California’s Proposition 64 reduces convictions for marijuana use

San Francisco District Attorney announced that the office will automatically apply provisions of Proposition 64. The prop would get rid of past convictions relating to marijuana use dating back to 1975, or reduce sentence.

According to the Washington Post, past convictions related to marijuana use have impacted people’s ability to gainful employment, which in turn, creates higher risks for financial instability.

Those with felonies will have sentences reduced, while those with misdemeanors can have their records cleared.

San Diego county is trying to help those convicted with illegal marijuana charges by working with public defenders in order to identify those incarcerated. However, their computer systems only go back for the last 15 years; therefore people must be responsible for their own cases.

California’s High Times

Although California was the first state to enact a statewide ban on smoking, it also holds the more progressive laws on cannabis use.

Proposition 64 allows Californians who are 21 and older to possess, transport, buy and use up to an ounce of cannabis for recreational purposes and allow individuals to grow as many as six plants. As well, smoking is permitted in private homes or at businesses licensed for on-site marijuana consumption. The measure would also allow retail sales of marijuana and impose a 15% tax.

In a January poll by Pew Research, 61 percent of Americans think that marijuana should be legalized. Although marijuana is illegal under federal law, states are gradually passing legislation that decriminalizes its use.

Other counties in California are not moving as fast in order to enforce Proposition 64.