Legalization of Cannabis

[SHRED]

I like the way California is attempting it.

Two prong approach:
Personal usage and allowing farmers and industry to grow and utilize hemp.

Downplaying the commercialization of personal use and going forward with the understanding that tax revenues to be gained from industrial hemp growth and utilization is where the real impact will be felt revenue wise.

I know that those currently growing are enjoying an artificially inflated market price.
Those relying on it to make a living would have to modify what they are doing considering the price would fall through the floor and become priced...well...like a weed.

Personal Use Initiative:

1490. (11-0011, Amdt. #1S)
Marijuana Legalization. Initiative Statute.
Summary Date: 07/22/11 | Circulation Deadline: 12/19/11 | Signatures Required: 504,760
Proponents: James P. Gray, Steve Kubby, and William McPike [phone]

Decriminalizes marijuana sales, distribution, possession, use, cultivation, processing, and transportation by persons 21 or older. Dismisses pending court actions inconsistent with its provisions. Prohibits advertising, except medical marijuana. Prohibits zoning restrictions on marijuana cultivation and processing. Applies existing agricultural taxes and regulations to marijuana; exempts noncommercial production up to 25 flowering plants or 12 pounds processed marijuana annually. Authorizes retail sales of marijuana with one percent THC or more to persons 21 or older; if less, no age limit. Directs state and local officials to not cooperate with enforcement of federal laws inconsistent with its provisions. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: The fiscal effects of this measure could vary substantially depending on: (1) the extent to which the federal government continues to enforce federal marijuana laws and (2) the specific taxes and regulations applied to marijuana. Savings of potentially several tens of millions of dollars annually to state and local governments on the costs of incarcerating and supervising certain marijuana offenders. Potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in net additional tax revenues related to the production and sale of marijuana products. (11-0011.) (Full Text)

Hemp Legalization:

At the bottom is a link to letters of support from the groups in bold. Not exactly the stereotypical "hippie" nonsense portrayed in the media. In fact these are conservative leaning groups to be sure.
The Gov is in a tough spot. I am sure the national party leadership will want him to veto it for political posturing but if he does he will piss off a lot of people here in CA from a wide political spectrum.



California Hemp Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature
A bill that would allow farmers in four California counties to grow industrial hemp has passed the state legislature and now sits on the desk of Gov. Jerry Brown (D) awaiting his signature. The bill, Senate Bill 676, the California Industrial Hemp Farming Act, passed the Senate earlier this year, then passed the Assembly last week.
http://cannabis.hawaiinewsdaily.com/2011/09/12/california-hemp-bill-awaits-governors-signature

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Introduced by Senator Mark Leno early in 2011, SB 676 would create an 8-year pilot program to allow industrial hemp farming in four California counties: Kern, Kings, Imperial, and San Joaquin. This is the third time in ten years that the California legislature has passed a hemp farming bill. However, SB 676 is further refined than previous bills and has significant support from businesses, farming groups, local governments, labor unions, and even law enforcement.

The bill is endorsed by the California State Grange, the UCFW-5, the Imperial County Farm Bureau, California Certified Organic Growers and other leading farm organizations. In August, the Kings County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to support the bill. Significantly, the Kings and Kern County Sheriffs have also submitted letters in support of the bill, with Kings County Sheriff Dan Robinson leading the charge on behalf of law enforcement.

http://www.votehemp.com/letters.html

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