Showing posts with label california. Show all posts
Showing posts with label california. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Oakland Becomes the FIRST in the Nation to Approve The Regulation of Industrial Marijuana Facilities
The City of Oakland last week became the first City in the Nation to approve the creation and regulation of 4 Industrial Marijuana production facilities. Marijuana would be grown, packaged, and processed for the 4 Medical Marijuana Dispensary's in the City. This measure was also enacted by keeping in mind Proposition 19, which is the Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010. The Proposition if passed, will Legalize Marijuana and allow state and local governments to regulate and tax the plant. It will be on the Statewide ballot this November 2nd, 2010. The City of Oakland will also require the privately owned Warehouses they license, to have $3 million dollars worth of insurance, hire Security Staff, and pay $211,000 in a permit fee each year. The City of Oakland will also vote this Fall on similar regulations to regulate small scale grow facilities. Other cities like Berkley, Sacramento, and Long Beach are discussing similar proposals. First the Oaksterdam District and now this. Oakland seems to embrace that Marijuana is not very harmful and will be legalized soon, rather then later. So they are Cashing in. Way to go Oakland.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Say Hello...and YES to California Proposition 19, Regulate & Tax Cannabis 2010
Proposition 19
Initiative Statute
1377. (09-0024. Amdt. #1S) - Final Random Sample Update - 03/24/10
Changes California Law to Legalize Marijuana and Allow It to Be Regulated and Taxed.
Qualified: 03/24/10
Proponents: Richard Seib Lee and Jeffrey Wayne Jones (510) 208-4554
Allows people 21 years old or older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use. Permits local governments to regulate and tax commercial production and sale of marijuana to people 21 years old or older. Prohibits people from possessing marijuana on school grounds, using it in public, smoking it while minors are present, or providing it to anyone under 21 years old. Maintains current prohibitions against driving while impaired. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Savings of up to several tens of millions of dollars annually to state and local governments on the costs of incarcerating and supervising certain marijuana offenders. Unknown but potentially major tax, fee, and benefit assessment revenues to state and local government related to the production and sale of marijuana products. (09-0024.) (Full Text)
Read more about the Qualified Ballot Measures here
Initiative Statute
1377. (09-0024. Amdt. #1S) - Final Random Sample Update - 03/24/10
Changes California Law to Legalize Marijuana and Allow It to Be Regulated and Taxed.
Qualified: 03/24/10
Proponents: Richard Seib Lee and Jeffrey Wayne Jones (510) 208-4554
Allows people 21 years old or older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use. Permits local governments to regulate and tax commercial production and sale of marijuana to people 21 years old or older. Prohibits people from possessing marijuana on school grounds, using it in public, smoking it while minors are present, or providing it to anyone under 21 years old. Maintains current prohibitions against driving while impaired. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Savings of up to several tens of millions of dollars annually to state and local governments on the costs of incarcerating and supervising certain marijuana offenders. Unknown but potentially major tax, fee, and benefit assessment revenues to state and local government related to the production and sale of marijuana products. (09-0024.) (Full Text)
Read more about the Qualified Ballot Measures here
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
West Hollywood Councilman is first politician in Southern California to endorse statewide initiative to legalize Marijuana
Check this Article Out from the LA Weekly. West Hollywood Councilman John Duran is the first politician of Southern California to publicly Endorse the state-wide initiative, The Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010. This initiative got the 430,000 plus required signatures from registered voters in order to get the initiative on the November 2010 Ballot. They shattered the requirement by getting 680,000 plus signatures. The count is not official, but it is safe to say that in November 2010 we will be voting on the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes and taxing it just like we do with the regulation of alcohol and Tobacco. Lets go California and lets be the first in our Nation to legalize Marijuana!
-Miguel Garcia
*Thanks to taxcannabis.org, laweekly.com for the articles.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Politics Daily: California Insurer Offers Medical Marijuana Coverage
A California Insurance company is now offering medical Marijuana coverage to Dispensary operators in all 5o states according the Sacramento Bee. Only 14 states have legalized Medical Marijuana but the coverage extends to all 5o states to avoid any delay once that day comes where Marijuana will be legalized in all 5o states. So this is good news for those who hope to operate a Dispensary/collective one day and for those who already do. Now I wonder if other insurance companies will follow suit.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
MAPS' 2010 Conference
MAPS' The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies
MAPS' 2010 Conference
Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century
April 15-18, 2010 • San Jose, California
Open to physicians, healthcare professionals, and the general public
MAPS' 2010 Conference
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Legalizing Marijuana for the Right Reasons
This is an essay written by yours truly for a college course. Not my greatest writing, but worth a read. Just so there is no confusion, I am for the legalization of marijuana. This essay, however, is not intended to sway anyone to become an advocate or opponent of the legalization of marijuana, rather it is intended to get people off their asses and conduct their own research, find the truth and learn about marijuana directly from users and evidence, as apposed to old fashioned parental advice, politicians and advertising.
