A Los Angeles–based Israeli documentary filmmaker, Dan Katzir, used to be trailing Richard Lee. He stuck him reflecting through Oakland’s Lake Merritt. “I’m extra of a objective than ever,” Lee provided. “If we win, they bust me for retaliation. And, if we lose, they bust me simply because it’s open season on me. I’m useless both method. ” by way of Halloween, Proposition 19 looked as if it would have misplaced its charm with citizens. The California box ballot confirmed it wasting by way of a forty nine to forty two percentage margin. Emboldened, the No on 19 crusade stepped up assaults on provisions within the initiative that acknowledged humans couldn’t be “punished, fined,” or “discriminated opposed to” for utilizing marijuana. The competitors characterised the language as a gateway allowing excessive staff and on-the-job pot smoking. Their assaults overlooked a 2008 California ultimate courtroom determination relating to a Sacramento telecommunications worker and scientific marijuana consumer, Gary Ross, who used to be fired over result of a drug attempt taken as a of employment. The excellent court docket had upheld the firing—and employers’ rights to set place of work ideas for medications. yet a California Chamber of trade radio advert, stoking the fears of employers, sizzled: “Imagine popping out of surgical procedure and the nurse taking good care of you was once excessive, or having to paintings tougher in your activity to make up for a coworker who exhibits up excessive on pot. it could possibly occur in California if Proposition 19 passes. ” The depiction of the stoned nurse could linger within the ultimate stretch of the crusade. brief on money for a remaining advertisements blitz, Dan Rush approached representatives of Snoop Dogg. He requested if the pro-pot rapper, later to be referred to as Snoop Lion, may submit a video endorsement announcing anything “hip and good” in regards to the promise of legalization, hoping a viral net spot may perhaps rally students and different more youthful electorate to the poll field. a number of days ahead of the election, Snoop used to be on YouTube donning a knit cap with floppy puppy ears. His eyelids seemed heavy from pot. “I’m urging every body to head available in the market and vote on November 2. converse your brain. converse your voice,” he stated. Snoop then raised a joint. He took a few hits and paused to exhale. “And Proposition 19—you comprehend the place I stand on that. Very excessive. ” Dan Rush watched the internet video and cursed with horror. “That simply scared the hell out of each mother of within the fucking country,” he steamed. Neither a overdue $1-million contribution from billionaire philanthropist George Soros nor tv spots—featuring retired San Jose Police leader Joseph McNamara pointing out the battle on marijuana a failure—could rescue Proposition 19. The initiative misplaced through a fifty three. five percentage to forty six. five vote margin. Richard Lee positioned out an election evening assertion, noting the extraordinary, old aid. “The incontrovertible fact that hundreds of thousands of Californians voted to legalize marijuana is a big victory. . . . Proposition 19 has replaced the phrases of the debate,” he acknowledged. “Millions now comprehend it’s time to improve an go out process for the failed battle on marijuana. ” Lee quipped to journalists that the carefully funded initiative, for which he used to be the most important contributor, with $1.