Backers of effort to legalize marijuana in Calif. outpace opponents in race for campaign cash

Calif. marijuana supporters lead in campaign cash

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Supporters of a ballot initiative seeking to legalize recreational use of marijuana in California have raised more money than their opponents, even as the proposition is struggling to gain favor.

Proposition 19 on the November ballot would allow adults to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and local governments to tax its sales.

Campaign finance reports filed Monday show two groups supporting the initiative raised more than $316,000 between April 1 and June 30 and have nearly $162,000 cash on hand.

The main group opposing the initiative has nearly $19,000 cash on hand and raised about $41,000.

Supporters say legalization will raise tax revenue, while critics say it would increase pot use and crime. A recent Field Poll shows more voters opposing the initiative than supporting it.