Pot legalization measure exposes Calif.’s conflicted relationship with the drug it popularized

Calif measure shows state’s conflicted link to pot

SAN FRANCISCO — It’s the land of hippies, Humboldt County and Cheech and Chong.

But in the state more closely associated with marijuana than any other, the ballot measure to legalize pot has exposed California’s conflicted relationship with the drug.

Pot growers have opposed it. Some police have favored it. Polls show the public is deeply divided. Nearly all major party candidates oppose the measure.

The measure gained ground in a Field Poll released Sunday, pulling ahead 49 percent to 42 percent among likely voters. Proponents say the measure is a way for the struggling state and its cities to raise badly needed funds.

Opponents argue that the proposed law would compromise public safety by gutting restrictions on driving and going to work while high.