What Is Proposition 64? Voter Guide for 2016 California Measures

LOS ANGELES, CA -- If it passes, Proposition 64 would legalize marijuana for adults 21 and over and establish standards for marijuana products.

It could result in added tax revenue of up to $1 billion annually, according to the state. Proponents tout the extra tax revenue and reduced criminal justice costs, while opponents say it omits a DUI standard to keep stoned drivers off the roads and legalizes ads promoting marijuana that could be seen by children.

RELATED: California Voters Appear Poised to Pass High Stakes Marijuana Legalization

Its supporters contend that in addition to $1 billion in annual tax revenue, the measure would dramatically reduce prison populations and promote social justice. Minority communities, they say, are disproportionally affected by the war on drugs and the scourge of drug dealers. It's endorsed by groups such as the ACLU, California State NAACP, and a number of church and community groups, and the Democratic and Green parties.

Opponents argue the measure is poorly written. They contend it would create a multi-billion dollar marijuana industry in California almost overnight while also creating a crisis of addiction and mental health problems and increasing DUI deaths and pediatric THC exposure. The measure is opposed by the Republican party, numerous cities and county health officials, and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen.

Current polling shows California voters seem poised to take on the benefits and drawbacks of legalizing marijuana. A Eyewitness News/Southern California News Group poll released last month has the proposition winning by a 52 percent to 41 percent margin.

According to the ballot summary, Proposition 64:

• "Legalizes marijuana under state law, for use by adults 21 or older.
• Designates state agencies to license and regulate marijuana industry.
• Imposes state excise tax of 15% on retail sales of marijuana, and state cultivation taxes on marijuana of $9.25 per ounce of flowers and $2.75 per ounce of leaves.
• Exempts medical marijuana from some taxation.
• Establishes packaging, labeling, advertising, and marketing standards and restrictions for marijuana products.
• Prohibits marketing and advertising marijuana directly to minors.
• Allows local regulation and taxation of marijuana.
• Authorizes resentencing and destruction of records for prior marijuana convictions."

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Your polling place is listed on the back of the sample ballot you receive in the mail. It can also be found by visiting www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place or by calling (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

For more on all of California's measures, see below:

• What Is Proposition 51?
• What Is Proposition 52?
• What Is Proposition 53?
• What Is Proposition 54?
• What Is Proposition 55?
• What Is Proposition 56?
• What Is Proposition 57?
• What Is Proposition 58?
• What Is Proposition 59?
• What Is Proposition 60?
• What Is Proposition 61?
• What Is Proposition 62?
• What Is Proposition 63?
• What Is Proposition 64?
• What Is Proposition 65?
• What Is Proposition 66?
• What Is Proposition 67?

City News Service contributed to this report / Image via Shutterstock