Interesting...

Well, I told you I'd be keeping my eye on California...

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill Friday morning that decriminalizes possession of marijuana in the state.

Those caught with less than an ounce of marijuana will still receive a maximum penalty of $100. However, Senate Bill 1449 reduces the legal categorization of marijuana possession from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction. This means that those caught will not have to appear in court, pay court fees or receive a criminal record.

Basically, possession of a small amount of marijuana will now draw a penalty akin to a traffic ticket. Schwarzenegger opposes Proposition 19, a referendum that would essentially legalize marijuana production and garner taxes from its sale, but this bill is obviously a step in that direction. 

Independent of Prop 19, this bill will save California some money in court costs as it no longer arrests and arraigns people on marijuana possession (estimated around 60,000 people annually). At a time when California's budget can use the help, it's fairly clear to see why the decriminalization movement is gaining traction. Vermont, you're up next.

[Examiner.com]