Medical marijuana advocates say Calif. pot legalization initiative fails to protect patients

Medical pot advocates oppose Calif. legalization

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A coalition of medical marijuana advocates is coming out against a California ballot initiative that would legalize the drug for recreational use and tax sales.

The California Cannabis Association said Tuesday that Proposition 19 would inadvertently harm patients by allowing local governments to prohibit the sale and purchase of marijuana in their jurisdictions.

The group predicts many cities and counties would impose such a ban if voters approve the initiative, leaving local medical marijuana users with few options.

The measure’s supporters say it explicitly protects patients’ rights and would provide them with safer and easier access to the drug.

If Proposition 19 passes in November, California would be the first state to legalize and regulate recreational pot use.