SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Cannabis, marijuana, weed, pot, whatever you call it, legalizing
it has been a hot topic in California. It's not legal to smoke here, but in Washington and Colorado
it now is. Well, not really.
The federal government still does not allow it.
"In that
context the voters have essentially directed their states to take on the
federal government, it's a direct challenge to federal legislation," said Santa Cruz City Attorney, John Brisbone.
But why is that the case?
Here's a quick history lesson, did you know hemp was once
legal in the country and a competing good against tobacco, paper and
pharmaceuticals?
"They've used hemp through all mankind to make rope and
clothing and everything but there are companies that contribute a lot of money
to the government that hemp will replace their product so costing them money," said JD Black, owner of Granny Purps, a local medical marijuana dispensary.
Black said Washington and Colorado
are paving the way for California.
"I put them in my prayers that they do well," said Black.
Granny Purps said that with legislation like the one
in Colorado and Washington passing, the movement to legalize recreational use of marijuana is only
going to get stronger.
Brisbone said legalizing weed isn't a bad idea financially for states.
"When states
are strapped for cash as they are in this economy, that looks like an attractive
revenue generating mechanism for a lot of people," said Brisbone.
He added that if the two states succeed in going against the
feds, California is likely to
follow suit.
"At this point it seems as if Colorado
and Washington have done California
a favor because they seem to be willing to fight the fight," said Brisbone.
