Jim Gray, Former OC Judge, Comes Out Swinging in Favor of Prop 19

By Matt Coker Wed., Sep. 15 2010 at 8:35 AM

Categories: Cannabis Chronicles

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A law enforcement group claims passage of Prop 19, the marijuana legalization initiative on California's November ballot, would decriminalize an estimated 60,000 drug arrests made in the Golden State each year.

So, who is the face of the nonprofit Law Enforcement Against Prohibition? None other than former prosecutor and Orange County Superior Court Judge Jim Gray.

"I was a drug warrior until I saw what was happening in my own courtroom,'' Gray said at a news conference announcing his group's endorsement of Prop 19 (via the Los Angeles Times' Catherine Saillant.)

As the sometime Libertarian or Republican candidate for political office has been saying for years, he discovered as a judge that the so-called "War on Drugs" was not working.

Indeed, Gray maintains current laws make it easier for children to get pot, not more difficult. That would change if weed was taxed and regulated by the government as tobacco and alcohol are, according to the former jurist.

He was joined by former San Jose Police Chief Joseph McNamara, who cited White House statistics that show 60% of drug cartel money stems from marijuana sales.

Using history as a guide, the cartels would disappear if grass was legal, said McNamara, noting that the bootleggers vanished after Prohibition ended.

While Massachusetts-based Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, which was founded in 2002, endorses Prop 19, the California Police Chiefs Association has come out against it.

According to Saillant's piece, Gray believes many in law enforcement support legalization but can't say so.

"They have a political job, so they can't tell the truth," he reportedly said. "People are free to speak out honestly only after they are retired."

