The different structures of the two cannabis laws in California could create tough challenges for authorities to deal with, some experts have cautioned.

Proposition 64, a measure designed to make recreational marijuana legal, was approved by California voters in November. It is expected to allow recreational smokers to stroll into a licensed store and buy a favorite strain of the drug by Jan. 1, 2018.

A different marijuana law, viz. the Medical Cannabis Regulation & Safety Act, is meanwhile moving along a similar time line.

Lori Ajax, head of the state Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation, said some of the challenges would likely be created by the two marijuana laws’ different structures. Jim Wood, a representative of California’s 2nd Assembly District in the state Assembly, suggested that the two initiatives should be reconciled.

Speaking on the issue, Mr. Wood added, “It is a very real challenge. Do we have two systems that move in parallel or one unitary system that combines the two? My hope is that we can all sit down and work out the differences.”

The differences include tax disputes. While the Medical Cannabis Regulation & Safety Act only levies a retail tax; Proposition 64 aims to levy two taxes -- a 15 per cent tax on the retail price and a cultivation tax of $9.25 and $2.75 per ounce for flowers and leaves, respectively.