L.A. city voters sent conflicting messages, giving wins to both the left and the center on a second ballot initiative seeking to legalize marijuana.
While Proposition E — which won with a solid 53 percent of the vote — still has to pass through the Legislature and then the ballot, backers of a more conservative pot measure with no limits on its use, Proposition D, said they received more than enough support and will probably see the measure on the ballot as soon as next month. That’s because Proposition D was narrowly approved Tuesday night, with just 50.2 percent, to pass.
“We made history tonight, and we’ve got a couple more weeks to turn around, and turn people onto Proposition D,” Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, another of Proposition D’s sponsors, told supporters in an email late Tuesday night.
Proposition D would allow individuals 21 and older to possess up to 10 ounces of cannabis and to grow up to five plants, but it would not allow smoking or grow-arounds. It would be a misdemeanor to possess less than 10 ounces.
At the same time, Proposition E would legalize recreational marijuana use in the city, and would be funded by a fee on those who grow or cultivate more than 5,000 plants, plus a 10 percent tax on the sale of the drug to all residents, regardless of age or income.
While Proposition D supporters said it was narrowly approved Wednesday, Proposition E supporters said Tuesday night they still believe the measure will pass.
“We were able to build a coalition around Proposition E that will now work to win Proposition D and turn the City of Los Angeles into a destination city for medical and recreational cannabis,” said Michael Collins, the president of Proposition E’s campaign committee.
“We are thrilled that the voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition E, and look forward to working with our friends in the City of Industry to move forward on this important measure.”