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---House of Stupid says: "whoa, chillax tigger. I KNOW peeps won't stop, that is exactly what I said. But wouldn't it be rad if they did?" --------------------------------- Who cares? We are talking about reality. It would be "rad" if Bill Gates decided to give me a billion dollars right now, too. So? ---"I'm trying to say its too much to ask of the common pothead. (*you might be of some super race of geneic enhanced pothead) but all of my friends and family who are wrapped up in smoking it are way to duuuuuuuuuuuumb. ----------------------------- Im sorry your friends and family are all so stupid. I dont see how that has anything to do with other adults' freedom to use marijuana if they wish. ----"but back to the point of the article, I'm voting FOR Jimbo and his PRO pot laws, so to make those government dudes some REAL money, because that is what they need, to be filthy uber rich......" ---------------------------------- Give it up. You are not going to convince me that allowing adults to smoke marijuana is going to somehow make the government filthy rich. What nonsense. ---"So if drugs makes our world such a happy place then why is Mexico such an impoverished toilet of the world infiltrated with Drug Lords." ---------------------------------- For a variety of economic and historical reasons...most of them having absolutely nothing at all to do with marijuana. Mexico did not arrive at their problems because they legalized drugs. Are you really that ignorant? ---"I have many family members addicted to weed and my 38 year old brother has no idea how to have a normal life without it. That stuff pushes family members away from each other and causes other people who like it, together. I'm not surprised the ones addicted to it find it so easy to put down the ones who have been victims of families being split up over it." --------------------------------- You have no family members "addicted to weed," and if your family was split up then it wasnt because of the effects of marijuana. Marjiuana causes no chemical dependence. You apparently just have losers in your family who spend a lot of their time being high and choose to withdraw from building relationships. Im not putting down those who say marijuana split up their family- Im laughing at them. If something so ridiculous can "split up your family" then your family bonds werent very meaningful to begin with. ----"I realize there is no rationalizing with Pot Heads, and yet I probably will never be on this site again." ------------------------------------- "Rationality" has not been a major player in a single one of your arguments so far. You've mostly had illogic, scapegoating, juvenile stereotyping, wishful thinking, and non-sequiturs on display here.
Big Tobacco and Beer companies are funding the anti 19 movement, they must really care about our communities. I think society is looking up! NOT Lets face it, these companies aren't afraid of people smoking and getting cancer, or getting high and driving a vehicle. and lets face it, weed is alot less potent in both situations. Yet how zealous are the all friendly beer and tobacco companies, who only real concern, is snuffing out the competition. What Ciggarette company wants a pack of joints getting between them and someone's 5 bucks? What Beer Company would rather have someone spend 10 bucks on some weed rather than some person getting hammered off of 10 bucks of booze, even if that person were to kill several people in a car accident? The answer is none, because all it is about is money, and thats all it ever was. If you can't accept that, then your simply naive.
America is a country of personal liberty, yet like any nation it' can easily be manipulated. Every single argument I've seen against Prop19 kind of sounds like an angry teenager who can't get his/her way. "We shouldn't legalize weed, cuz, YOU'RE ALL STUPID STONERS! /rant." I figure people with the sense to register themselves to vote have the sense to think for themselves, but I could be wrong. Prohibition, nuf said. Prisons filled with non violent criminals, nuf said. Every single Official tied to the opposition has a financial/political reason for opposing it. They all forgot why they are in office, to serve the people. Prohibitionist only serve themselves, or are lambs following a flock. If they're a senator, they have political favors to fill, bills to pay with drug enforcement money, and images to maintain. If they're a Police Chief, they have drug enforcement funds they don't want to loose(even if that money is going elsewhere, like a new desk), and perhaps like being able to rack up arrest numbers while simultaneously being able to do minimal amount of work. Do these people really give two shits about the community, I'm afraid not. All opposed to Prop19 ought to be ashamed of themselves, because your either a mindless sheep, or a greedy official.
So if drugs makes our world such a happy place then why is Mexico such an impoverished toilet of the world infiltrated with Drug Lords. I have many family members addicted to weed and my 38 year old brother has no idea how to have a normal life without it. That stuff pushes family members away from each other and causes other people who like it, together. I'm not surprised the ones addicted to it find it so easy to put down the ones who have been victims of families being split up over it. I realize there is no rationalizing with Pot Heads, and yet I probably will never be on this site again.
whoa, chillax tigger. I KNOW peeps won't stop, that is exactly what I said. But wouldn't it be rad if they did? Its not control if we choose it, eh? I'm trying to say its too much to ask of the common pothead. (*you might be of some super race of geneic enhanced pothead) but all of my friends and family who are wrapped up in smoking it are way to duuuuuuuuuuuumb. oh, look at the time, its 421, so I'm done puffin,...but back to the point of the article, I'm voting FOR Jimbo and his PRO pot laws, so to make those government dudes some REAL money, because that is what they need, to be filthy uber rich......
