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Recent rise in CA cannabis prisoners |
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Written by Dale Gieringer, Ph.D
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Increase in state POWs reverses long, post-Prop 215 trend
The number of cannabis prisoners in California increased 11% in 2005,
reversing a decline dating from the passage of Prop. 215. As of Dec 31,
2005, the Department of Corrections reported 1,429 prisoners for
cannabis and hashish offenses, up from 1,289 in 2004.
The number of prisoners began to decline following passage of
Prop 215 after posting an all-time peak of 1,905 in 1997. However, it
has remained far above the modern low of 98 posted in 1980.
“It appears that Prop. 215 produced a modest decline in cannabis
prisoners, but this trend has petered out,” commented California NORML
coordinator Dale Gieringer. ”More dramatic reforms will be needed to
realize the full benefits of decriminalization.” Currently fewer than
10% of California’s cannabis users are legal medical users under Prop.
215.
California NORML advocates completely decriminalizing personal
adult use cannabis offenses and moving toward a system of legally taxed
and regulated distribution. This policy was approved by 65% of Oakland
voters in 2004 in the city’s Measure Z initiative, and similar
ordinances are expected to be on the ballot in several California
cities this year.
California NORML estimates that marijuana enforcement currently
costs the state’s taxpayers about $160 million per year, whereas an
adult use “tax and regulate” system could yield the state up to $1.5 -
$2.5 billion in revenues.
Source: CA Dept of Corrections
* Gieringer is CA NORML Director
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Volume Two 
