FRESNO (KMJ) — A panel to consider the issues we might be facing if recreational marijuana becomes legal in California has been held today in the valley. The discussion held at Fresno State was lively, with a crowd packed in and plenty of points raised.
Topics ranged from how marijuana might be marketed to young people, how legalization could see a drop in the price of pot, what means of taxation should be used, and what could be learnt from states that have already legalized it. Law school professors, tax experts and politicians were all included on the panel, with Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom the biggest name there.
But comments made by Reedley’s Chief of Police received the most notable response. Representing the California Police Chiefs Association, he told the crowd that he’s speaking “not only as a Police Chief but as a father”.
“[The association] does not support the legalization or decriminalization or marijuana. I have known it to be a gateway drug, and it is a gateway drug. It serves no purpose but to hamper the future of our youth”.
That was greeted by an audible note of dissatisfaction from the crowd, but after the event was over Chief Joe Garza supported his statement.
“When you talk about taxation and regulation that means you are allowing it to come in. My stance on it is that I do not want it to be legalized so why talk about taxation and regulation?. It makes no sense.”
“Everyone should have come with an open mind to talk about the way forward”, says Derek Paton, representing the Fresno Cannabis Association. “All he [Chief Garza] did was spew propaganda that’s been dis-proven again and again. This really isn’t the place for that”.
Despite those comments, the most recognizable name on the panel felt the event went well.
“I think we had a robust conversation”, says Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. “Folks were concerned about big tobacco becoming big marijuana, advocates for children and youth were concerned about the predatory nature of the markets. Those voices were well represented here today”.
The next step is to take the findings to Sacramento so lawmakers there can get a better understanding of the situation from all corners of the state.
