Supporters Vie for Legalization of Marijuana in 2016

Ten months ago, Colorado’s Amendment 64 was enacted into law, allowing for marijuana to be regulated in a manner similar to alcohol. Recently, Oregon and Alaska voted to legalize the use and sale of marijuana. The drive to legalize marijuana in California has been gaining momentum.   

Although California voters rejected legalization in 2010 (with a 54% vote against it), supporters of recreational marijuana are hopeful this result will be reversed in 2016. 

California, Arizona and Nevada are preparing legalization measures for the 2016 election. A younger voter turnout is expected at the elections, which will supposedly shift the balance in support for marijuana. 

“The bottom line is that people are no longer fooled by the anti-marijuana propaganda”, Chris Lindsey, legislative analyst for the Marijuana Policy Project said. 

A report released by the Drug Policy Alliance in July examined the successes of Amendment 64, including a reduction in crime rates, an increase in tax revenue, a decrease in incarceration (leading to higher savings) and other economic benefits. 

Proponents of marijuana believe the same effects could be replicated in California.