Legalizing Marijuana for the Right Reasons
The current debate, in which the citizens of the State of California and the United States of America in general, are engaged in, seems to be exhausting. The medicinal debate appears to be over, now replaced with the seemingly more desperate search for an easy way out of our current economic state. Taxpayers, with the weight of the budget on their shoulders should be reminded of the old video clip of, current California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger lifting weights and weighing in on his feelings on the controversial drug. Now, that word, drug, is a word which does not accurately define marijuana for many. Perhaps, the purpose of the current debates should shift and instead focus not on making up for lost money, but toward studying closely what we know and do not know about marijuana. What facts and myths are influencing society and how it perceives marijuana? How has legal reform affected other countries? Is marijuana like other drugs or a gateway to other drugs? The answers are out there.
Tobacco, Alcohol and countless other daily use substances such as caffeine, appear to be the focus for a majority of the folks who would have you and I believe that marijuana is unhealthful and immoral. Claims of marijuana degrading the socialization of teens, sucking them dry of any ambition or desire of success are extreme at minimum. This viewpoint is old fashioned at best, quite possibly racist in foundation and exceptionally limited in any backing with substance. History will show, quite accurately, the process in which marijuana became illegal in this country.
In the book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” by Jack Herer, there is the factual story of Harry J. Anslinger, first Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (now defunct) and how his influence allowed for the racist-driven illegalization of a substance associated with Mexicans and African-Americans. Police reports and other claims of rape and murder by individuals under the influence of marijuana were used to strike fear into the hearts of citizens. The claim, however, that these awful crimes were directly attributed to use of marijuana as apposed to good old fashioned sociopathy is obviously unwarranted.
Looking closely at marijuana users and the culture they are involved in may show many outsiders exactly the difference between what society believes and accepts as truth and the reality of the situation. Potheads, stoners, dopers – so many names to describe unsavory marijuana smokers and their entourage circle of smoker friends. The truth is, not all marijuana smokers are low-lifes, but many are highly respected members of society (pun intended). From law, business and marketing to the usual music, movies and the like, the positions marijuana users hold in society varies. Students of high school and college, even the unfortunate junior high and elementary children have been exposed to marijuana. Remember one thing we know about one person in particular, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. This individual who has recently spoke about opening a discussion on the subject, has used marijuana in the past and has been a successful former body-builder, an actor, and now, politician. Anyone from any walk of life, involved in any type of occupation, could be a marijuana smoker, well user at least. Wait, is there a difference between a marijuana smoker and a marijuana user? Well, yes and no. Marijuana smokers are users, however not all users are smokers. How could that be?
Smoking is the most common and popular usage of marijuana consumption, but it is not the only one. Recently, vaporization of marijuana or actually of the THC within the plant matter has become increasingly popular. Vaporization eliminates many of the harmful carcinogens created when combustion of the plant material occurs. This creates a much safer and healthier method of using marijuana. Many of us have also heard of laced brownies and space-cakes, which are baked goods with marijuana as a key ingredient. Does eating marijuana do harm to an individuals body or mental state? Not many studies I have read through ever even mention this. Information. That is the near equivalent of the age-old question of marijuana being harmful to people who consume marijuana at all. Debates have stirred, studies have been conducted, yet it seems we are nowhere near the answers to these questions. Do we lack the technology or understanding of marijuana to study it appropriately? I believe that is impossible at this juncture, since marijuana has been around for approximately 4,000-5,000 years, which we know of.
Users and non-users alike can agree that substance abuse affects, not only those who do the abusing, but those around them as well. But it is the abuse, not the substance, which lends a hand in disruptive and destructive behavior. The abuse is the responsibility of the individual partaking in such substances, and in some cases, anyone else who is enabling the abuse to continue. This has been evident in codependent family systems studied in the past and is still recognized today. These are the real issues with marijuana.
