Pubdate: Sat, 13 Aug 2016
Source: Orange County Register, The (CA)
Copyright: 2016 The Orange County Register
Contact:  http://www.ocregister.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/321
Author: Brooke Edwards

RULINGS SPLIT ON PROP. 64 LAWSUITS

Both advocates for and opponents of California's marijuana 
legalization measure are claiming victory after a judge determined 
Friday that they each made misleading statements in arguments to be 
included in official ballot pamphlets for the Nov. 8 election.

Pro- and anti-Proposition 64 groups sued each other last week in 
Sacramento County Superior Court, challenging comments submitted to 
the secretary of state concerning how the initiative might affect pot 
advertising and minors, among other things.

Opponents were ordered to tweak all six statements objected to by the 
Yes on 64 team, while proponents were instructed to change four of 
the six arguments challenged by the No on 64 campaign.

Judge Shelleyanne Chang softened but didn't eliminate a key claim by 
opponents that the measure opens the door for marijuana ads on TV. 
Proponents dispute that, arguing that federal regulations prevent 
such ads on television. And Chang will let that defense stand.

She also upheld Yes on 64 arguments that the measure includes strict 
regulations on delivery services and ads that might appeal 
particularly to children. But she agreed with the No on 64 camp that 
there's not yet definitive evidence that teen use and impaired 
driving go down in states where marijuana is legal.

"Today, the opponents of Prop. 64 found out the hard way that the 
same old, tired anti-marijuana propaganda doesn't fly in court any 
more than it does with voters," said Jason Kinney, spokesman for the 
legalization campaign.

Wayne Johnson, spokesman for the opposition, countered that "the 
ruling today was clear. Marijuana ads could be on broadcast 
television if Prop. 64 passes  ads that could be seen by children."

The ruling came one day after opponents celebrated news the federal 
government would continue to classify marijuana as a top-tier 
narcotic. Advocates touted a poll from Probolsky Research in Newport 
Beach that puts voter support for legalization at 61.8 percent.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom