A Student Investigation on Proposition 19

This blog is a student run account on the perception of proposition 19 as well as the relationship of marijuana with citizens in California. Marijuana has played a very pervasive role in our society and the proposed proposition brought light to a lot of different views to the illegal drug. The legalization of a substance from illegal to legal is a strenuous process that has a large impact on both the moral, legal, and economical aspects of our culture. Despite its pervasive use throughout the world and history (California especially) marijuana has been considered an illegal substance for most of the century. The benefits and disadvantages of legalization are debatable. There is no clear right answer and the state of California has been somewhat divided at times. Although the proposition has been denied, the debate will continue. We found many different perspectives throughout this semester from our research.

This is what we have found:

An Argument Against Proposition 19

Proposition 19 would have done harm to those with addiction problems and would have had consequences for those who don't smoke. 

If Proposition 19 had passed, Marijuana use would have significantly increased. In terms of personal health, weed is just as bad for you as alcohol, but the problem with marijuana is when people abuse the drug or become addicted. With any substance that alters a person’s mood, there is always a chance of either dependence or an addiction. According to an article written Dr. Kevin McCauley, published in the Texas Bar Journal in 2004, most people don’t realize that addiction is not a choice, but rather a disease. It is a neurological disorder that is either passed on genetically or can be developed later in life. 

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.”

Californians And Their Relationship With Weed

We conducted a survey via facebook to get perspective on Californians and their relationship with marijuana. We not only wanted to understand the situations that they encounter the drug but also understand how that relationship might have changed if proposition 19 would have passed. 

1.     Have you used marijuana during your time here at LMU?

a.     68.8% - Yes

b.     31.3% - No

2.     In what situations have you used marijuana?

a.     37.5% - Big parties

b.     67.2% - Small kickbacks

c.     56.3% - Car (hot-boxing)

d.     34.4% - Dormitory Room

e.     28.1% - I do not use marijuana

3.     Has your marijuana usage increased since you entered college?

a.     46.9% - Yes

b.     26.6% - No

c.     26.6% - I do not use marijuana

4.     Did you vote in the previous election?

a.     51.6% - Yes

b.     48.4 % - No

5.     What did you vote for Proposition 19?

a.     31.3% - Yes

b.     18.8% - No

c.     50.0% - Did not vote

6.     Do you think the legalization of marijuana would increase or decrease your personal use of the substance?

a.     10.9% - Increase

b.     1.6% - Decrease

c.     65.6% - Stay the same

d.     21.9% - I do not use marijuana

7.     Do you think that more people would admit to using marijuana if the proposition had passed?

a.     76.6% - Yes

b.     23.4% - No

Personal Interview With Students

Aside from the survey we conducted over the Internet, two LMU students, Sam and Jared (names changed to protect identity), were interviewed and asked to provide their personal experiences.

They were first asked when they first tried marijuana and for what reason.  The participants are two years apart however, waited until this past winter season to try it.  Both replied that they were around people they trusted and were open to trying new things.  “I was with friends I grew up with and trusted,” said Sam.  They continue to use it because of the effect when they are high.  It is an enjoyable intoxication that for Jared is better than drinking alcohol.

Drug addictions sometimes have a negative impact on academics and other life priorities, however Sam makes sure to not let it get in the way of his academics.

Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert reviews proposition 19 and talks to Joseph Califano and Gay Johnson who have opposing view points on the legalization of marijuana in California.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Proposition 19 - Joseph Califano & Gary Johnson
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election March to Keep Fear Alive

A Podcast With A Medical Marijuana Dispensary Employee

An interview from the perspective of a dispensary employee on the pros and cons and how it would effect their industry.

Memo by Michael Quinones

Stoner Stigma

Proposition 19 had a lot of attention coming from the national press as it could have been the bill that legalized marijuana in California, marking it to be the first state in the US that has legalized it. But it didn't pass. Some were disappointed, some were relieved and some simply had no opinion at all.

Proposition 19