Marijuana legality in California has been a constant topic of debate. This coming election, Santa Barbara residents will vote on a citywide measure and a state proposition that will attempt to end the debate.

We feel both Measure T and Prop. 19 should be passed, putting the public on an even playing field for possessing marijuana and adding to the state’s revenue.

If passed, Measure T would ban medical marijuana dispensaries within the city limits of Santa Barbara. While some dispensaries have good intentions, serving people who do use marijuana for medical reasons, they have also made the drug more accessible to teens and others who don’t truly need it. The saying “You abuse it, you lose it” seems to fit here.

Medical cards are too easy to get a hold of, and some dispensaries are causing problems for those who actually need help.

Opponents of the measure say those patients genuinely in need of marijuana for medical reasons will be forced to purchase from street dealers.

This is where Prop 19 comes into play. The proposition would put marijuana on par with alcohol in regards to its legality. It would be available to adults 21 and over for consumption at home or at licensed establishments.

It also restricts use in public, on school grounds, in the presence of minors or providing it to those under 21. As stated before, it is essentially brought on par with substances such as alcohol and tobacco.

The state would then be able to tax the sale of marijuana, as done with tobacco and alcohol, which would greatly increase state revenue. At the same time, with marijuana’s decriminalization, police statewide would be able to focus on violent crime rather than marijuana users.

The potential for added revenue and the savings from not incarcerating users should be welcomed by California, especially during a financial crisis.

Those opposing the proposition have said: with issues regarding addiction to alcohol and tobacco, why should another potential problem be added?

However, marijuana is already widely consumed in California.

Legalizing it is not the same as introducing it to us, but rather a response to the public demand. The drug has been on the path to legalization for some time: Prop 19 would simply establish better restrictions than those currently followed.

If the prop is passed, those who previously relied on medical marijuana could simply purchase what they need like the rest of the general public, and street dealers would hopefully be put out of business by establishments legally selling the drug.

Both issues on the ballot have their fair share of doubters. But with both being passed, the current state of marijuana in California should shape up.

Banning the availability in one way while passing it in another may seem contradictory. But in reality it would aid the state’s financial situation while helping restrict the use of a drug to those of age.