Report: Over 600K sign petition to legalize pot in California

By the Off The Grid Team

Supporters of a marijuana legalization initiative in California are reporting they've collected over 600,000 signatures to qualify the measure for this election cycle in November.  

The initiative, called the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, would legalize possession, transportation and use of up to an ounce of marijuana for those over the age of 21.  In addition, it would allow residents to grow up to six plants for recreational purposes, as well as tax retail sales of marijuana at 15%.  

However, the use of marijuana in public and while driving would remain illegal.  

A campaign to kick-off the ballot initiative begins today in San Francisco.  And this particular coalition has some heavy-hitting backers leading the charge. 

Former Facebook President Sean Parker, who also co-founded Napster, reportedly donated over $1 million to the cause.  

And California's own Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom is also standing behind the initiative.  According to the Los Angeles Times, Newsom, who's running for governor in 2018, formed a commission on marijuana policy to make recommendations, of which many were placed into this particular initiative.  

"This November, California voters will finally have the opportunity to pass smart marijuana policy that is built on the best practices of other states, includes the strictest child protections in the nation and pays for itself while raising billions for the state,” Newsom's statement reads.  

In 1996, more than 55% of California voters approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes.  Yet the movement came to head in 2010, when 53% of voters denied legalization.  While polls indicate this initiative stands a strong chance, we'll have to wait and see if the campaigns against it will prevent it from passing this November.