California Dreamin'

By Phillip Smith

In a little publicized action, California Governer Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill that decriminalizes the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. The bill reduces simple possession from a misdemeanor to an infraction. This means that it will be treated like a traffic ticket and subject to a maximum of $100 fine with no drug arrest record. Not waiting until the Nov. 19th. vote on legalization he stated budget woes a leading factor in his decision.
The law goes into effect January 1. Even if Prop 19 passes in November, it leaves in place misdemeanor charges for smoking in public or in the presence of minors. Those misdemeanors would become infractions under the new law.