November 8 will mark history in California as residents will be asked to vote whether or not they would like to see recreational marijuana legalized. The Adult Use of Marijuana Act would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to an ounce at a time and grow up to six plants at home. 

According to the Los Angeles Times, an activist group led by Sean Parker, former Facebook President, obtained over 600,000 signatures on a petition so the measure could make it on the 2016 ballot. 

“This November, California voters will finally have the opportunity to pass smart marijuana policy that is built on the best practices of other states, includes the strictest child protections in the nation and pays for itself while raising billions for the state,” said Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Not all community members are excited to hear about the new bill, including Ventura Police Chief Ken Corney. He argues that the measure is profit driven and is bad for California communities.

In 2010 the state voted down an opportunity to legalize the drug for recreational use. However, medical marijuana has been legal since 1996. Despite contradicting opinions, California residents will be left to make a choice. To learn more about the issue, check out the full article. 

Collegian Green Report Blogger Capelli D’Angelo can be reached online at blogs@collegian.com.