What happens if Prop 64 legalizing recreational marijuana passes?

KABC logo
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
A man is shown smoking marijuana from a pipe in an undated file photo.
A man is shown smoking marijuana from a pipe in an undated file photo.
KABC-KABC

LOS ANGELES -- One of the 17 propositions that California residents are voting on is Proposition 64, legalizing recreational use of marijuana.

Proponents say it's important to be able to control, regulate and tax marijuana. California's nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office estimated that state could collect up to $1 billion in taxes a year.

Opponents worry about safety, citing problems in other states that have legalized recreational marijuana.

According to the last SurveyUSA poll, 54 percent said they would vote "yes." Voters approved medicinal marijuana in California in 1996.

If passed, when would it take effect?

Adult use sales of marijuana would begin Jan. 1, 2018.

What would be the restrictions for recreational marijuana?

In general, the proposals for recreational pot would treat cannabis similar to alcohol. Consumption would be limited to people 21 or older and forbidden in most public spaces. Pot would be highly regulated and heavily taxed.

Where is recreational marijuana already legal?

Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington state and the District of Columbia. If California votes "yes," recreational cannabis would be legal along the entire West Coast, giving the legalization movement powerful momentum. That could spark similar efforts in other states and put pressure on federal authorities to ease longstanding rules that classify marijuana as a dangerously addictive drug with no medical benefits.

How much marijuana can you have if Prop 64 passes?

Proposition 64 would allow California residents 21 and older to legally possess up to an ounce of weed and grow six marijuana plants at home.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Learn more about Proposition 64 with these videos from SeePolitical.

Proposition 64 legalizes the use of recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. Get more information from this video from SeePolitical.