A person with the hopes of truly becoming informed on the subject of marijuana law need only research the history of prohibition in the United States. Research the violence related to alcohol before, during, and after prohibition. Investigate the numerous health problems and legal ramifications of the legalization and regulation of tobacco, including marketing limits. Research the many examples of marijuana law reform in the United States and overseas. By conducting research within your own community, as well as others, you may find real people with real voices who may not have been heard by everyone. The point is to research on your own, to get involved and most importantly, focus on marijuana - not every other substance that is legal or otherwise. Focus on the people who use and do not use marijuana. Those affected by its existence, positively or negatively. No death of a human has ever been documented in the history of this plant. Yes, it's just a plant. Can a plant be immoral? Can a plant be irresponsible? I hope the focus can be shifted back to the people. All people. We are all responsible to be active and involved in the debate as well as the social implications. Are you ready? I am.
Legalizing Marijuana for the Right Reasons
The current debate, in which the citizens of the State of California and the United States of America in general, are engaged in, seems to be exhausting. The medicinal debate appears to be over, now replaced with the seemingly more desperate search for an easy way out of our current economic state. Taxpayers, with the weight of the budget on their shoulders should be reminded of the old video clip of, current California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger lifting weights and weighing in on his feelings on the controversial drug. Now, that word, drug, is a word which does not accurately define marijuana for many. Perhaps, the purpose of the current debates should shift and instead focus not on making up for lost money, but toward studying closely what we know and do not know about marijuana. What facts and myths are influencing society and how it perceives marijuana? How has legal reform affected other countries? Is marijuana like other drugs or a gateway to other drugs? The answers are out there.
Tobacco, Alcohol and countless other daily use substances such as caffeine, appear to be the focus for a majority of the folks who would have you and I believe that marijuana is unhealthful and immoral. Claims of marijuana degrading the socialization of teens, sucking them dry of any ambition or desire of success are extreme at minimum. This viewpoint is old fashioned at best, quite possibly racist in foundation and exceptionally limited in any backing with substance. History will show, quite accurately, the process in which marijuana became illegal in this country.
In the book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” by Jack Herer, there is the factual story of Harry J. Anslinger, first Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (now defunct) and how his influence allowed for the racist-driven illegalization of a substance associated with Mexicans and African-Americans. Police reports and other claims of rape and murder by individuals under the influence of marijuana were used to strike fear into the hearts of citizens. The claim, however, that these awful crimes were directly attributed to use of marijuana as apposed to good old fashioned sociopathy is obviously unwarranted.
Looking closely at marijuana users and the culture they are involved in may show many outsiders exactly the difference between what society believes and accepts as truth and the reality of the situation. Potheads, stoners, dopers – so many names to describe unsavory marijuana smokers and their entourage circle of smoker friends. The truth is, not all marijuana smokers are low-lifes, but many are highly respected members of society (pun intended). From law, business and marketing to the usual music, movies and the like, the positions marijuana users hold in society varies. Students of high school and college, even the unfortunate junior high and elementary children have been exposed to marijuana. Remember one thing we know about one person in particular, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. This individual who has recently spoke about opening a discussion on the subject, has used marijuana in the past and has been a successful former body-builder, an actor, and now, politician. Anyone from any walk of life, involved in any type of occupation, could be a marijuana smoker, well user at least. Wait, is there a difference between a marijuana smoker and a marijuana user? Well, yes and no. Marijuana smokers are users, however not all users are smokers. How could that be?
Smoking is the most common and popular usage of marijuana consumption, but it is not the only one. Recently, vaporization of marijuana or actually of the THC within the plant matter has become increasingly popular. Vaporization eliminates many of the harmful carcinogens created when combustion of the plant material occurs. This creates a much safer and healthier method of using marijuana. Many of us have also heard of laced brownies and space-cakes, which are baked goods with marijuana as a key ingredient. Does eating marijuana do harm to an individuals body or mental state? Not many studies I have read through ever even mention this. Information. That is the near equivalent of the age-old question of marijuana being harmful to people who consume marijuana at all. Debates have stirred, studies have been conducted, yet it seems we are nowhere near the answers to these questions. Do we lack the technology or understanding of marijuana to study it appropriately? I believe that is impossible at this juncture, since marijuana has been around for approximately 4,000-5,000 years, which we know of.
Users and non-users alike can agree that substance abuse affects, not only those who do the abusing, but those around them as well. But it is the abuse, not the substance, which lends a hand in disruptive and destructive behavior. The abuse is the responsibility of the individual partaking in such substances, and in some cases, anyone else who is enabling the abuse to continue. This has been evident in codependent family systems studied in the past and is still recognized today. These are the real issues with marijuana.
