Sad Joke for Californians, Marijuana Legalization May Not Happen in 2014

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 2, 2014) - April Fool's Day, was in actuality, far from a joke for marijuana legalization supporters in California. The Harsh Reality: As of today, April 2, 2014, incredibly, no billionaire or any major investor has actually come forward to help get legalization on the ballot this year.

"This is one of the saddest April fools jokes ever. We have been getting calls all day. At first people were excited, then we say, "April Fools," and the reality sinks in," said Proponent Dave Hodges. "The fact is we're just as disappointed as everyone else that the Marijuana Control, Legalization and Revenue Act (MCLR) will likely not make this year's ballot."

Without $3 Million for the MCLR campaign by the end of this week:

• 20,000+ people per year will continue to go to jail for low level marijuana offenses
• Diversion programs for minors will not be put in place
• Families will continue to be broken apart
• Industrial hemp production will be minimized
• Millions of dollars in revenues marked for safety and education will stay in the hands of the black market
• The shutdown of medical cannabis clubs will continue statewide

"If someone comes forward this week, we still have time to make 2014 Legalization a reality," said Proponent John Lee. "April 18th is the suggested deadline for signatures, although signatures could be turned in as late as the first week of May and still have a chance for the 2014 ballot."

Californians have long "expected" legalization to be on the ballot this year. The MCLR team worked extremely hard to unite California through an inclusive, open source initiative, with hopes of fulfilling California's expectation. The bad joke is, it's not private prisons or Big Pharma that's keeping marijuana illegal in California (though no doubt both benefit significantly from drug prohibition). It's a lack of money to put a voter initiative before the people.

MCLR was created to accomplish what the California legislature and previous initiatives have been unable to achieve: a fair, transparent set of enforceable guidelines that address the concerns of citizens, communities, local law enforcement, the courts and federal authorities.

For the past two years Americans for Policy Reform (AFPR), the group behind MCLR, has been working with thousands of Californians on a grassroots, "open source" document to legalize Marijuana for medical, industrial and adult social use. Through its inclusive process, MCLR has the support of dozens of attorneys and thousands of marijuana activists. It would create a comprehensive seed-to-sale regulatory system based on the needs of the California community, and the US Department of Justice guidelines.

"If you fell for the joke and started the celebration of a lifetime and dreamed endless fantasies of freedom and happiness... we share your frustration," said Lee. "If you have the money to make it a reality, or know someone who can, CALL US ASAP!"

If getting MCLR on the ballot in 2014 does not happen, Americans for Policy Reform will continue to work towards legalization in 2016.