WORTH A TRY?

California's Proposition 19, the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis
Act of 2010, will be on the Nov. 2 ballot. This is a state law
legalizing the use of cannabis.

Cannabis can be ingested to cause a mild form of euphoria, relieve
pain, relax muscles, subside nausea and invoke introspective thoughts.
The use of cannabis is not limited to "getting high." The fibers and
seeds can be used for many other purposes like the production of
paper, biodegradable plastics, clothing, foods, dietary supplements,
water purification, fuel and building materials.

There are many different opinions on the legalization of cannabis.
Some recreational users oppose the legalization because they have all
the cannabis they want, they don't want government to regulate it for
fear that it will hinder the price and quality of the existing illegal
plant. Other recreational users support the legalization of cannabis
because they want safer access to the plant by proper regulations and
they want the local government to receive revenue from the taxation of
the cannabis.

The main argument opposing the legalization of this plant is that it
can compromise the safety of our roadways, workplaces and communities.
One issue is that Highway Patrol has no way of determining what
constitutes "driving under the influence" by individuals on cannabis.

The other main issue is that employers cannot regulate any employees'
conduct related to cannabis unless the employer can prove job
Advertisement impairment. This will affect some employers' eligibility
to receive federal grants and contracts because it may prevent
employers from meeting federal drug-free workplace rules.

The taxation of cannabis holds the possibility of generating billions
of dollars in revenue toward California's debt. Is it worth a try?

ABE HIGGINS

Rialto