Prop 19 Opponents Veer Off Into Paranoia

The opposition to California's marijuana legalization measure is veering off into paranoid and delusional terrain in the final days of the campaign, echoing some of the more bizarre anti-pot themes more common in the early part of the 20th century when the film "Reefer Madness" worked to persuade Americans of the dangers of the drug.

The no campaign's website greets visitors with a photograph of a wrecked car and an overturned school bus, presumably filled by children killed by a stoned driver.

"On average, a drunk driver kills someone every 45 minutes," warns the campaign's website. "Recreational marijuana use in fatal crashes will increase if Prop. 19 passes. It will be legal for a driver to get high right before taking the wheel. It will also be legal for passengers to smoke pot as they drive on the freeway or in your neighborhood."

A new Chamber of Commerce radio ad warns that in a dystopian, post-legalization world a Californian could be maimed in a car accident caused by a stoned driver and then treated in the hospital by nurses high off their gourds -- all of it perfectly legal if the proposition passes, according to opponents. (The Service Employees International Union, the state's largest union of nurses, is one of the measure's biggest backers.)

Or, warns the ad, California businesses could lose millions in federal money for breaking drug laws and employees could come to work blazed with impunity.

The strategy reflects desperation on the part of opponents, according to an internal Chamber memo obtained by HuffPost. "I have experienced a great deal of difficulty in getting members of the business community to understand that the marijuana initiative on the November ballot (Proposition 19) is more about making it illegal for employers to have a marijuana free workplace, than it is about removing criminal penalties for possession," California Chamber CEO Allan Zaremberg wrote in an memo to Chamber members.

"The Chamber has just completed an extensive survey to determine the likelihood of prop 19 being passed by the voters and what arguments are most persuasive. First of all, without an opposition media campaign there is a very strong likelihood that it will pass. Most voters have made up their mind on whether marijuana possession should be illegal and there seems to be a majority of likely voters who no longer think i[t] should carry criminal penalties. On the other hand, though, when voters are told that employers would not be able to control marijuana use at work, proposition 19 is opposed by a majority of voters," he added, going on to say that the Chamber spent its own money on the survey because the campaign is strapped for cash.

The proposition, which had been leading in the polls, is now trailing. Zaremberg didn't immediately return a call requesting comment.

Of course, driving while impaired is and will remain illegal. Coming to work high would violate workplace policies except perhaps in Silicon Valley or the NBA.

"Imagine coming out of surgery, and the nurse caring for you was high, or having to work harder on your job to make up for a coworker who shows up high on pot," says the Chamber ad. "It could happen in California if Proposition 19 passes."

The ad goes on. "Employees would be allowed to come to work high, and employers would be unable to punish an employee for being high until after a workplace accident," it cautions.

"It's just stupid to suggest people could legally show up to work high," said Michael Whitney, a spokesman for the Just Say Now campaign, which is backing the measure. "It's no more of an issue than someone showing up at work drunk, and would be handled the same way."

The language of the initiative is written to prevent employers from firing workers for smoking pot in their free time. If the proposition passes, according to the California Legislative Analyst's Office, "employers would retain existing rights to address consumption of marijuana that impairs an employee's job performance."

The ad is just as misleading when it comes to the charge that it would be legal to drive while high. The LAO concluded that "the measure would not change existing laws that prohibit driving under the influence of drugs or that prohibit possessing marijuana on the grounds of elementary, middle, and high schools."

The latest survey has Proposition 19 behind in the polls.

The Chamber's opposition to the measure is counterproductive to its overall job creation mission. "I thought the Chamber was supposed to be all about creating jobs and helping small businesses. If so, they should be supporting Prop 19, which will create thousands of jobs and stimulate California's ailing economy," said Tom Angell, a spokesman for the Yes on 19 campaign.

The Chamber ad:

Ryan Grim is the author of This Is Your Country On Drugs: The Secret History of Getting High in America

Comments

[NWRICK]

08:37 PM on 11/10/2010

HEY, PETE!!!
Free the weed, man. :-))

[johnnyfern]

02:43 PM on 11/01/2010

Here's is what I wrote in the L.A. Times online editorial section. I hope to generate some lively discussion.

