Guide Note

A proposed initiative to legalize marijuana and hemp in the state of California could be put before voters in the November 2008 election. The Inalienable Rights Enforcement Initiative would allow marijuana to be sold in stores that already sell alcohol.¹

Fast Facts

1. Initiative would legalize marijuana sales in California
2. Buyers would pay extra taxes for the drug
3. Local governing boards would be established to regulate marijuana sales and taxes¹
4. $5 stamp would be needed to buy an eighth of an ounce of marijuana; $40 for an ounce¹
5. $50 license would be required for each marijuana plant grown¹
6. Licenses and stamps could be purchased anonymously through vending machines in stores that sell alcohol¹
7. Amendment requires 694,354 signatures to be added to the November 2008 ballot²
8. Deadline for signatures: September 5, 2008²
9. California is one of a dozen states that allow medical use of marijuana³
10. Federal law prohibits marijuana possession and use³