It’s actually pretty strange to me that Cali hasn’t legalized yet. Knowing how they are, this one will be interesting to watch. I’m willing to bet that they may be one of the states to screw it up quite a bit – they’re going to tax the crap out of it and likely over-regulate it, book it!
http://www.marijuana.com/news/2015/03/california-ready-to-legalize-marijuana-but-how
As California moves closer to considering marijuana legalization in 2016, a new poll shows that voters are ready to end prohibition and a new report is aimed at helping the Golden State craft the most effective cannabis regulations possible.
A survey released Wednesday by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) shows that 55 percent of the state’s likely voters think marijuana should be legal, with 43 percent opposed. Among all state residents, support for legalization comes in at 53 percent, which PPIC says is the highest result ever.
California Marijuana Poll
Separately, a blue ribbon commission led by Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, a legalization supporter, issued a report on Thursday outlining several of the key questions California will have to grapple with as it determines the best way to regulate cannabis.
The commission laid out three goals to guide their discussions:
1. Protect the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
2. Preserve the public safety of Californians on the road and in their communities.
3. Create a fair, enforceable set of taxes and regulations that enhances California’s economic and physical health.
Key considerations include tax rates, how tax revenue will be spent, preventing impaired driving, workplace and environmental regulations, testing and labeling requirements, advertising restrictions, the degree of autonomy cities and counties should have in implementing legalization and how to integrate the new legal-for-all-adults system with the existing medical cannabis system.
"We’ve said all along, we have to be accountable and responsible for making sure that we address the intended and unintended consequences of any effort to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana for adults," Newsom told the Los Angeles Times. "It’s not good enough to put something on the ballot and begin after the fact to ask those questions. We need to have some answers in mind before we present it to voters."
California voters last considered the question of legalization in 2010, when Proposition 19 was defeated by a vote of 53.5 percent to 46.5 percent. Since that time, four states and District of Columbia have passed legalization initiatives and national attitudes have rapidly shifted toward support for legalization.
The PPIC poll shows that support is up in California, and is particularly strong among several key demographics. Sixty-nine percent of blacks, 64 percent of whites, 63 percent of Democrats, 57 percent of independents and 61 percent of those aged 18 to 34 support legalization. However, only 39 percent of asians, 42 percent of Latinos and 44 percent of Republicans are on board with ending prohibition.
The survey also asked whether respondents would oppose having a legal marijuana business in their neighborhood. Fifty-three percent said that it would not bother them.
The blue ribbon commission’s next steps include issuing more policy papers and holding public forums to continue exploring how to best legalize marijuana. It is expected to then issue a set of policy recommendations by August.
Their proposal may come too late to make a real impact, however, as the California Secretary of State’s office suggests submitting ballot language by July 7.
In the meantime, though, the panel is encouraging the public to play a role in highlighting issues for its consideration.
"Come right at us, challenge us with what we’ve missed," Newsom told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Good luck, Cali, you’re going to need it. :smokebanana
:weedspin :weedspin :weedspin