Date of Award

Spring 3-1-2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

This study is a brief review of recent marijuana legalization initiatives in the State of California. This paper examines shifts in opinion, from a moral a political, personal and professional standpoint. A host of other states are taking unprecedented steps to legalize marijuana. However, similar measures have repeatedly failed in California. All of this is taking place in a political climate where many Americans believe marijuana should be legalized. The introduction highlights articles and research which reinforces the importance of this topic. The Literature Review consists of research and writings which support both sides of the vital argument of whether marijuana should be legalized for recreational use. This paper also explores the backgrounds and opinions on which recreational use of the substance could/should be legalized within the US, but more specifically within the state of California. The research methodology for this paper includes various uses of articles and scholarly resources as well as interviews of individuals located within one of California's' prestigious communities that provide an often unbiased and un-politicized argument for their support or opposition of legislation legalizing marijuana within the state of California. The primary research is based upon nine Key Informant (Kl) interviews. The assumption for this paper is if marijuana is legalized in California, the state stands to gain tax revenue while similar decreasing expenditures. Key Informant (Kl) interviews yielded a result of 55.6% in favor of legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, which agrees with the original assumption. Recommendations include a modification of the Federal drug schedule, a minimum age of use of 21, required license for producers, as well as establishment of research and treatment facilities. This study concludes the majority is in favor of marijuana legalization, although local, county, state, and federal laws are severely misaligned, further contributing to the controversy and polarization on the subject.

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