An initiative to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana use in Washington state is getting some major support. Supporters of the initiative have submitted more than 340,000 signatures, a move that could allow the proposal to appear on the 2012 ballot.
I-502 would create a system of state-licensed growers, processors and stores, and impose a 25 percent excise tax at each stage. The proposal would allow those over the age of 21 to buy up to an ounce of marijuana.
“Initiative Measure No. 502 will replace Washington’s ineffective and unjust marijuana laws with a regulated public health approach that will redirect law enforcement resources to more pressing priorities, generate new tax revenues for critical social services, and take marijuana out of the hands of violent drug cartels,” says the group on its website.
The campaign for legalizing marijuana says it cost about $1 million to collect the signatures. The initiative has a number of high-profile sponsors including former Seattle U.S. Attorney John McKay and travel guide Rick Steves.
Meanwhile, a new Elway poll shows that voters support legalizing marijuana 48 to 45. However, support is down from Elway’s last survey on the issue in July when support was at 54-43. Other polls, both statewide and nationwide, have shown rising enthusiasm for legalization. A KING-TV/Survey USA poll in November, asking about specific provisions in I-502, found 57 percent approval.
