Pot Prohibitionist Prevarications

Five whoppers told by opponents of California’s marijuana legalization initiative

By Jacob Sullum

With a month to go before California voters decide whether to legalize marijuana, Proposition 19’s opponents have pinned their hopes on desperate arguments that illustrate the intellectual bankruptcy of the prohibitionist position. Unable to offer a persuasive moral justification for continuing to treat marijuana users and suppliers like criminals, the No on 19 crowd has tried to distract voters’ attention with several bright red herrings. Here are five of the smelliest.