"Something to Chew on:

I live in Texas. If Prop 19 passes and I hope that it does, what is to stop me from getting in my big gas-slurping SUV, heading to your gorgeous state, and loading my vehicle (or even just a discreet satchel) to the gills with your finest legal herb? I could then cruise home, maybe stop for some fun in Vegas or skiing in New Mexico, and then sell your top-shelf product to less free, but certainly no less rare, Texas Weed Connoisseurs for $20 or more a gram.

Obviously it would be illegal and if I get caught doing this, it would be my own funeral, but the fact that I could theoretically do this, in the same way that I could say, fill my car with a few cases of a very, very, very popular wine produced only in CA, and have no involvement with any criminals (other than myself for transporting with intent to distribute), is extremely appealing to this Socialist/Capitalist/Libertarian (though these days, that 3rd term is wearing thin rather quickly).

I am attempting to bring Californians and Texans and international voices (ahem, MADHUSADAN ;) to chime in on the theoretical possibility I have presented. I greatly appeciate your comments at http://dadinleftfield.com/2010/11/open-forum-californias-proposition-19.html

[HeyHeyNow]

10:12 PM on 10/30/2010

what I want to know is what constitutes "appropriate controls?" For those of you who have actually read the text of the proposed legislation... not just propoganda on either side... what does that mean exactly? Have you read the legislation? it's utterly useless. I'm all for doing away with our ridiculous drug policies, but this legislation in particular is so poorly written that it looks like we'll end up in more a clusterf*ck trying to figure out how to enforce it. Plus it legalizes all forms of cannabis, including synthetic cannabis like k-2 and concentrated oils, which are a far cry from smoking a little bud. The term "appropriate controls" is used to describe all the kinds of restrictions there would still be but that is so incredibly vague. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.. IF in fact, it's clear you've read the legislation... otherwise stuff it with a brownie.

[Rowlando]

05:20 PM on 10/30/2010

That ad was preposterous.

[Brian Mosley]

03:14 AM on 10/29/2010

I sincerely hope that once prop 19 passes, all these new businesses created boycott the Chamber of Commerce and it's members. Reefer madness-style fear mongering has no place in our society. It's your right to disagree, just try to do it factually.

Google the government's own highway safety board and it's study on marijuana and driving. It was their conclusion that marijuana does not significantly affect safe driving, even at higher levels of consumption.

[oldscrappy]

12:54 AM on 10/29/2010

Opponents of Prop 19 hate kids. This cartoon shows the programs CA politicians chose to cut instead of legalizing weed last year:

http://sub­urra.com/b­log/2009/0­7/26/pot-p­rohibition­ists-hate-­children/

[Rational Voice]

07:40 PM on 10/28/2010

Cannabis prohibition has ALWAYS been rooted in paranoia, racism, misinformation, half-truths, and outright lies. I'm just surprised we haven't heard more of this lunacy earlier in the campaign.

Disregard the BS you've already heard a million times. It was a lie then, it's a lie now. There is NO debate. Cannabis is absolutely safer than alcohol, tobacco, and even many of our over-the-counter "medicines". For it's users, those around them, and society at large.

It's time to end the madness.

VOTE YES ON PROP 19!!

[souroil]

05:16 PM on 10/28/2010

It amazes me that the 50% OF Americans think that guns are more important to possess than pot. Non one has ever died from weed yet America and Columbia lead the world in gun deaths. I think we have our priorites screwed up. I think if Jesus was alive and you asked him what was better between guns or weed.....I think we woulod know what he would probably say.

[Universal Struggle]

05:03 PM on 10/28/2010

Cannabis is like orange juice not like beer at all and should be taxed accordingly. You would not say grapes are wine or hops are beer. As we now know to be a fact, Cannabis is in a non-psychoactive form when it is alive I feel. It is only through the process of decarboxylation that the plant transforms to a psychoactive state, for example through drying or cooking. Therefore, Cannabis cannot get you high until it undergoes this process. My stance on this is that Cannabis is a fruit or a vegetable. The benefits it has in its fresh form are astronomical. They may very well be the true answers to many medical questions and dietary issues. We must tread lightly when we enter these waters. To limit those who chose to use this plant in its non-psychoactive state is wrong and would be an injustice to all mankind. As I am writing this to you, there are others proving this plant to be a dietary need for everyone. Before we all decide, the truth needs to be told. This bill is not about the people, it’s about control. Let’s all stand strong in these final days and stay true to our ancestors that brought us this far and give thanks every day. We can struggle a little while longer for this plant, it has survived many hardships and tragedies throughout the years, and survived man’s intervention to be free like water.


