California Civil Rights Coalition

Prop 19: Legalize Marijuana

Summary: Allows people 21 years old or older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use. Permits local governments to regulate and tax commercial production and sale of marijuana to people 21 years old or older. Prohibits people from possessing marijuana on school grounds, using it in public, smoking it while minors are present, or providing it to anyone under 21 years old. Maintains current prohibitions against driving while impaired.

Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Savings of up to several tens of millions of dollars annually to state and local governments on the costs of incarcerating and supervising certain marijuana offenders. Unknown but potentially major tax, fee, and benefit assessment revenues to state and local government related to the production and sale of marijuana products.

For: http://www.yeson19.com
Against: www.noonproposition19.com

CCRC takes no position on Prop 19
CCRC recognizes that decriminalizing the use and possession of marijuana, especially in light of the overrepresentation of people of color who are incarcerated for such a crime, may be a welcomed step.  On top of money saved from no longer administering convictions for marijuana use, the state can raise an estimated 1.6 billion dollars in taxes. However, though there are both social and financial incentives to pass such a proposition, CCRC represents communities who are need of health and social services related to marijuana use. CCRC also believes that a more comprehensive approach to resolving the over-incarceration of people of color for drug-related crimes is needed.  Prop 19 does not address these concerns and thus, we take no position.