@CasadePendejadas: "cus your too dumb" Irony: Calling other people dumb while making elemental grammatical errors. Hint: "your" = possessive "you're" = contraction you intended to use Thanks for the chuckle.
People will NEVER "stop using drugs." What part of that dont you understand? Marijuana has been used by human beings for almost 5,000 years. Ingestion of substances altogether for spiritual or recreational purposes is not new...it is something that evolved along with humanity. Human beings like to experiment with their own consciousness. Get over it. Of course if "everyone stopped using drugs" it would solve a lot of problems. That isnt going to happen. So what you CAN do is craft sensible policy around those that are the most dangerous, the most deadly, and result in the most mayhem for society. Marijuana is not one of those. It is relatively harmless and its most pronounced effects are wasted time, lethargy, and junk food. If you believe that the government should always control what adults put into their own bodies and minds, then you dont know what the word "revolution" means.
Peeps can write a piece as beautiful as the movie the Notebook about how "weed is good", and I still have found most people who buy it, smoke it, use it, whatever it, are totally lost. If its all these things they say it is, then just stop. Give it up. but they say, "but but but I don't wanna?!?!" Doubtful, I'd betcha its they,...........can't. I say, Legalize weed, because the politicans need new private jets. Or, we could all just stop using it? I know don't want too but it will make the bottom fall out like the recent closing of all the record/music stores. It will dry up and blow away just like Tower did. Again, revolution calls for sacrifice(*that means giving something up that you usually don't want too)and thus we have solution.
----"Ltpar says: When there is no rational argument in support of an issue, some fools always try and use smoke and mirrors. Education has absolutely zero impact on whether a person supports or opposes legalization of dope. Rather, is is common sense that should prevail. I will match my education with any of the dope smokers commenting on this topic. " Right. Your second sentence speaks volumes about the level of education you likely actually possess. Education about an issue has everything to do with one's position on it. This is because humans are thinking creatures who make decisions informed by their knowledge of the subject. There's some "common sense" for you. An education on this subject would have informed you that marijuana differs greatly from other illegal drugs (and legal ones) in terms of its potential for harm, its toxicity, and its medicinal value. Thus, not all "dope" (as you so eloquently blanket-term a plethora of different substances with vastly different effects and implications for society) is the same. ----"More importantly, I will match my years of experience in dealing with and cleaning up after the end result of dope users. Yes, Maryjane, marijuana is still classified as dope by both the Feds and State." Dont bother, because those end-results were themselves the result of prohibition. This is what was being debated in the first place. Marijuana is classified as schedule 1. I understand that to you this is just the pavlovian "dope" that you are trained to attack at mere mention. The point is that the rest of us who understand what marijuana actually is and what it actually does know that this scheduling is categorically incorrect. Schedule 1 drugs: 1. Have a high potential for abuse (Marijuana causes no chemical dependency and cannot be overdosed on) 2. Have no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the US (Marijuana has been listed in pharmacopoeias as an effective multi-purpose remedy for milennia. It was listed in the US pharmacopoeia until its ridiculous prohibition in 1937. Marijuana is prescribed by thousands of doctors around the world and cannabinoids are being revealed each day to possess anti-tumor and safe anaesthetic properties. Long story short...marijuana has always had, still has, and will continue to have medicinal value.) 3. A lack of accepted safety for use of the drug (This is the losing battle you and others are attempting to fight now. It is the year 2010. Man has walked on the moon, we know that the earth orbits the sun, and the averge person by now understands that marijuana is a relatively harmless drug.) ----"The big issue that the voters will have to decide is; do they really want to provide another feel good, psychological crutch to the weak, lame and lazy helping them get through their pitiful lives? My answer is that alcohol and prescription abuse causes enough havoc on society, we don't need "potheads" adding to it. "Put that in your pipe and smoke it." The big issue before voters is whether or not to let contemptuous, mean-spirited, and ignorant people like yourself continue to collect a paycheck for chasing around a plant that is less harmful than tobacco or alcohol- and whether your time would be better spent going after violent criminals instead of couch potatoes.
The trick on the WAR ON DRUGS is if they arrest or cite the drug user, they should do the following: 1. Drug User pays the fine (no imprisonment) and gets referred to drug counseling. OR 2. Drug User attends an education class and gets treatment for drug dependency (no jail time). If the drug user attends an education class and gets treatment for drug dependency, the FINE is waived. Then hopefully after the treatment, you won't see that person using drugs again. OF COURSE, the USA does not get this type of STRATEGY.
LtPar - You failed the test to become a lawyer because you think in a very simplistic fashion. Statements like recreational users want to escape life is evidence of this. I have a Masters in Mathematics and I teach full time while continuing my own education. You wouldn't last a day in one of my classes. You use a silly stereotype of cannabis consumers to support a lazy argument. As for the education issue, I have seen analyses of many national polls that show a strong correlation between level of education and support of the repeal of cannabis prohibition. Of course, correlation does not prove causation, but it is interesting.
