More big rec endorsements in California, Arizona

Recreational marijuana legalization initiatives in two states netted some notable endorsements on Monday.

In California, the state’s Democratic Party chapter announced its support of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), the rec initiative backed by billionaire Sean Parker. That makes it the first legalization measure to receive the formal support of a major statewide party.

The endorsement “underscores the responsible and consensus approach of the (AUMA) and strengthens what is already the largest, most enthusiastic and most diverse coalition ever assembled in support of a marijuana legalization effort,” campaign manager Brian Brokaw said in a press release.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat representing Arizona, came out in favor of the Marijuana Policy Project’s campaign to legalize adult-use cannabis in his state. Gallego said that regulating and taxing marijuana “represents a far more sensible approach to marijuana” for Arizona.

The endorsements both come on the heels of several other key announcements of support in California as well as Nevada for full legalization.