Vote 2010 Election: Buzzkill? Opponents of California Prop 19 Growing Optimistic

Oct. 25, 2010 — -- Two recent polls are showing support for Prop 19, which would legalize marijuana in California, losing its buzz and that's making opponents of the measure more confident as Nov. 2 approaches.

"We've done a ton of radio, television and print interviews," said Roger Salazar of No on Prop 19: Public Safety First, the measure's biggest foe. "The more we're able to get out and talk to people, the more they've been apt to take a close look at [the bill]."

Proposition 19 would allow people 21 and older to cultivate up to 25 square feet of marijuana and carry up to 1 ounce of marijuana for personal use at private locations. The state would regulate businesses selling marijuana and collect fees and taxes the way it does for cigarettes and alcohol.

Marijuana is California's biggest cash crop, worth $14 billion in sales, nearly double the state's second biggest revenue generator, the dairy industry.

Just last month, polls showed support for the bill was gaining steam. However, a Public Policy Institute of California survey published last week, revealed that voters had changed their minds and were now opposed, 49 percent to 44 percent. A Los Angeles Times/USC poll released last Friday put the numbers at 51 percent opposed, to 39 percent in favor.