Arnold Signs Bill Decriminalizing Marijuana In California

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill that makes marijuana use an infraction, much like a parking ticket or littering.

The Republican governor’s unexpected support for the measure comes one month before voters decide whether to legalize adult recreational use of marijuana in California.

“In this time of drastic budget cuts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement and the courts cannot afford to expend limited resources prosecuting a crime that carries the same punishment as a traffic ticket,” wrote Schwarzenegger, who opposes Proposition 19, the marijuana initiative.

The law, which takes effect immediately, reduces possession of up to an ounce of marijuana – about the amount that will fit in a sandwich-size bag – from a misdemeanor to an infraction. Already, marijuana possession was the only misdemeanor under California law that didn’t allow for jail time.

Those caught using marijuana no longer get criminal records, police don’t have to book people using it, and courts don’t have to conduct trials.  And if Proposition 19, the measure to approve recreational use passes, adults over 21 will be free to use marijuana.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.