Recreational Marijuana Legal In California, But For How Long?

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The battle over legal recreational marijuana is only beginning. Local control and other regulations are yet to be seen.

While the roots of a new industry are digging in to California society, those for, against, and tasked with regulating it are working on the limits of the law.

"You're going to see more of it, certainly," said Tim Rosales, "that's one of the impacts."

Rosales consulted on the No on Proposition 64 campaign. He says opponents still have a voice in molding the recently passed law.

"Going to have to take a look at is this what we really envisioned when we passed Prop. 64?" said Rosales.

Some areas opponents want to influence, include advertising and marketing, which Rosales says has loose regulation,

Signs for marijuana-related businesses, that often never even touch the product, are already popping up.

"They don't sell marijuana, don't deliver marijuana, but their advertising facilitating," said Rosales, "do the advertising regulations apply to them at all?"

Rosales says there is also a concern about pushing the limits of the law. Supporters wanted more freedom.

"There was still too much illegal about it," said Marcia Blount, "and they're correct. It's very very restrictive."

Blount is a cannabis advocate. She and other supporters plan to try and influence local control

"The sky is not going to fall when they allow cannabis in their localities," said Blount.

But the positive vibes from pot supporters also have side effects.
President Elect Donald Trump has said he's not in favor of recreational marijuana.

"There are now how many states that legalize marijuana? This is a big issue," said Roy Little.

He is a former Federal Prosecutor. Right now, marijuana is illegal under federal law. But the Obama Administration has deferred to the states to decide if they will allow its use. Will Trump and his new team do the same?

"You can bet Rudy Giuliani is gonna come in to office if he's the attorney general and I'm not sure he will be and this will be first on his plate," said Little.

Blount says trump has indicated he will leave it up to the state to decide.

"All we can do is cross our fingers and hope," said Blount.