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Proposition 19, also known as the California Marijuana Initiative (CMI), was a ballot initiative on the November 7, 1972 California statewide ballot. This was the first attempt to legalize marijuana by ballot measure in the history of the United States.[1] If it had passed, the measure would have removed penalties in the State of California for persons 18 years of age or older for using, possessing, growing, processing, or transporting marijuana for personal use.[2] The California Marijuana Initiative's organizers coordinated a huge grassroots organizing drive to place the measure on the ballot.[3] The initiative qualified for the November statewide ballot in June 1972.[3] The initiative was defeated by the voters with 66.5% No votes to 33.5% Yes votes.[2]
Supporters of Proposition 19 argued that legalization was supported by scientific research and the government's own experts and that enforcing criminal penalties was costing a fortune in taxpayer dollars and ruining the lives of ordinary people. Opponents contended that marijuana was dangerous and unpredictable and that legalization would encourage drug abuse and damage society.[2]
- ^ History of marijuana on the ballot. Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
- ^ a b c "CA Secretary of State: Results for Proposition 19". Center for Cognitive Liberty Drug Law Library. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
- ^ a b Anderson, Patrick (1981). "5". High In America: The True Story Behind NORML And The Politics Of Marijuana. New York: The Viking Press. ISBN 0-670-11990-3.