Video – Attorney Andrew Dósa Answers: Has California Followed Or Led The Way On Marijuana Legalization?

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

“California followed a number of other states in the legalization of marijuana. Colorado, Washington, I’m not sure about Oregon. I know Washington is within the Ninth Circuit in the Federal Courts. Is California following the existing laws in those states, or are we cutting our own ground?” Or are we actually using what these other states have tried? It failed, now we’re trying to make it better for the populace, we’re not overburdening our system. Do you know if we are following these other states?”

Andrew Dósa – Criminal Defense Attorney – Alameda County, CA

“Here’s how I understand the historical record. California was one of the first three or four states, if memory is correct, in offering medicinal marijuana.”

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

“Okay”

Andrew Dósa – Criminal Defense Attorney – Alameda County, CA

“And then there was a softening of the approach regarding possession of marijuana… how much could you possess. I used the example of the infraction that was available. That was for someone who did not have the medical card. Those changes began in California, and then much of the nation, being sympathetic to that. By the way, I’ll say that 57% of Americans now are in favor of legalization of marijuana. It is clearly a groundswell of support across the country.

California moved a little more slowly to the legalization for recreational use than a few other states, but it wasn’t because there was a lack of effort. There was an initiative that was proffered, and it was voted down. There had been political movements to change the legislation, and I think it simply was a matter of timing. Legislators, as much as they would like to think they are sympathetic to good arguments about the right kink of issues, are often, typically, topical driven. So if there is some issue that comes up that weighs more heavily, then marijuana took a second chair in priority. I think it was really more a matter of how things unfolded in California, it just simply took longer to get to this place.”