With 97.1% of the ballots counted, 53.8% voted against Proposition 19 which sought to tax, regulate and control the sale of legal marijuana use in California. 46.2% voted in favor.
A month ago, the California legislators decriminalize the use of Marijuana, the only punishment for its used now being a citation for as much as $100.
There had been a great division within the Drug Policy Reform Movement, with veteran organizations urging that the initiative not be placed on the ballot until the presidential election year of 2012. Nevertheless, led by Richard Lee from Oakland, a group of hitherto successful California activists funded and launched a petition drive.
It was only until recent weeks that the usual national funders of reform and harm reduction efforts provided a couple of hundred thousand dollars for advertisements.
The fear of the national organizations was Prop 19 would fail badly this year, with perhaps only 42% or less support. The 46% showing is considered positive and the outcome bright for 2012, when younger people are likely to vote than this year.
With endorsements gained from organizations throughout the state, the 2010 campaign is perceived by many as a useful spring board for success to come in 2012.
46.5% for Prop 19 in California is a good showing … The bad news, from Democratic Party-leaning donors, is there was no indication that the marijuana legalization initiative brought out young voters.
A key race for the future of the marijuana dispensaries in California is the Attorney General’s race. The Democrat is ahead by 1.4% with 97% of votes counted. It is an important race because the Republican, Cooley, believes dispensaries are illegal and has promised to close them all down. He believes money cannot change hands when it comes to dispensing marijuana at patient cooperatives.