Result of "yes" vote

"Yes" vote establishes supply system, low income assistance program for medical marijuana cardholders; establishes research program; grants limited state regulation authority; allows limited marijuana sales.

Result of "no" vote

"No" vote retains current law without: supply or assistance programs for medical marijuana cardholders; or authorization for state organized scientific program; or medical marijuana sales.

Summary

Current law allows specified individuals to become registered growers of medical marijuana by meeting criteria; does not allow marijuana sales or state assistance to cardholders in obtaining marijuana; limits growers to six mature plants and 24 ounces of useable marijuana for each cardholder; limits certain growers to growing for four cardholders; limits growers' reimbursements. Measure creates medical marijuana supply system composed of licensed dispensaries and producers. Establishes licensing guidelines. Producers and dispensaries can possess 24 plants and 96 ounces of marijuana. Allows limited sales (by expanding cost categories currently not reimbursable). Exempts dispensaries, dispensary employees, and producers from most marijuana criminal statutes. Establishes low income cardholders' assistance program. Allows state to conduct or fund research of cardholders' marijuana use. Retains grow registration system. Other provisions.

Estimate of Financial Impact

The measure will require estimated state expenditures between $400,000 and $600,000 each year beginning in 2012. These costs are to be paid only from program fees required by the measure.

The exact amount by which the measure will increase state revenues cannot be determined. Potential additional state revenue could range from a minimum of $400,000 to a maximum of between $3 million and $20 million in the first year. The amount of revenue will be affected by the number of dispensaries, number of participants, pricing and costs of production.

The measure has no direct effect on local government spending or revenues.