What if California Prop 19 passes -- DEA and CBP

[seligman]

What do you expect the DEA, CBP, and other agencies to do if California "legalizes" marijuana on November 2nd?

I'm wondering if it's reasonable to expect more DEA radio traffic, or new radios / trunked systems in the coming months and years?

 

[SCPD]

In spite of what the state law says, federal law will still apply, so I doubt that you'd see little change in the radio systems, if I understand your question correctly.

 

[JoeyC]

CBP and DEA are not concerned with recreational amounts of marijuana that the new law will address. They go after the big guys in the grand scheme, and that is going to occur regardless of whether the law passes or not.

 

[seligman]

In spite of what the state law says, federal law will still apply, so I doubt that you'd see little change in the radio systems, if I understand your question correctly.

I know about the conflict with Federal law, hence the quotes around "legalize". One of the scenarios being discussed in the media involves a higher presence by the Feds (DEA) to maintain some kind of order, should California throw up their hands and stop any kind of marijuana enforcement.

Should this happen I'm not sure the DEA has an adequate radio system in California. The drug-related violence at the border is another problem for CBP; this could get worse as Mexicans try to smuggle (more) marijuana into the states for sale.

So I'm wondering about the implications to radio usage.

 

[seligman]

CBP and DEA are not concerned with recreational amounts of marijuana that the new law will address. They go after the big guys in the grand scheme, and that is going to occur regardless of whether the law passes or not.

As one writer put it, the number of "big guys" will increase exponentially. Hence the problem for the DEA.

 

[gmclam]

As one writer put it, the number of "big guys" will increase exponentially. Hence the problem for the DEA.

It seems to me, that if it becomes legal in California, the "value" will drop dramatically and that would mean the big boys can't make the "big bucks" they are now making. This is not like a lot of pills, it is something virtually anyone can grow - lol, that's why they call it (a) weed!

Now if by "big guys" you mean law enforcement; that does not seem like the best place to spend taxpayer dollars. But then, that's nothing new.

 

[seligman]

It seems to me, that if it becomes legal in California, the "value" will drop dramatically and that would mean the big boys can't make the "big bucks" they are now making. This is not like a lot of pills, it is something virtually anyone can grow - lol, that's why they call it (a) weed!

Now if by "big guys" you mean law enforcement; that does not seem like the best place to spend taxpayer dollars. But then, that's nothing new.

As long as they intend to tax it, the black market won't be going away.

 

[SCPD]

Not that I condone illicit drug use, nor do I partake in illicit drugs (the strongest thing I consume is a Vodka Martini) but, I must say, tongue firmly implanted in cheek, that if Prop 19 passes then every day will be a "crunchy groove" day here in la la land.

Dave
KA6TJF