----"House of Stupid says: Dude, I TOTALLY agree w/ the prescription drugs being WAY worse! I'm just saying you(*J707), and my other broski on here don't need it.... Revolution calls for sacrifice, you want to make a REAL change? flush your weed and tell whoever you pay $50-$200 month for the 'hook-up' to go get a real job, and put that money you would have spent on POT in a saving account and be a rich man ina few years." I dont smoke marijuana anymore. Thank you for your concern. Those who do (to greater or lesser productive effect) can decide for themselves whether they are being hindered in life by it or not and act accordingly. It is not up to you to dictate the behavior of other adults who are not harming you. ----"Unfortunately REAL revolution is way to much effort to ask of all the retards who smoke(*yes, there are responsible people who smoke weed, but 98% are complete and utter idiots, or its just weird how that is the only ones I have ever met in the 25+ yrs I've been around it in 4 different states and 2 different countries are stupid morons)" The majority of those who habitually and regularly sit at home and get drunk are usually losers too. So? You still havent given a good reason for why those people need to be arrested or fined for it.
Haha...yeah...it's extremely difficult to read what's on my monitor through the cloud of bong smoke in the office where I work.
Until American's wake up and truly realize the depth of the problem, we are destined to fail as a society. These fat, lazy people are constantly escaping from their pathetic lives by sitting in their chairs and staring forward. Constantly shoving snacks in their mouths like idiots, and downing intoxicants by the truckload. We should buy cops more guns and order them to shoot everyone who does this. My Ph.d from a major AAU institution has led my superior brain to the the flawless idea that we must BAN BASEBALL. Fat losers take their non-contributing butts to these pathetic booze fests nights after night, escaping from the depths of their own stupidity. They should go to jail for not volunteering at the spca, but instead they drown their pathetic loser sorrows in booze, baseball, and hot dogs. I'm sure they all want to move on to driving while smoking crystal meth. Sad. WAKE UP AMERICA! We can not stand by while people watch baseball. Think of the children.
Yea Ronnie, I was a Cop and actually worked for a living. I thought about being a lawyer, but failed the test because I couldn't talk out of both sides of my mouth at the same time. No offense to all you lawyers out there. Experimenting with pot when a kid is not the same as being a recreational user. That is the polite term for "pothead." This is the person who uses the marijuana crutch to get high and not have to deal with the reality of life. But why am I explaining this to you when you are likely living the life yourself.
LtPar - So anybody who is currently or has ever smoked pot is weak, lame, lazy, and they suffer from pitiful lives, correct? Way to present an arguement, chief. That's probably why you're a cop and not a lawyer.
Kennedy was a bootlegger, and look where it got his sons.
As an ex- sherrifs officer (disabled due too being called back to active duty army) I have seen both sides of the coin. I have seen people killed due to faulty or fabricated evidense on search warrents. These people were killed because some officer in black broke into a home (no-knock warrents). Animals being killed because the officer said they were attacking. Ussually these officers are cleared because the people investgating are officers themselfs. Most of the time, if anything is siezed it is very small amounts (don't belive evrything you see on T.V.). Drugs are BAD no if ands or buts. We need to do something differant than we are. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over agian expecting differant results. As to the bootleggers dealing in only rot-gut alhcohol, Capone had the biggest empire and had prostitution rings and gambleing rings, Buggys Seigle started Las Vegas with bootlegging money. You need to stop just watching T.V. and do some real research PPL.
There are plenty of inconsistencies in the anti-marijuana attitude that indicate that the criminalization of marijuana is based on prejudice. People make the point that it's damaging to your body to smoke it. Well so are cigarettes but I can buy them freely at my corner store. I hear about all the scumbag dope smokers from law enforcement personnel. What about the millions of users that you would never guess were users who are able to moderate their use and are working productive members of society (yah, millions). There are plenty of alcoholics out there, I don't hear anyone suggesting they should be jailed (since the repeal of that idiotic amendment). Law enforcement folks in my personal experience since they come in caontact with scum so much come to believe that everybody is like that. We're not. I hear how horrible it is that a friend has a dealer neighbor selling 2 doors down from him. If it were legally regulated then it would be out of our neighborhoods (how many liquor stores are in your neighborhood)? By the way, I haven't failed a piss test in the 20+ years I've been subject to random testing. The test regimen here is rigorous and precludes cheating. I'm tired of my tax dollars being wasted to jail people who are no real danger to me or anyone else.
When there is no rational argument in support of an issue, some fools always try and use smoke and mirrors. Education has absolutely zero impact on whether a person supports or opposes legalization of dope. Rather, is is common sense that should prevail. I will match my education with any of the dope smokers commenting on this topic. More importantly, I will match my years of experience in dealing with and cleaning up after the end result of dope users. Yes, Maryjane, marijuana is still classified as dope by both the Feds and State. The big issue that the voters will have to decide is; do they really want to provide another feel good, psychological crutch to the weak, lame and lazy helping them get through their pitiful lives? My answer is that alcohol and prescription abuse causes enough havoc on society, we don't need "potheads" adding to it. "Put that in your pipe and smoke it."