Like Water Family Farms

[jessicahaley]

07:13 PM on 10/28/2010

i've never heard of the benefits of cannabis in its fresh form? please enlighten me.

[mleonetti93]

08:26 PM on 10/28/2010

Using its fibers to make paper or clothing would be using it in its "fresh form". Or making bio plastics you know that kind of thing.

[HeyHeyNow]

10:18 PM on 10/30/2010

yeah... but no. Poppies are just cute little flower too but poppies that produce raw opium are controlled too... as is the coca plant in this country, for that matter. most components used to make illegal drugs are made illegal all the time. While I may agree with your sentiment, your logic is faulty.

[Michael Dreher]

03:31 PM on 10/28/2010

The legalization of Cannabis that Proposition 19 proposes will have little effect on the overall outcome you describe. What you have failed to realize is hundreds of thousands of Californian residents are already using cannabis, legal or not. What this bill proposes is to take the criminal aspect out of it and collect revenues from its sale instead of spending your tax dollars on drug enforcement,which instead could go towards further subsidized college education for your children.

History has proven that we are chemically dependent in some way or another, whether it be the hunger for food, relationships, self-actualization or education. What society needs to be educated on is managing desire and the importance of motivation. There are many successful professionals out there that use cannabis but its only one part of their life, not what they live for. I think the choice should be available to adult individuals and parents whether its something they would use or not. There are plenty of other mind altering and potentially harmful plant compounds growing on this earth that are legal but do not receive so much attention. Chemicals are present all around us. Hopefully we won't be banning fast food next because people feel good when they have it time to time knowing full well that spiking their blood sugar and consuming high volumes of salt and fat can increase their chances of heart disease.

check out my blog at

www.sinsemillabible.blogspot.com

for further discussion.

Regards,

Mike.

[Sw33tleaf]

03:15 PM on 10/28/2010

You know that bad sober drivers kill people too? Maybe we should have a campaign against the DMV?

[agriculturealex]

03:11 PM on 10/28/2010

Aside from the obvious flaws for maintaining the same stance on marijuana, an issue that both sides forget are the JOBS CREATED! And these jobs are NOT related to dispensaries, or consumption of THC. Currently, the US is forced to import the majority of Hemp since the DEA does not differentiate cannabis sativa (high THC concentration) from other cannabis that does not contain THC, forcing America to import manufactured product from outside the US, even though hemp maybe one of the MOST essential plants on the planet.

For example: it can be made into environmentally friendly paper, concrete, clothing, plastics, and fuel much easier since it grows abundantly in all environments and unlike corn is able to build the soil, rather than deplete it. Additionally, hemp seeds when processed are a complete protein and contain the amino acids the body does not produce naturally while being rich in vitamin A and trace minerals, making it a super food that can help reduce obesity rates and provide an easy source of food to those in need.

The point is: if the argument was framed in such a manner that groups who support jobs, jobs, jobs, are against American manufacturing and stopping thousands of jobs to various sectors of the economy, while shifting the focus away from the drug aspect, I am sure people would look at the matter very differently, and also see the huge economic potential legalization could spur

[agriculturealex]

03:12 PM on 10/28/2010

in addition to the immediate economic benefits, legalizing marijuana will spur innovation in high tech sectors such as agricultural lighting companies (plasma, LED, cfl) or new commercial water and growth efficient hydroponic, aeroponic, aquaponic, and vertical systems! These are all high tech skilled jobs which require bright minds and essential to a regions growth. More importantly though, these new systems will have a MASSIVE impact on the resource management of states and the people in the state.

