Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em

Marijuana advocates gathered at Townley Hall last Saturday to
discuss a proposed ballot initiative aimed at de-prioritizing the
Santa Barbara Police Department’s enforcement of marijuana
offenses. The weed-friendly initiative, spearheaded by newly formed
Sensible Santa Barbara, emphasizes statewide compliance and the
regulation of marijuana sales and taxes; Sensible Santa Barbara’s
long-term goal is the decriminalization of adult marijuana.
Advocates argue that if police resources are focused elsewhere,
safer communities will result. Notable pot forum attendees included
Chris Conrad and Dr. David Bearman, who expressed optimism that the
country’s attitudes toward marijuana use were shifting favorably.
Ten thousand signatures are needed to secure the initiative’s
inclusion on the spring ballot.