What Happens If Voters Approve Recreational Pot Proposition?
Okay, folks. On January 1st, 2018, marijuana will be legalized for recreational use in the great state of California via Proposition 64.
Now you might be wondering why I’m so confident this Proposition will pass this November, especially considering residents of the Golden State voted against the same measure 5 years ago.
It all comes down to one word: MONEY. Well that and changing attitudes, but more so money.
It’s rather simple actually–California is broke as fuck—and needs the money just as much as it needs water.
Legalizing cannabis would essentially pump millions of dollars into Cali’s coffers, helping improve everything from our decaying schools to our crumbling infrastructure. Not only that, such a move would open THOUSANDS of jobs to residents, even those with felony records.
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This is also the most comprehensive ballot measure concerning cannabis to date. Packaged in a 62-page long proposal, it aims to regulate the entire cannabis industry, from seeds to pipe. Here are some highlights:
— Permits adults who are at least 21 years old to possess up one ounce of marijuana buds and eight grams of concentrate.
— Permits adults who are at least 21 years old to grow up to six marijuana plants.
— Requires licensing for growing and selling marijuana.
— Imposes a 15 percent tax on retail sales. Also, taxes farmers $9.25 for every ounce of bud sold in addition to $2.75 per ounce of leaves.
— Allows cities and counties to impose their own regulations and taxes on recreational marijuana.
— Cities and counties are also free to ban recreational marijuana businesses within their borders.
— Provides funds to develop driving-while-impaired guidelines
— All taxes collected are placed in the California Marijuana Tax Fund, which the state Legislative Analyst estimated could reach $1 billion annually.
— Creates packaging, labeling, and advertising standards.
— Changes state marijuana crimes and penalties.