Source: thedailychronic.net
SAN JOSE, CA — With the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative falling short of its signature gathering goal and supporters of two other marijuana legalization initiatives deciding to wait until 2016, the last remaining ballot initiative attempt to legalize marijuana in 2014 says they need $2 million to gather the necessary signatures to put the proposal before voters.
The Marijuana Control, Legalization & Revenue Act, has until April 18 to gather more than 500,000 valid voter signatures, and is the only remaining initiative working to get the legalization of marijuana and hemp on the California November 2014 ballot.
“The only thing that stands in the way of legalization in 2014 is money, and it’s not a lot,” says San Jose dispensary operator Dave Hodges, a proponent of the measure. . “It will take an additional $2 million dollars to cover the signature gathering costs.”
“We know it can be done,” says Hodges. “The last time legalization was on the ballot the signature gathering firm collected all the signatures needed in about two weeks. If we can raise the money needed in the next three weeks, we can ensure Californian voters have a chance to make their decision in 2014.”
The Marijuana Control, Legalization & Revenue Act was approved for signature gathering earlier this month, and launched its petition drive in Southern California on February 8. The measure has since continued to receive widespread support from activists, volunteers and citizens statewide.
“We can’t wait until 2016 and the polls indicate that the voters don’t want to wait,” stated Degé Coutee, President of the Patient Advocacy Network in Los Angeles. ”California is moving backward with medical marijuana and the passage of MCLR in 2014 will protect patients and collectives now.”
The proposal, if it makes the ballot and is approved by voters, would legalize adult cultivation of 12 marijuana plants with six flowering per residence and allow possession of all the marijuana produced by those plants.
Hemp would also be legalized, non-violent pot prisoners’ cases would be reviewed for release and expungement, and commercial regulations would be promulgated.
For over a year Americans for Policy Reform, the group behind MCLR, has been working with thousands of Californians on a grassroots, “open source” document to legalize Marijuana for medical, industrial and adult social use. Through its open, inclusive process, MCLR has the support of dozens of attorneys and thousands of marijuana activists.
Supporters of marijuana legalization can donate to the Marijuana Control, Legalization & Revenue Act at http://MCLR.us/donate.
“Any donation via the MCLR website will help,” says John Lee, Founder of Americans for Policy Reform.
“We are calling on all marijuana users& supporters to help make 2014 happen,” added Hodges.
For further information regarding the campaign including how to volunteer or contribute, please visit www.mclr.us.
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