The billionaire investor/activist has written a well-reasoned essay in the Wall Street Journal arguing for an end to marijuana prohibition. The L.A. Times reports that in California, Soros is backing the cause with more than words.

California’s Prop 19, as Soros explains, “would legalize the recreational use and small-scale cultivation of marijuana.” The billionaire is reportedly helping to fund the initiative, as is the guy from the Men’s Wearhouse commercials.

At least one law enforcement official, Los Angeles Sheriff Lee Baca, says he’ll ignore the proposition if it passes. Baca, who told reporters he has “hell no” never smoked marijuana, just wants to live in a world where teenagers and glaucoma patients don’t blow smoke in his face: “If you want to do a joint in your house, do it. Leave the rest of us alone.” — PZS