Despite the nightmare that is Donald Trump, there was some good out of voting yesterday, as California has officially approved Proposition 64. This means that smoking weed for recreational purposes is now legal in the Golden State.

There has been some controversy around the ballot measure, however, as details include a very money-driven business plan that in the end, can hurt the consumer. However, it will certainly help prevent the mass incarceration of people for minor drug offenses.

Prop 64 will allow California residents who are 21 and older to possess, transport, buy and use up to an ounce of weed for recreational purposes and allow individuals to grow as many as six plants. Retail sales of marijuana will also be allowed, but it will include a 15% tax. The latter may not happen for some time, though.

The measure only allows non-medical marijuana to be sold by state-licensed businesses, but the state doesn’t have to start issuing sales licenses for recreational retailers until January 1, 2018.

“The new law focuses on undoing the most egregious harms of marijuana prohibition, which have disproportionately impacted communities of color,” said Lynne Lyman of Drug Policy Alliance, adding it will be “protecting youth by preventing access to marijuana.”

Source: LA Times