Marijuana
Now that the ash has settled on California’s latest marijuana ballot initiatives, Oakland’s industrial cannabis policy—the nation’s first—can move forward, beginning with the city council’s meeting tonight.
Gabriel Rodriguez sat in the student center cafeteria at Laney College the day after the legalization of marijuana in California went down in defeat. Rodriguez, who voted in favor of the initiative, sounded resigned saying that Proposition 19 probably wouldn’t have benefited everyone anyway.
“The move to end marijuana prohibition is far stronger this morning than it ever has been,” said Stephen Gutwillig, the California director of the Drug Policy Alliance, as members of the Yes on 19 campaign gathered at their headquarters in downtown Oakland early Wednesday following the initiative’s defeat, garnering only 46.1 percent of the vote.
On Tuesday, Oakland residents decided the fate of several local education and public safety funding measures, along with statewide ballot initiatives like Proposition 19.
A familiar herbal scent filled the air in the Oaksterdam University parking lot Tuesday night as dozens of Proposition 19 supporters heard word that the bill had been defeated.
California voters came out for and against some of the most controversial propositions and measures in recent memory. Proposition 19, which would have legalized recreational use of marijuana, was rejected by a slim margin statewide despite support in Alameda County. Prop 19 proponent Richard Lee has publicly vowed to bring another initiative before voters in 2012. Proposition 23, which would have suspended air pollution regulation until unemployment figures improved, was rejected by a large margin, locally and statewide. Voters’ rejection of…
On election day, City Attorney John Russo spoke at a Yes on 19 rally. If passed, Proposition 19 would legalize recreational use of marijuana for adults.
Prop 19 advocates swung into full gear in downtown Oakland on Tuesday, convening a rally in front of City Hall and calling all volunteers to the Yes on 19 headquarters. The measure would legalize the recreational use of marijuana for people over 21.
To legalize or not to legalize? On November 2, Californinans will vote on Proposition 19, which if passed, would legalize the consumption and sale of recreational marijuana. Oakland North caught up with Oaklanders in Temescal and City Center to get their take on the controversial proposition.