The drug users are the BIG problem. They are the ones FUNDING the drug dealers and drug cartels and buying from them. If there is any one group to blame with the DRUG WAR, it is the DRUG USERS!!!! IT is all the DRUG USERS fault that the drug prohibition is failing. They should stop buying and using drugs. Really, if the US military took over and declared WAR on drugs, all they have to do is drop a bomb on all the people using, dealing, selling, pushing, trafficking drugs, then the WAR would be over. There will be no mercy. Then everyone including the DRUG DEALERS and DRUG TRAFFICKERS and USERS will have REAL useful jobs that actually benefit SOCIETY such as solving the water shortage problem or making energy-efficient cars and solving the heavy TRAFFIC situation. These DRUGS are a waste of human brain cells.
@ Anon two above. True, cartels can't just sell as much as they want. But they control the supply. If they ever got their act together and all of the cartels started to work together, the price for meth, herion, and other drugs could be very high. What would that do to the people who use it? Probably make them, like the cartels, much more dangerous. You mentioned that you were involved with drugs earlier in your life. Hopefully you have been able to keep sober. You know what this shit is like. It can take over your life very easily. I agree with you, people are going to do it regardless.
@ Anon. Really? I have a degree in economics. What about you? 1) The relationship you talked about? Supply going up, and price going down? That only happens in a truly competitve market with no barriers to entry. And, the relationship is not always inversely proportional. Lastly, there are going to be government imposed barriers up the ass to enter the market. 2) How many people do you know that got busted for tax evasion for selling weed? Thought so. 3) How do they reduce risk by opening a business if the product is legal? There is no risk for people or businesses. 4) They might increase profits by opening a business. But what about their overhead? A store costs money. Lots of money. Rent. Insurance. Utilities. You get the point. But let's assume they don't open an actual store. Advertising is cheap. Just look at the OCW classified section. Internet advertising is even cheaper. 5) Do you really think busts on cartels selling other drugs are going to increase? They only thing that is going to happen with the cartels is that they will become even more dangerous and violent. Don't believe me? Look at Mexico, you stupid fuck. That should tell you everything you need to know about what happens when you try to eliminate cartels. Even if they start to loose money on drugs, they will make it back on gamblling and prostitution. Which should really piss you off because that $5 hoe you bang every month in TJ is now going to be $25. I think that about covers it. Oh, wait. The only people that should be worried about Prop. 19 are the people who are selling it now.
to anonymous who thinks cartels will keep their profits by increasing their sales of other drugs. They can't just sell as much drugs as they want to, there must be demand, and I highly doubt everyone will start using hard drugs just because weed is legal. There is no reason for demand to increase for other drugs. Their profits will be cut in half. I was involved with drugs in my former life. Normal people have no clue how many communities are run by drugs money, and indirectly the cartels. The illegality of weed creates much of the gang violence in your cities. And it's illegality made it much more accessible than alcohol as a kid. I think weed should only be used by people medicinally, but it will be used recreationally regardless of its legal status. The cost of prohibition greatly outweighs the mild negatives of weed itself.
If you understood anything about economics then you would realize that when businesses sell it, the the supply will go up and the price will go down. Where will these people who undercut the businesses get revenue to advertise their product? Where will they get money to pay off fines for tax evasion? Why would they spend time selling this for less than a business when they can reduce risk and increase profit by opening a business? You sir are stupid. On your other point, yes the drug cartels will sell more of other drugs, but the demand is not going to magically increase. In order to keep their profits they will have to increase the price of the other drugs, making each bust on other drugs that much more damaging to the cartels. You sir are stupid again.
Gray and McNamara are both idiots. Legalizing pot won't bring in that much money in state revenue. You know why? Because people will still sell it for cheaper than businesses do. Unless Walmart gets involved. Then they'll just give it away so that they can get people to buy more groceries from having the munchies. Gray and McNamara's arguement about drug cartels going away is completely stupid. The drug cartels will just increase their sales of other drugs, human trafficing, and any other easy of way to make a quick buck. Bootleggers did one thing, and one thing only. They sold alcohol. These stupid fucks should stop using the mouth warmer.
War and LtPar are perfect examples of the prohibitionist mindset, and I use the word "mind" very loosely. It is this type of meat-head thinking that explains a widely-publicized statistic. Well-educated people are more likely to support the legalization of cannabis. The uneducated tend to support prohibition.
Dude, I TOTALLY agree w/ the prescription drugs being WAY worse! I'm just saying you(*J707), and my other broski on here don't need it.... Revolution calls for sacrifice, you want to make a REAL change? flush your weed and tell whoever you pay $50-$200 month for the 'hook-up' to go get a real job, and put that money you would have spent on POT in a saving account and be a rich man ina few years. Unfortunately REAL revolution is way to much effort to ask of all the retards who smoke(*yes, there are responsible people who smoke weed, but 98% are complete and utter idiots, or its just weird how that is the only ones I have ever met in the 25+ yrs I've been around it in 4 different states and 2 different countries are stupid morons),....so just legalize it and make the government rich. Lose/Lose. But at least its a solution.
