Proposition 19: Legalization of Marijuana in California

Citizen Voice’s Nonpartisan Election Project

Listen or Download the Audio Version of the Prop. 19 “Mini-Debate”
Easy-to-use Citizen Voice Prop. 19 Ballot Measure Summary (.pdf)

This measure would make it legal for anyone 21 years of age or older to possess, grow and transport up to one ounce of marijuana for their own personal use. However, while these activities would be legal under California law if Proposition 19 passes, they would still be illegal under federal law and violators could still be subject to criminal penalties. Proposition 19 would also allow local governments to regulate and tax the production or sale commercial marijuana, would prohibit anyone from having marijuana on school grounds, and keeps in place laws that make it illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana — although the proposal does not indicate what standard should be used to decide what “under the influence” would mean. The measure also says employers can’t prevent the use of marijuana in the workplace unless a person’s job performance is actually impaired.

Supporters of Proposition 19 call it a proposal for “common sense control of marijuana,” saying it will put police priorities where they belong: on violent criminals instead of non-violent marijuana consumers. Supporters also say ending arrests of marijuana users will help police departments save hundreds of millions of dollars every year throughout the state, and generate billions of dollars in tax revenues.

Supporters of Proposition 1A include the California NAACP, the ACLU of Northern and Southern California, the California Libertarian Party, the Latino Voters League, and several former and retired police, sheriff and other law enforcement officials.

Opponents of Proposition 19 criticize it as “a jumbled legal nightmare that will make our highways, workplaces and communities less safe.” Their principal concerns are that Proposition 19 gives drivers the “right” to use marijuana up to the moment they get behind the wheel, and that even school bus drivers using marijuana could not be removed from their job until after an accident occurs. Opponents also say Prop 19 would make it impossible for any employer in California to meet federal drug-free workplace standards or qualify for federal contracts, and that California schools alone could lose out on more than $9 billion in federal funding as a result.

Opponents of Proposition 1A include Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Police Chiefs Association, Senator Dianne Feinstein and nearly 100 police chiefs, sheriffs and district attorneys.

More info:

Yes on Proposition 19: http://www.yeson19.com

No on Proposition 19: www.noonproposition19.com

This is Citizen Voice’s easy-to-use summary of the proposition. For the ballot pamphlet version go to www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov.