Assembly Plants Seed for Legal Pot in California

[AUTiger1]

I saw this the other day and debated on posting it.  I remember the last discussion that went on for days. We know where everyone stands on this topic, but why the hell not discuss it again? The SGA has only had about one post every five days or so for a while now.  The only thing that has my attention sports wise right now is recruiting and the playoffs.

If this passes, what states are next, how many will try to legalize it?  Can it be regulated like alcohol and will the tax revenue really increase as much as some believe?  Even if it doesn't pass, will this cause some other states to try and bring it up for a vote?  Thoughts and opinions?

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/politics/Planting-the-Seed-for-Legal-Pot-81222877.html

Assembly Plants Seed for Legal Pot in California

Lawmakers consider bill to allow pot for pleasure
By JESSICA GREENE
The first step to legalize marijuana in California is on a roll.

Lawmakers on Tuesday approved Assembly Bill 390 -- legislation to tax and regulate marijuana. The Assembly's Public Safety Committee voted 4-3 on bill at a hearing in Sacramento. The bill will now be passed to the full Assembly on Friday for consideration.

The bill, authored by San Francisco Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, would essentially treat pot the same way alcohol is treated under the law and would allow adults over 21 to possess, smoke and grow marijuana.
The law would also call for a fee of $50 per ounce sold and would help fund drug eradication and awareness programs. It could help  pull California out of debt, supporters say, raising up to $990 million from the fees.

Among the supporters of legalizing marijuana is a group of police, judges and prosecutors who formed a group called Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. The organization firmly believes that legalizing marijuana for adults will help improve American society by restricting youth access to it and taking the attraction away from cartels that traffic pot as an illegal substance.

"The mere fact that there will be votes in the Assembly to regulate and control the sale and distribution of marijuana would have been unthinkable even one year ago." Retired Orange County California Supreme Court Judge Jim Gray said via a statement from the group. "And if the bill doesn't pass this year, it will soon. Or, the bill will be irrelevant because the voters will have passed the measure to regulate and tax marijuana that will be on the ballot this November."

Gray testified before the assembly's informational hearing in October 2009 and defined the group's position about why they are for overturning the prohibition on marijuana.

This is the first time in U.S. history any state legislative body has ever considered repealing marijuana prohibition, which has been in place since 1913.

[Kaos]

I saw this the other day and debated on posting it.  I remember the last discussion that went on for days. We know where everyone stands on this topic, but why the hell not discuss it again? The SGA has only had about one post every five days or so for a while now.  The only thing that has my attention sports wise right now is recruiting and the playoffs.

If this passes, what states are next, how many will try to legalize it?  Can it be regulated like alcohol and will the tax revenue really increase as much as some believe?  Even if it doesn't pass, will this cause some other states to try and bring it up for a vote?  Thoughts and opinions?

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/politics/Planting-the-Seed-for-Legal-Pot-81222877.html

Boo.

Gotta draw the line somewhere. 

[CCTAU]

Let them TOKE!
Let them TOKE!
Let them TOKE!
Let them TOKE!
Let them TOKE!
Let them TOKE!
Let them TOKE!
Let them TOKE!

[Tarheel]

I saw this the other day and debated on posting it.  I remember the last discussion that went on for days. We know where everyone stands on this topic, but why the hell not discuss it again? The SGA has only had about one post every five days or so for a while now.  The only thing that has my attention sports wise right now is recruiting and the playoffs.

If this passes, what states are next, how many will try to legalize it?  Can it be regulated like alcohol and will the tax revenue really increase as much as some believe?  Even if it doesn't pass, will this cause some other states to try and bring it up for a vote?  Thoughts and opinions?

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/politics/Planting-the-Seed-for-Legal-Pot-81222877.html

Well the last time we discussed this I recall Ogre posting something about the results of legalization of Marijuana in Portugal which indicated lower use among the population.  I thought that the remarkable decrease in use was compelling however what that graph didn't tell us was how highly regulated and taxed Marijuana has become in that country. 

'Legalization' there simply allowed individuals to have a certain very small amount at any given time (I don't recall just how much offhand) for personal use, more than that allowed amount is still illegal, buying it from the black market is illegal, growing it is illegal, selling it (other than through Government clinics) is illegal, DUI of marijuana is highly illegal, using too much of it will trigger mandatory psychological and medical counseling (the Government knows how much you use from your purchase history I gathered), etc.  I thought that if I had to navigate such a maze of regulations just to get a cigar, a beer, or a whiskey drink I'd cut back on that a lot too. 

At any rate I think the Portugal model does prove that it can be 'legalized' with the desired result of lower use.  I may revisit it to see if there's any additional information.

Certainly if the states start doing some form of legalized use it seems to me that FedGov will eventually have to revisit the Federal laws.  I guess since we have a leftist, Dope-friendly dope in the White House chances are looking up for the Pot-heads getting legalization passed in the next few years.

[CCTAU]

Well the last time we discussed this I recall Ogre posting something about the results of legalization of Marijuana in Portugal which indicated lower use among the population.  I thought that the remarkable decrease in use was compelling however what that graph didn't tell us was how highly regulated and taxed Marijuana has become in that country. 

'Legalization' there simply allowed individuals to have a certain very small amount at any given time (I don't recall just how much offhand) for personal use, more than that allowed amount is still illegal, buying it from the black market is illegal, growing it is illegal, selling it (other than through Government clinics) is illegal, DUI of marijuana is highly illegal, using too much of it will trigger mandatory psychological and medical counseling (the Government knows how much you use from your purchase history I gathered), etc.  I thought that if I had to navigate such a maze of regulations just to get a cigar, a beer, or a whiskey drink I'd cut back on that a lot too. 

At any rate I think the Portugal model does prove that it can be 'legalized' with the desired result of lower use.  I may revisit it to see if there's any additional information.

Certainly if the states start doing some form of legalized use it seems to me that FedGov will eventually have to revisit the Federal laws.  I guess since we have a leftist, Dope-friendly dope in the White House chances are looking up for the Pot-heads getting legalization passed in the next few years.

Hehe. Portugal = boil on a gnats ass.

US = elephants ass.

No way to regulate MJ that tightly in the US. They tried it with alcohol, did not work.

 

[AUTiger1]

Well the last time we discussed this I recall Ogre posting something about the results of legalization of Marijuana in Portugal which indicated lower use among the population.  I thought that the remarkable decrease in use was compelling however what that graph didn't tell us was how highly regulated and taxed Marijuana has become in that country. 

'Legalization' there simply allowed individuals to have a certain very small amount at any given time (I don't recall just how much offhand) for personal use, more than that allowed amount is still illegal, buying it from the black market is illegal, growing it is illegal, selling it (other than through Government clinics) is illegal, DUI of marijuana is highly illegal, using too much of it will trigger mandatory psychological and medical counseling (the Government knows how much you use from your purchase history I gathered), etc.  I thought that if I had to navigate such a maze of regulations just to get a cigar, a beer, or a whiskey drink I'd cut back on that a lot too. 

At any rate I think the Portugal model does prove that it can be 'legalized' with the desired result of lower use.  I may revisit it to see if there's any additional information.

Certainly if the states start doing some form of legalized use it seems to me that FedGov will eventually have to revisit the Federal laws.  I guess since we have a leftist, Dope-friendly dope in the White House chances are looking up for the Pot-heads getting legalization passed in the next few years.

I don't know if it will pass or not.  To be honest, I have looked into it enough to see if it has any real support.  If it does then I figure there will be several other states that will look into it.  Agree that if states start to pass this, then the FedGov's hand will be forced to take a look at the Federal laws.  I don't see anyway around that.

If it doesn't pass, I am curious to see if any other states will try and bring it up for a vote.  One would think that if one state doesn't pass it, then another will not even attempt it, but we know that is not always the case. 

I think it can be legalized and regulated, but I don't think it will go without any hitches.  CCTAU makes a point, you have 10 million people compare to 310 million.  Plus the difference in size.  It will make it harder to regulate and to keep someone from growing it in their garden....etc...etc...etc....

I also wonder what it produce in tax revenue.  When we get down to it, isn't this what it is really all about?  I don't think the politicians care at all about the "general welfare" of those who would partake.  The bottom line is all about the $$$$ and how much it will benefit them to push through agendas and pet projects.  It all who it is that provides the goods, what the price will be and what percentage they decide to tax it.  It could be so regulated and costly to the consumer that they will not use as much.  Either that or grow their own illegally. 

From what you said earlier about what Ogre posted.  If the US were to follow a model like the one in Portugal, your true Libertarians (who usually push for legalizing drugs) would not like that the Gov't would know their purchase history don't you think?   

[Tarheel]

Hehe. Portugal = boil on a gnats ass.

US = elephants ass.

No way to regulate MJ that tightly in the US. They tried it with alcohol, did not work.

 

I didn't mean to imply that that model would work here.  But, the way the current leftist clowns that are running things in DC think about the nanny state and more government being better I would not be surprised if they tried something like this should the move to legalize MJ gain any traction.

[Tarheel]

I don't know if it will pass or not.  To be honest, I have looked into it enough to see if it has any real support.  If it does then I figure there will be several other states that will look into it.  Agree that if states start to pass this, then the FedGov's hand will be forced to take a look at the Federal laws.  I don't see anyway around that.

If it doesn't pass, I am curious to see if any other states will try and bring it up for a vote.  One would think that if one state doesn't pass it, then another will not even attempt it, but we know that is not always the case. 

I think it can be legalized and regulated, but I don't think it will go without any hitches.  CCTAU makes a point, you have 10 million people compare to 310 million.  Plus the difference in size.  It will make it harder to regulate and to keep someone from growing it in their garden....etc...etc...etc....

I also wonder what it produce in tax revenue.  When we get down to it, isn't this what it is really all about?  I don't think the politicians care at all about the "general welfare" of those who would partake.  The bottom line is all about the $$$$ and how much it will benefit them to push through agendas and pet projects.  It all who it is that provides the goods, what the price will be and what percentage they decide to tax it.  It could be so regulated and costly to the consumer that they will not use as much.  Either that or grow their own illegally. 

From what you said earlier about what Ogre posted.  If the US were to follow a model like the one in Portugal, your true Libertarians (who usually push for legalizing drugs) would not like that the Gov't would know their purchase history don't you think?   

I gather that the true libertarians are looking for legalization with very minimal or no interference from FedGov in terms of possessing, using, growing, selling, buying, etc. but I just don't see that happening even if it is legalized.  I do entirely agree that FedGov will certainly want it's 'cut' of any tax revenue which means there will be continued interference and they'll be interested in the 'general welfare' only to the extent that they can regulate further controls over us (not that I'm a Pot head, just using that term in a general sense).

[Ogre]

Being a libertarian, I don't want the federal government telling me what I can and can not do with my own body.  That's the bottom line for me. 

That said, I don't see why the FedGov can't regulate it and tax it like they do alcohol.  People can brew beer in their house if they so choose, so why (if it was legalized) shouldn't someone be able to grow their own pot?  Most potheads are lazy, so if they had a choice of growing their own or running to the store to buy some, I think 95% would choose the latter.  Throw a sin tax on it and as CCTAU said, Let Them TOKE!

[Tarheel]

Being a libertarian, I don't want the federal government telling me what I can and can not do with my own body.  That's the bottom line for me. 

That said, I don't see why the FedGov can't regulate it and tax it like they do alcohol.  People can brew beer in their house if they so choose, so why (if it was legalized) shouldn't someone be able to grow their own pot?  Most potheads are lazy, so if they had a choice of growing their own or running to the store to buy some, I think 95% would choose the latter.  Throw a sin tax on it and as CCTAU said, Let Them TOKE!

Being a Conservative Republican I believe the same thing.  The reality is that should it be legalized you can bet on expecting something along the lines of the Portugal Model (unless the Revolution starts before then...).  These clowns in DC no matter what party affiliation live for power and control, they love it, they govern for it; that's their number one motive for anything...not the will of the people they supposedly represent.

[AUTiger1]

Being a libertarian, I don't want the federal government telling me what I can and can not do with my own body.  That's the bottom line for me. 

That said, I don't see why the FedGov can't regulate it and tax it like they do alcohol.  People can brew beer in their house if they so choose, so why (if it was legalized) shouldn't someone be able to grow their own pot?  Most potheads are lazy, so if they had a choice of growing their own or running to the store to buy some, I think 95% would choose the latter.  Throw a sin tax on it and as CCTAU said, Let Them TOKE!

Do you follow the Protugal model or something else?   I can see where you still get the tax from brewing your beer.  You have to buy the goods and pay a tax on them to brew your own.   So how do you "tax and regulate" someone that grows their own?  I agree, most would go buy it at the store.  Is it something that you could purchase at a liquor store/gas stations, or separate?  Do we set limits on how much can be bought?  Age limit?   Not being pushy, I am just asking opinions since it is actually going up for a vote. 

[Tarheel]

Do you follow the Protugal model or something else?   I can see where you still get the tax from brewing your beer.  You have to buy the goods and pay a tax on them to brew your own.   So how do you "tax and regulate" someone that grows their own?  I agree, most would go buy it at the store.  Is it something that you could purchase at a liquor store/gas stations, or separate?  Do we set limits on how much can be bought?  Age limit?   Not being pushy, I am just asking opinions since it is actually going up for a vote. 

I can see FedGov doing something along the lines of the ABC stores that we have in North Carolina (Alcohol Control Board stores) all run by the ABC Commission in the state.  Unlike Georgia, liquor in NC (other than beer or wine) must be purchased in the Commission stores where the state controls the distribution and, obviously, collection of tax revenue.  Each county in NC must have the voters approve the sale of liquor by Commission stores so some counties have them and some don't.  So it is localized to a certain extent.

[Ogre]

I can see FedGov doing something along the lines of the ABC stores that we have in North Carolina (Alcohol Control Board stores) all run by the ABC Commission in the state.  Unlike Georgia, liquor in NC (other than beer or wine) must be purchased in the Commission stores where the state controls the distribution and, obviously, collection of tax revenue.  Each county in NC must have the voters approve the sale of liquor by Commission stores so some counties have them and some don't.  So it is localized to a certain extent.

Excellent post.  This is basically what I envisioned. 

[Tarheel]

Excellent post.  This is basically what I envisioned. 

Why thank you.

By the bye, I hear you aren't coming to the TigersX BB Outing either.  You and Thrilla will be missed.

[bottomfeeder]

Even though I don't use pot, I don't condone the use. Here, looky what a pothead can do.



Interesting thing about a pot leaf is the number seven.

[CCTAU]

Even though I don't use pot, I don't condone the use. Here, looky what a pothead can do.



Interesting thing about a pot leaf is the number seven.

Crack is whack. - Whitney Houston