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Should California legalize pot?
Supporters say it’s safer than alcohol or tobacco and improves quality of life. Detractors call it a gateway drug rife with health risks. This November, California voters will get to decide if marijuana should be legalized for recreational use in California. Would marijuana tax revenues help balance the state budget? Would a legal trade in marijuana reduce the influence of cartels or blight neighborhoods with storefront pot shops? And could the ballot measure stand up to a federal challenge?
Supporters say it’s safer than alcohol or tobacco and improves quality of life. Detractors call it a gateway drug rife with health risks. This November, California voters will get to decide if marijuana should be legalized for recreational use in California. Would marijuana tax revenues help balance the state budget? Would a legal trade in marijuana reduce the influence of cartels or blight neighborhoods with storefront pot shops? And could the ballot measure stand up to a federal challenge?
Panelists:
Jim Gray, retired judge, Superior Court of Orange County
Lee Baca, Sheriff, Los Angeles County
John Russo, City Attorney, Oakland
Mark Kleiman, Professor of Public Policy Director, Drug Policy Analysis Program, UCLA