Back in 2014, he spoke about California being on the leading edge of marijuana policy and mentioned that California was the first in the nation to legalize medical marijuana in 1996.
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The LA Timesreports that the Adult Use of Marijuana Act would “allow adults ages 21 and older to possess, transport and use up to an ounce of marijuana for recreational purposes and would allow individuals to grow as many as six plants”.
Backers of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) say they’ve turned in 600,000 signatures when only 365,880 were needed. It would also implement a 15% sales tax on marijuana and products containing it. The validity of the signatures must be verified by the California secretary of state’s office and county officials throughout the state in order for the initiative to be placed on the ballot. California could generate an estimated $1 billion per year taxing and regulating cannabis, according to state officials.
The measure is also opposed by the California Police Chiefs Association, in part because of problems that have arisen in Colorado.
“Current law prohibits convicted meth and heroin felons from being involved in medical marijuana. This is bad for our youth and it’s a broad commercialization [of drugs], a for-profit, money-making model”, Corney said.
Bradley, who backed the failed 2010 initiative, said voters have since “seen how well (legalizing recreational use) has worked in other states”.
A candidate for governor in 2018, Newsom has called the initiative a “consensus measure” that will respect local preferences and protect public health and public safety. The proposal is expected to draw opposition from law enforcement and other groups, and was the subject of a critical report by esteemed public health researchers.
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“By establishing a legal, taxed and tightly regulated system, we can offer new protections for our kids, our communities and our environment, while adopting a best-practices framework for responsible adult marijuana use and its impacts”, Newsom said in a statement regarding the measure.
