California will vote on legalization of marijuana this November and it looks like times are changing. With the California economy collapsing the vote could offer a much needed cash source to the government–as the initiative includes allowing marijuana to be sold and taxed. Supporters of the initiative turned in 694,248 signatures.
Excerpts and summary are from the Los Angeles Times article: Measure to legalize marijuana will be on California’s November ballot [1] by John Hoeffel, March 25, 2010
Some of the things the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act will include:
- Adults 21 or older can possess up to an ounce for personal use.
- Adults can grow up to 25 square feet of marijuana per residence or parcel.
- Cities and counties can adopt ordinances authorizing the cultivation, transportation and sale of marijuana, which could be taxed to raise revenue.
Supporters hope the revenue raising feature will win over voters at a time when local governments are struggling in the midst of the severe budget crisis. This measure would allow police to focus on serious crime, undercut Mexican drug cartels and make it harder for teenagers to buy marijuana.
Read the whole article here [1].