For example, with these systems, instead of relying on soil quality and weather to grow crops, a perfect environment can be assembled at any location and stacked in buildings, allowing perfect produce to be supplied year round and in exponentially greater volumes. This will allow consumers to buy from local sources, and reduce our dependence on foreign importation of crops, and PEOPLE WILL EAT MUCH HEALTHIER since the nutritional content of their produce will be much greater compared to crops that have to travel or be processed. not to mention they will taste much better too ;).

did i mention that all this will significantly reduce our dependence on oil and drainage of water, two national security issues, since oil intensive equipment required for harvesting can be reduced and hydroponic (and other) systems are 90% more efficient with water management.

On the topic of national security too, a healthier nation food wise produces better soldiers, clearer thinking individuals, and a citizenry capable to take arms

[HeyHeyNow]

10:20 PM on 10/30/2010

If you put it that way, it sounds actually like all those grow lights will increase the carbon footprint of cannabis growing and that will offset the environmental benefits. There's two sides to every coin. Unfortunately both sides want to rely on strident statements based on not much fact.

[agriculturealex]

03:14 PM on 10/28/2010

in addition to the immediate economic benefits, legalizing marijuana will spur innovation in high tech sectors such as agricultural lighting companies (plasma, LED, cfl) or new commercial water and growth efficient hydroponic, aeroponic, aquaponic, and vertical systems! These are all high tech skilled jobs which require bright minds and essential to a regions growth. More importantly though, these new systems will have a MASSIVE impact on the resource management of states and the people in the state.

For example, with these systems, instead of relying on soil quality and weather to grow crops, a perfect environment can be assembled at any location and stacked in buildings, allowing perfect produce to be supplied year round and in exponentially greater volumes. This will allow consumers to buy from local sources, and reduce our dependence on foreign importation of crops, and PEOPLE WILL EAT MUCH HEALTHIER since the nutritional content of their produce will be much greater compared to crops that have to travel or be processed. not to mention they will taste much better too ;).

did i mention that all this will significantly reduce our dependence on oil and drainage of water, two national security issues, since oil intensive equipment required for harvesting can be reduced and hydroponic (and other) systems are 90% more efficient with water management.

On the topic of national security too, a healthier nation food wise produces better soldiers, clearer thinking individuals, and a citizenry capable to fight should the situation arise

[Patrick Shaw]

12:43 PM on 10/28/2010

I get treated by a nurse , high or not, now when I visit the hospital ?

Obamacare rocks!!

[Markus Reyes]

11:50 AM on 10/28/2010

"Imagine coming out of surgery and the nurse caring for you was drunk. Or having to work harder on your job to make up for a coworker who shows up drunk on whiskey. It could happen everywhere in the United States. The repeal of the Twenty-first Amendment would do more than simply legalize alcohol. Doing so would hurt America's economy, raise business costs, and make it harder to create jobs. Employees would be allowed to come to work drunk and employers would be unable to punish an employee for being drunk until after a workplace accident. Not only could worker's compensation premiums rise, but businesses will lose millions in federal grants for violating federal law. America's economy is bad enough. Repealing the Twenty-first Amendment will hurt workers and business and cost jobs. Twenty-five national newspapers including the New York Times, United Autoworkers and Senator John Boehner agree: stop the government from repeal of the Twenty-first Amendment."

Sounds crazy when you replace the words "high" with "drunk, "pot" with "alcohol" and "Proposition 19" with "the repeal of the Twenty-first Amendment", doesn't it?

[floridasurf]

10:57 AM on 10/28/2010

The dying newspapers opposing this, like the Sacramento Bee (circulation fell another 14% just in the last six months) write pompous authoritarian editorials, seeming to think people actually care about their opinion on Proposition 19. News flash: your newspaper is dying off, just like the old voters opposed to the measure. Prohibition is a holdover from the 20th century. Maybe they should send their editors on "assignment" down to Tiajuana or Ciudad Juarez to cover a few massacres...maybe a teen party...oh wait, how about the car wash. Don't forget your kevlar vest. Although I doubt it will effectively save you from a Mexican car bomb. Hezbolah is already training the cartels in tactics. Yeah...war on drugs...a real success.

[Jack Eich]

05:01 PM on 10/28/2010

great post and right on. the war on americans,whoops war on drugs is a monetary derived war on peoples wallets. cops,judges,lawyers all benefit from the war on people. kill people and their pets.