Opinion Brief

Legalizing marijuana: The drive for 2012

California's Prop 19 went down to defeat. But pro-legalization activists are already gearing up for the next big battle

Marijuana legalization suffered a big defeat in California on Tuesday, but proponents of liberalizing cannabis laws aren't giving up. Richard Lee, the marijuana entrepreneur behind California's Prop 19, and a Colorado group called Legalize2012 are among those preparing to try again in two years. A presidential election should draw more of "the type of voters one could expect to support marijuana legalization," says Chris Good in The Atlantic. Will their efforts fare better than Prop 19? (Watch a local report about the effort)

Legalization is coming soon: The defeat of Prop 19 was "disappointing" for those of us who "want a bit of sanity" in our drug laws, says Tom Chivers in the London Daily Telegraph. But pot legalization "is far from dead." Several California cities just approved measures to tax pot, when it becomes legal, and public opinion is on a steady upward trajectory. "When the proposition is raised again in 2012, it would be unwise to bet against it."
"California's 'no' vote on Prop 19... is just delaying the inevitable"

We'll bet against 2012: Yes, pot "legalizers" will try again in two years, "but the 'no' camp is buoyant" after Prop 19's larger-than-expected defeat, says The Economist. Support for loosening pot laws is increasing, but "change is clearly still some way off." That's great news for Mexican drug traffickers, who "will be lighting up a celebratory joint."
"High times for drug traffickers"

Prop 19 changed everything: Legalization may not be "mainstream enough — yet," says Jessica Bennett in Newsweek. But Prop 19 supporters are already claiming victory. Legalization initiatives will almost certainly be on the 2012 ballot in Washington, Colorado, and Oregon, and the California measure, while unsuccessful, marked "a turning point in the fight for pot reform — and one that changed the national discourse for good."
"Down, but not burnt out"

Recommended

Bipartisan Senate votes to repeal authorization for both Iraq wars
Protesters on the anniversary of the start of the Iraq War.
66-30

Bipartisan Senate votes to repeal authorization for both Iraq wars

The snowmelt in California could cause a long-lost lake to re-emerge
flooding in Corcoran, California.
lost lake

The snowmelt in California could cause a long-lost lake to re-emerge

33 swimmers in Hawaii accused of 'pursuing, corralling, and harassing' dolphin pod
A group of swimmers chase after a pod of dolphins.
Leave 'Em Alone!

33 swimmers in Hawaii accused of 'pursuing, corralling, and harassing' dolphin pod

Is the U.S. running out of ammunition?
Cargo of ammunition, weapons and other equipment bound for Ukraine waiting on a tarmac at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware
Today's big question

Is the U.S. running out of ammunition?

Most Popular

How to watch 5 planets align in the night sky on Tuesday
Moon, Jupiter, Venus.
skyline

How to watch 5 planets align in the night sky on Tuesday

'Rewilding' animals could help combat climate change, study finds
Two gray wolves.
where the wild things are

'Rewilding' animals could help combat climate change, study finds

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is going to be a dad
Erin Darke and Daniel Radcliffe
harry potter and the dadly hallows

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is going to be a dad