Nearly 80% of Los Angeles Voters Said Yes to Measure M

The second largest city in the United States is officially set to become the largest in the world with a regulated cannabis market, as Los Angeles voters passed Measure M yesterday in a crushing victory.

More than 242,000 Los Angeles residents showed up to the polls to cast their ballots yesterday, and Measure M was approved by 79.36% of voters, according to the L.A. Times.

Measure M will allow the City of Los Angeles to issue licenses to marijuana businesses for the first time. Beyond licensure, Measure M also lays the groundwork for cannabis sales tax revenue to be utilized in a number of ways by the city once recreational sales begin next year.

Effects of Measure M

• Elevated Dialogue: Measure M requires public hearings, where neighborhood councils, homeowners’ associations, law enforcement and the business community can participate in an open conversation.
• Educational Programs: Assists parents and teachers determine how to keep children from being exposed to advertising of marijuana products.
• Pot Shop Recommendations: Relies on planning and land use to determine dispensary placement in L.A., with the city aiming to issue a large number of licenses in an effort to…