California will vote on pot legalization in November
A tech billionaire’s plan to legalize recreational marijuana in California.
Known as the “Adult Use of Marijuana Act,” the ballot measure legalizes possession of small amounts of cannabis for adults, establishes tax rates and a structure for farmers to grow pot, and creates the framework for a statewide distribution system.
The California Police Chiefs Association is helping coordinate an opposition campaign that also includes sheriffs deputies.
If passed, the measure would create a new Bureau of Marijuana Control, require growers and sellers to pay taxes, and establish stiff penalties for anyone caught illegally diverting water, an aspect popular with environmentalists. It would tighten the state’s comparatively lax medical marijuana system and bar use by anyone younger than 21.
Ballot-measure backers collected more than 600,000 signatures to put the initiative before voters in November. Backers say the contested presidential race will also likely drive high Democratic voter turnout, which would tend to favor legalization. Several competing ballot measures to legalize marijuana are also being floated.
The measure allows adults to possess up to an ounce of marijuana at a time and grow six plants without needing a license. It also would bar public consumption, require quality and contamination testing, and grant business licensing priority to recognized medical marijuana producers. Giving preference to established medical marijuana industry players means they'll get a jumpstart on their competition.
Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska - plus the District of Columbia permit recreational use for adults.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...mber/83926306/
Cali will vote on pot legalization in November
