CADCA Releases Position Paper and Press Release Opposing Proposition 19

CADCA released a position paper and press release strongly opposing California's Proposition 19, calling the November ballot initiative a losing proposition for California's youth.

Proposition 19, also known as the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010, would make it legal for people older than 21 to possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use; allow the use of marijuana in non-public places, such as a residence, or at public establishments licensed for on site marijuana consumption; and allow individuals to grow marijuana for personal use.

Since research shows a direct link between a decrease in perception of harm and social disapproval and an increase in drug use, there is no doubt that Proposition 19 will only lead to more marijuana use among youth. CADCA also believes that Proposition 19 ignores the scientific evidence showing that marijuana is harmful to a young person’s brain development, affecting their motivation, memory, learning, judgment and behavior control. It can also hurt their ability to succeed academically, is linked to violence and gang activity, and is the most prevalent illegal drug detected in fatally injured drivers, and motor vehicle crash victims.

“With national data already showing softening attitudes and across the board increases for drug use – particularly marijuana, which increased in all grades according to a recent survey – this is not a message we can afford to send to California or the rest of America’s youth,” said Gen. Arthur T. Dean, CADCA Chairman and CEO. “Marijuana already costs the United States $181 billion annually in increased health care and treatment costs, crime and lost productivity. So any revenue gained by taxing marijuana would be far outweighed by the healthcare and criminal justice costs to the state.”

You can read our entire position statement.