Santa Barbara Youth Council Hosts Proposition 64 Panel Discussion

Santa Barbara Youth Council members hosted a Youth Speak Out on Proposition 64 panel discussion at the Louis Lowry Davis Center in Santa Barbara on Monday night.

Council chair Charlie Thrift introduced the discussion by saying that the outcome of the marijuana legalization initiative will impact teens.

He said they chose the topic because students are talking about it on their high school campuses.

Camille Cosio served as moderator.

Panelists included; Asst city of Santa Barbara attorney Tava Ostranger, Santa Barbara High student Leah Makler, youth advocate Kara Porier, Selena Rockwell of the Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, parent Cintya Diaz, Evergreen dispenscery director Zack Schaefer, and Goleta City Council member Michael Bennett.

Bennett was one of the few panelists to say he supports the proposition. Bennett said he has experienced enforcement at its worst. Bennett believes regulation will help California deal with the pros and cons.

Teens talked about unintended consequences such as a reduction in illegal drug dealers if pot becomes legal on January 1.

Most of the people in attendance expect the measure to pass on election day.