The new year brought in the activation of Proposition 64, the California Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which the Arcadia Police Department’s Mike Vercillo and Steve Delgadillo gave a presentation on at this morning’s Community Connection. The law legalizes marijuana under state law, for use by adults 21 or older. Other than this attendees were given updates by local city officials and legislative representatives.
The presentation primarily given by Steve Delgadillo, Community Liason for the Arcadia Police Department, focused on several aspects related to marijuana and what proposition 64 will mean for the local community. Marijuana is the product of a plant called Cannabis Sativa, which has the effect of offering a “high” or euphoric feeling when either smoked or eaten. What offers this “high” is the Tetrahydrocannabinol or (THC) which is naturally in the plant. The methods in which people can use the product range from simply smoking the herb in a pipe or cigarette to consuming it in common baked goods.
Marijuana has a wide range of mental effects on those who use the substance. Steve states that people can have the following experiences as a result from marijuana; a perception of time being slowed down, a euphoric feeling or heightened mood, a sense of paranoia, anxiety or fear, and/or loss of touch with reality. People who are under the influence of marijuana may exhibit the following distinctive characteristics; and odor unique to marijuana, bloodshot glassy eyes, dilated pupils, sleepy or lethargic mood, confusion, paranoia or lack of focus, misjudging time, slow to react, increased appetite, unusually talkative and/or a lack of coordination.
The specificities of Proposition 64 stipulate as of January 1st 2018 recreational adult use of marijuana is legal in the state of California. Adults over the age of 21 years of age may own 28.5 grams of marijuana and/or 8 grams of concentrated marijuana. Also imposed by the law is the fact that an adult may grow up to six plants but they have to be kept in a private residence and the plants cannot be visible by public view. According to the law marijuana may not be used when driving or in a public place. As well currently there are no DUI protocols associated with the use of the substance. Steve stated that this will later be determined by the California Highway Patrol.
City Officials and Legislative Reports
- Mayor Peter Amundson representing the city of Arcadia reported that Arcadia has always been very proactive on Marijuana Laws. In regards to the windmill, the city has been working and reaching out to Denny’s to let them know that they would like the Windmill to be put back on. On the subject of City council districts, there are three districts up for election. The districts which will be up for election are District 2, District 3 and District 5. The election will occur on April 10th, with a mail in ballot only.
- Maile Plan representing Congresswoman Judy Chu reported that the budget has been a large focus for their office. Currently they have a few other bills which will have to be addressed before January 19, 2018.
- Sandra Marquilla representing Supervisor Kathryn Barger reported that the Supervisor just fulfilled her first year, and is currently making plans for her goals in 2018. Supervisor Barger would like to support law enforcement, and looking to issues involving mental illness and the homeless.
- Linda Sell represents the MAD Town Council. She reported that on December 21st they were able to feed 800 people and 500 children were given toys for their big Christmas charity event. This month’s meeting will be held on January 17 at All Nations Church.
- Mike Vercillo of the Arcadia Police Department reported that in the last two quarters the increase in crime is leveling off and is currently down to 4%.