In a move bound to distress silly conservatives Arnold Swarzenegger has signed into law a bill that decriminalizes the simple possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. The bill reduces simple possession from a misdemeanor to an infraction, like a parking ticket. This way no court appearance is required thus saving both the State and the population lots of inconvenience and cost. Since Schwarzenegger himself appears at the end of the movie Pumping Iron lying back on the coach, smoking what appears to be a joint after winning Mr Olympia, it is decent of him to be true to his beliefs – so unusual for a politician!
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Thursday 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. Currently, small-time pot possession is “semi-decriminalized” in California. There is no possible jail sentence and a maximum $100 fine. But because possession is a misdemeanor, people caught with pot are “arrested,” even if that means only they are served a notice to appear, and they must appear before a court.
That has happened to more than a half million Californians in the last decade, and more than 60,000 last year alone. Every one of them required a court appearance, complete with judge and prosecutor. That costs the cash-strapped state money it desperately needs.