1996 California Proposition 215
Proposition 215 was a proposition in the state of California on the November 5, 1996 ballot. It passed with 5,382,915 (55.6%) votes in favor and 4,301,960 (44.4%) against.
Also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, this was a state-wide voter initiative approved by California voters. It allows those with a valid doctor's recommendation to possess and cultivate marijuana for personal medical use. The Act added Section 11362.5 to the California Health and Safety Code. This law has caused much conflict in the United States between states' rights advocates and those who support a stronger federal presence.
Todd McCormick was the first person to be arrested for medical marijuana related charges after the passage of California Proposition 215.
The constitutionality of the federal Controlled Substances Act has been upheld by the Supreme Court. See: Gonzalez v. Raich.