The issue focused on enforcement of criminal penalties against marijuana offenses and prosecutions under federal laws prohibiting marijuana possession. Lawmakers argued that decriminalizing marijuana could boost state revenues by lowering prices for consumers. The legislative proposal passed both chambers but failed in the Senate.

Proponents say legalizing marijuana would raise revenue for schools, courts and law enforcement agencies and generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually for cities and counties. Opponents contend legalization would legalize marijuana sales without regulating its distribution or taxation.August 28th was National Cannabis Month