People Fill Downtown Area To Voice Opinions On I-502
I-502 Opposer
Dozens of people gather in downtown Yakima to voice their opinion on Initiative 502, the initiative that would redefine the state laws governing the drug.
"502, I have to vote 'yes' just so the feds know that there is a state that is willing to put up with them and take it on. I mean 502's not perfect, but it's a beginning," said I-502 supporter, Tony Wells.
If passed, I-502 would legalize the possession of marijuana for those 21 and over, allow state regulated businesses to sell it, along with a sales tax that would go towards the state general fund.
It would also allow licensed farmers within the state to grow marijuana to sell to those businesses.
There is a group set up behind me who does oppose I-502, they say even if the bill were to be passed, it still does not address the fact that having marijuana is a federal offense.
"You're going to clog up our court system, you're going to cause mass confusion for medical patients and recreational general users alike, this bill is not written correctly, it needs to be rewritten fairly for all people and we need to wait until the federal government let's us use it," said I-502 opposer, Tracy Sirrine.
However, Tony Wells argues the initiative is fine the way it is, and will keep the government from telling him what he can and cannot use
"It's a joke, prohibition doesn't work. I was born and raised here. I can walk six blocks down that street with fifty bucks, get just about any type of drug I want, including marijuana. Prohibition is a joke," said Wells.
Voters will have the chance to reject or approve Initiative 502 on November 6th.