and that it would put taxes and regulations on the sale and use of recreational marijuana.”

“Would allow the legal possession up to 1 ounce of marijuana inside of house or apartment. Still illegal to smoke in public and transportation over state lines. Had to be over 21 to get pot. Was about 54% approval rating during the summer, but sank to 44% right before the election.”

“The bill was a bit messy and unorganized in determining the taxes between each county.”

Why do you think it did not pass?

“Most Californians are uneducated when it comes to the effects of marijuana usage. Many people who voted against the measure have never tried it and furthermore believe in all of the myths regarding to what happens to a person who uses marijuana. There have been many scientific studies that disprove these myths and furthermore support the fact that alcohol and tobacco use are more detrimental to a person's health than marijuana and yet both of those substances are legal.”

“I feel like most people had their own personal opinions on marijuana, and went with those feelings when voting. The thought of making something formerly illegal legal might have been scary for people. Overall I feel like it might have been "close-mindedness" to the issue.”

“There were some details that were left open-ended and not very specific in the way the proposition read. The money made would have served as a great benefit, but to whom and who would decide that?”

“California is not necessarily ready for marijuana to be apart of our society and I can't fault them for that. It will be a slow transition if marijuana ever does become legal.”

“People were uneducated about marijuana and immediately thought they were bad. People who wanted to vote for it to pass were probably at home high and could not find the energy to vote”

Regardless of whether or not you voted, what are your thoughts on the result that Proposition 19 did not pass?

“Just because weed is still illegal doesn't mean people aren't going to get it. There should be a level determined similar to BAC with alcohol to find a limit where people can drive under the influence of weed before it passes. Maybe it will pass in the future because banning weed and enforcing it is impossible.”

“I'm glad it didn't pass! The idea is good, but that legislation was not complete enough to put into law. There needs to be more specific allocations for the money, or else it could just end up going back into a government that got us bankrupt in the first place.”

“I feel neutral about Proposition 19 not passing. I've never smoked/consumed marijuana, and I don't plan on doing so any time soon, so the legalization of recreational marijuana wasn't a big deal to me. I do see both the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana, and I just wish more people were more open-minded about the issue.”

“I think it should have been passed. I was out of the country when the voting took place or I would have voted for it. I feel like if it was legal more people would own up to using it and I don't think it would be mistreated.”

“Knowing the entire history of legislation surrounding a plant that grows naturally around the world, it is sad that this step in legalization hit a speed bump. As more people become more educated and they begin to realize the potential benefits of legalization, it is inevitable that the laws will change.”

“It just proves Marijuana still has a societal taboo to it, even though alcohol is far more dangerous. I think a lot of the opposition came from parents concerned about it reaching their children, the Christian community, as well as marijuana growers who do not want to lose all their business and livelihood to potential corporate growers, once the drug would be commercialized.”