What is Proposition 19?

Californians go to the polls Nov. 2 to vote on an initiative that would legalize possession and cultivation of marijuana. If approved Proposition 19 would make it legal for anyone 21 or older to possess, share or transport up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use and to grow up to 25 square feet per residence or parcel. Cities and counties would be authorized to regulate and tax commercial marijuana production and sales.

The measure could put California on a collision course with the federal government. The possession and sale of marijuana remain a federal crime and President Obama's drug czar, R. Gil Kerlikowske, recently has spoken out against legalization.

History of legalization in California

The vote this fall, the first on the question of legalizing pot in the state in four decades, is expected to draw national attention. In 1972, California voters cast ballots on an initiative, also named Proposition 19, that aimed to legalize marijuana. At the time, only one-third of those voting supported the measure.

A July Field Poll found that 48% of likely voters oppose the measure and 44% support it, a contrast with two polls taken in May that showed voters were leaning slightly in favor of the measure.

Dig deeper with primary sources

Read the complete text of the "Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010"

Explore the Legislative Analyst's report on the initiative

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