California: Misdemeanor drug arrests plummet following marijuana law change!

[Logical]

The number of misdemeanor drug arrests in California fell by nearly 50 percent over the last five years as legislation reduced possession of a small amount of marijuana to an infraction, new state figures show.

About 72,000 Californians were busted for misdemeanor drug crimes last year, compared to 133,000 in 2007.

Misdemeanor drug arrests were already on the decline when the state legislature in 2011 changed adult possession of up to 28.5 grams of marijuana for nonmedical purposes from a criminal misdemeanor to an infraction, punishable by a fine of less than $100. Under the law, marijuana infractions come with no required court appearances and don't appear on a person's criminal record - much like a traffic ticket.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/07/30/5610049/misdemeanor-drug-arrests-plummet.html

[Comrade Grumpy]

1. Duh. That's what happens when you decriminalize.

Think of all the people now unburdened with arrest records...for pot.

Think of all the cop time and court and probation and parole and jail resources that won't be wasted.

This should be expanded to all drugs. Drug possession should not be a crime.