The issue focused attention on legislation backed by lawmakers from California's Congressional delegation that could legalize cannabis use by adults 21 and older and decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana by adults age 21 or older. That legislation failed last week after lawmakers opposed by legalization proponents withdrew support from the legislation as part of negotiations over legislation legalizing recreational marijuana use in Colorado and Washington state.

Opponents said legalizing recreational marijuana use could spark criminal prosecutions for possession and trafficking of marijuana by minors and legalize trafficking by minors who illegally possess marijuana for