J707 - damn straight!
"House of Stupid" and "Ltpar" are whats wrong with so many people on this issue. Youve been brought up your entire life swallowing drug war rhetoric and parroting it back without ever thinking about how something like marijuana is actually going to "harm" anyone if an adult uses it in the privacy of their own home. Basically...it cant. And let it go already- driving under the influence is a separate issue that hasnt been stopped by prohibition AT ALL and wouldnt suddenly be any more legal if prop 19 passed. Nevermind independent thinking and logic though...whatever substance your government tells you is okay (including the thousands of prescription drugs with horrendous side effects and potential for abuse rattled off all day on TV commercials) is just fine and dandy. Everything else is "dope," and the dumb dopers who ever use that dope for any reason are dopey. Its useless trying to examine a complex social issue with people who reason like elementary school students.
Soooooooooo, every guy you bought your weed from, or smoked it with, is a outstanding example to little kids & law-abiding citizen, riiiiiiiiiiiiight. Smoke your weed dude, I'm sure it makes you healthier! So, I better not catch you coughing or hacking on that morning run or trip to gym!DOH!
The war on drugs is a failure because they don't shoot-to-kill the drug traffickers, dealers, pushers and users. If word comes out that these people will be shot, no one will dare traffic, deal, push and use drugs unless they are suicidal.
There has never been a "War Against Drugs" in America, anymore than there has been a "War Against Illegal Immigration." It has all been more B/S and smoke and mirrors by the government to pacify the public. The band aid approach by the Feds is the only process ever used. The only ones truly committed to taking dope off the streets are the men and women from local law enforcement. Judge Gray is just another judicial hack who came out of the closet on using dope. The same applies to the handful of so called law enforcement experts, who frankly wouldn't make a pimple on a real Cops ass. Anyone who wants to see more people cruising the streets, under the influence of anything be it alcohol or dope, has to have their heads in the clouds. Hopefully, a majority of people will see through the ruse and vote against the legalization of marijuana.
Iodntgetit: Your fear of drivers on cel phones is well supported by actual scientific studies. House of Stupid: Yah, obviously we have to protect us against ourselves and after all look at how well the current laws keep drug sailes out of neighborhoods. Prohibition doesn't work and there is ample evidence that it actually exacerbates the problem. Or maybe you're being disengenuous and are actually in that most rabid of anti-legalization groups the sellers.
So if someone likes to smoke some weed from time to time for a little relaxation they are a retard with no self discipline? Well you are a judgemental loser. Have you ever tried weed? Did it occur to you that someone can get high and still do things that benefit society? If someone gets high and just sits on the couch all day they were probably going to do that without weed. They'll just be a little more content if they have it whats wrong with that? Why does everyone have to live the way you think they should. Likewise plenty of people do stuff while they're high. I can't stand people like you. I smoke all the time and would not be at all surprised if I contribute to society more than you. Maybe I don't but so what, it takes all kinds. I think you would be surprised to know how many of the greatest American's admit to partaking in a little weed from time to time going back to the very founders of this nation.
If we let all the retards w/ no self discipline have their way and lealize weed(*and whatever drug is next). Sure the government will benefit money-wise, sure the problems w/ mexico will subside. But does anyone else see a problem w/ letting americans use drugs???? Aren't they fat and F***** up enough?!!!? How about put the cheeseburger down, turn off the tv, stop drinking too much alcohol & smoking weed cus your too dumb to think of anything else to do w/ your spare time. Go read a book, help/volunteer your time w/ some agency that makes the world a btter place SPCA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc. Get outside your own drug-hazed head and clear out your mind and stop feeling sorry for yourself and spending $200 bucks a month on weed! Life is what we make of it.
I would rather be on the road with stoned drivers over cell phone idiots any day. All 3 of the accidents I have had the displeasure of being involved in this year were caused by distracted cell phone drivers. I was on my motorcycle for 2 of them. One rear ended me while I was sitting at a red light. The second left turned in front of me in broad daylight. The third swerved into my lane and bashed in the rear fender of my truck. For the highway safety argument to hold even a drop of water, first I need to see cell phone use while driving an imprisonable offence. My state has determined we can't safely drive 20 mph in a school zone while on the phone but it's ok to fly down the freeway at 80 while texting. Anyone else see a problem with this? Ever womder why it's hard to find any credible studies stating stoned driving is worse than drunk driving? It's because their is no question that phone use and booze contribute to way more accidents than weed has. One main reason is stoned people are aware of their impairment, booze hounds and mobile phone booth drivers are not.
I don't think that we need more intoxicated drivers - but, the fact of the matter is that they exist despite prohibition. The war on drugs has been an abject failure - and, it is costly, by any measure, to every sector of society. Substance abuse is inherently a public health issue - let's let the physicians do their jobs. It's time to end this failed public policy.