A person with the hopes of truly becoming informed on the subject of marijuana law need only research the history of prohibition in the United States. Research the violence related to alcohol before, during, and after prohibition. Investigate the numerous health problems and legal ramifications of the legalization and regulation of tobacco, including marketing limits. Research the many examples of marijuana law reform in the United States and overseas. By conducting research within your own community, as well as others, you may find real people with real voices who may not have been heard by everyone. The point is to research on your own, to get involved and most importantly, focus on marijuana - not every other substance that is legal or otherwise. Focus on the people who use and do not use marijuana. Those affected by its existence, positively or negatively. No death of a human has ever been documented in the history of this plant. Yes, it's just a plant. Can a plant be immoral? Can a plant be irresponsible? I hope the focus can be shifted back to the people. All people. We are all responsible to be active and involved in the debate as well as the social implications. Are you ready? I am.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
California, the Governator and Pot!
Well, it seems the decriminalization or legalization of Marijuana, as well as the taxing of it (knew that was in there, didn't ya?) has finally come into focus as California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, agreed to begin a discussion on the topic. This comes soon after a recent call from Mexican officials to the US government regarding an open discussion regarding Marijuana policy, specifically to alleviate the growing cartel wars in along many US-Mexico border cities. Reefer Madless expected as much in California, especially after a visit by President Obama to the neighbor country following a highly publicized debate on ending marijuana prohibition, held by Mexico's Congress. Mexico’s Ambassador is known to have stated, regarding Marijuana prohibition “Needs to Be Taken Seriously”.
Schwarzenegger stated "I think it's time for a debate", bringing a much needed call for discussion, especially after recent polls show 56% of Californians agreed, Marijuana should soon be legalized and taxed. With the state of the economy and violent criminal activities stemming from illegal drug trade operations between California and Mexico, we here at Reefer Madless say - "Why not?"
James P. Gray, a retired Orange County Superior Court judge and a member of LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition), had this to say "Once people allow themselves to discuss the issue of treating marijuana like alcohol, the result is pre-ordained. Today marijuana is fully available for anyone that wants it -- expressly including our children -- so why not regulate and control it, and tax it as well? That will reduce the violence in its distribution, and bring in needed revenue for government"
Read the full article found here on HuffingtonPost.com:
Arnold: Time To Talk About Legalizing Pot
PEACE
Schwarzenegger stated "I think it's time for a debate", bringing a much needed call for discussion, especially after recent polls show 56% of Californians agreed, Marijuana should soon be legalized and taxed. With the state of the economy and violent criminal activities stemming from illegal drug trade operations between California and Mexico, we here at Reefer Madless say - "Why not?"
James P. Gray, a retired Orange County Superior Court judge and a member of LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition), had this to say "Once people allow themselves to discuss the issue of treating marijuana like alcohol, the result is pre-ordained. Today marijuana is fully available for anyone that wants it -- expressly including our children -- so why not regulate and control it, and tax it as well? That will reduce the violence in its distribution, and bring in needed revenue for government"
Read the full article found here on HuffingtonPost.com:
Arnold: Time To Talk About Legalizing Pot
PEACE
Monday, May 4, 2009
Reefer Madless is here!
This blog is just a start up now, but I would like to address issues of Marijuana law reform, usage, urban myths and other information related to Marijuana. The focal point of this blog will be to acknowledge the ever growing demand for Marijuana law reform in the United States. This blog hails form California, Northern California to be more exact.
Because of the medical marijuana laws in our great Golden state, I will occasionally do an overview of what strains are going around and maybe give a review of the strains that cross my path.
I hope to add a continual stream of information, opinions, editorials, interviews and more with the help of my Business major cousin who lives in Southern California. Additional support may come from my Sociology/Ethnic Studies major girlfriend who lives here in Nor.Cal. with me.
Until next time when we really begin, this is Grey Matter posting for RYME/RYMEdesign.com
Welcome to REEFER MADLESS! Where we debunk the junk in the governments trunk!
PEACE
Because of the medical marijuana laws in our great Golden state, I will occasionally do an overview of what strains are going around and maybe give a review of the strains that cross my path.
I hope to add a continual stream of information, opinions, editorials, interviews and more with the help of my Business major cousin who lives in Southern California. Additional support may come from my Sociology/Ethnic Studies major girlfriend who lives here in Nor.Cal. with me.
Until next time when we really begin, this is Grey Matter posting for RYME/RYMEdesign.com
Welcome to REEFER MADLESS! Where we debunk the junk in the governments trunk!
PEACE
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