SAN FRANCISCO — Executive Board members of the California Democratic Party on Sunday took a neutral stance on a ballot measure that would legalize and tax marijuana in the state.
Proposition 19, if approved by California voters in November, would allow adults to cultivate marijuana and enable local governments to regulate and tax sales of the plant to raise revenue.
Proponents have said the proposal could generate $200 million per year, but others have argued the amount would be lower. California already allows marijuana use for medicinal purposes.
The California Board of Equalization studied the financial impacts of pot while evaluating a bill introduced in the Legislature last year that would have taxed and regulated marijuana like alcohol.
Sales taxes and a $50 per ounce excise tax on commercial pot sales would generate $1.4 billion for the state, according to the board's study.
During their meeting in San Jose, California Democrats also voted unanimously to endorse Tom Torlakson for Superintendent of Public Instruction.
"Our members are fired up and ready to get to work," said John Burton, chairman of the party.
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