Conservative coalition tells Californians to oppose proposition legalizing marijuana for recreational use

A coalition of faith leaders, law enforcement, politicians and healthcare officials are urging residents of California to vote against the proposition that would legalize marijuana for recreational use.

California is one of five states that is scheduled to vote on the legalization of recreational marijuana this November. If approved, Proposition 64 will allow people above the age of 21 to possess up to an ounce of marijuana. According to Civilized, it would also make it legal for residents to grow up to six cannabis plants per household.

The measure is opposed by conservative groups and individuals who have warned that legalizing marijuana would be "disastrous" for the state.

"California would be in a satanic world plagued with drugs in the future!" the coalition said in a statement. The group pointed out that the proposition also allows marijuana advertisements on TV shows, which would expose children to drug use.

"This hurts our future generations seriously and represents major regression of our society. Consumption of marijuana by children will definitely increase," the coalition warned.

The group also argued that the tax revenue from the sales of marijuana will be offset by the legal and health problems resulting from drug use.

"Cal Prop 64 would bring in much needed tax revenue is a lie. We will spend much more on related legal and health problems as well as drug rehabilitation," the statement continued.

"Prop 64 also specifies that tax money from it can only be used for specific purposes such as research on marijuana but not on California General Fund; that is not for education, roads, and welfare," it added.

California Highway Patrolmen Association, a member of the coalition, argued that the legalization of marijuana would increase traffic accidents and fatalities. Other Proposition 64 opponents who are members of law enforcement asserted that it would also increase criminal activity.

Supporters of the proposition have dismissed the concerns of the opponents as scare tactics, adding that the same arguments were used during the Prohibition Era when the government imposed a ban on alcohol.

Other members of the coalition opposing Proposition 64 include Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Dr. Brad Dacus of Pacific Justice Institute, California Hospitals Association, California Police Chiefs Association, California District Attorneys Association, and Organization for Justice and Equality.