cannabisnews.com: Bill Would Legalize, Tax Marijuana





Bill Would Legalize, Tax Marijuana
Posted by CN Staff on February 23, 2009 at 13:00:07 PT
By Jim Sanders 
Source: Sacramento Bee 
Sacramento, CA -- California may be going to pot - literally. Marijuana would be grown and sold openly to adults 21 and older under legislation introduced this morning by a San Francisco lawmaker.Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, said the cash-starved state could generate more than a billion dollars by taxing pot growers and sellers. Ammiano predicted that the public would support loosening marijuana laws that require substantial public funds to enforce.
"I think there's a mentality throughout the state and the country that this isn't the highest priority," he said. "And that maybe we should start to reassess."Before California could legalize marijuana, however, it also might have to persuade the federal government to alter its prohibition on cannabis.Ammiano said federal officials may be receptive to such changes under the administration of President Barack Obama."We may be on a parallel track here," said Ammiano, a freshman legislator who was sworn into office less than three months ago.The Drug Policy Alliance, an advocate of loosening pot laws, applauded Ammiano's proposal."Marijuana already plays a huge role in the California economy," said Stephen Gutwillig, the group's California state director. "It's a revenue opportunity we literally can't afford to ignore any longer."Assemblyman Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, said legalizing marijuana would be a bad idea. He said he considers pot a "gateway drug" from which many users graduate to harder and more dangerous substances."I don't think we're particularly well served in our society to further accommodate or even encourage something that's going to be unproductive and damaging to the individual -- especially not for the reason of generating revenue," he said.Ammiano's bill, Assembly Bill 390, would allow marijuana to be sold openly - like alcohol - in retail outlets statewide.The state would gain by charging sellers a fee of $50 per ounce. Pot growers also would be charged under the measure. Snipped   Complete Article: http://www.sacbee.com/breaking/story/1646399.htmlSource: Sacramento Bee (CA)Author: Jim Sanders Published: February 23, 2009Copyright: 2009 The Sacramento BeeContact: opinion sacbee.comWebsite: http://www.sacbee.com/CannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml
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Comment #66 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 04, 2009 at 09:08:01 PT
It shouldn't take long FoM
I may be absent from C-news for a little bit but I will make it back as fast as I can.Hope- Thank You! I won't forget about the healthy stuff :)I have to stop poisoning myself with all the fast food that I eat.And I know I'll save a lot of money by purchasing my food from the grocery store and just cooking at home.I will definitely try your ramon noodle recipe. Sounds like it would be a lot tastier than regular ramon.
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Comment #65 posted by Hope on March 03, 2009 at 21:53:31 PT
It's a done deal?
Great! I'm glad to hear that.I wish you blessings in your new home, Fight_4_Freedom. Vegetables! Don't forget some vegetables or at least some vitamins and minerals.I heard someone say you can make something called Jail House Lasagna with Ramen Noodles. I forgot what they said to put in it, but it was simple and nutritious and they said it tasted good, too.A tablespoon of olive oil, and some garlic and herbs in the ramen noodles, when you can, might also make them even more nutritious and tastier, too. I'm excited and happy for you.
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Comment #64 posted by FoM on March 03, 2009 at 20:47:53 PT
fight_4_freedom
I'm sure you will get it up and running in no time. 
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Comment #63 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 03, 2009 at 20:30:27 PT
Hopefully I can get the internet up and 
running over there with the quickness. That way I don't miss out on any articles at Cannabis News :)
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Comment #62 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 03, 2009 at 20:10:53 PT
I'm glad too FoM
Now I don't have to worry or wonder about it anymore. 
So I better start stocking up on my ramon noodles, bread, peanut butter, and jelly now. lol
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Comment #61 posted by FoM on March 03, 2009 at 19:49:29 PT
fight_4_freedom
You're funny! I'm glad you got your apartment.
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Comment #60 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 03, 2009 at 19:36:25 PT
100% positive
I signed all the paperwork tonight. The landlord seems really cool. She's originally from California, and moved here to Michigan about 10 years ago. We talked for about 2 hours. I think I have a mini crush on her already. lolSo what if she's 20 some years older than me. heheBut yes indeed Hope, it is a done deal. I move in on the 15th!
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Comment #59 posted by Hope on March 03, 2009 at 19:21:30 PT
Lol! That's great, Fight_4_Freedom!
So have you got the apartment for sure?
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Comment #58 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 03, 2009 at 18:43:09 PT
I love Ghosthunters too!!!
And it looks like I'll have the chance to be one of those ghosthunters......in my new apartment!!Woo Hoo!!!! Freedom at last. lol
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Comment #57 posted by Hope on February 26, 2009 at 17:23:13 PT
Fight_4_Freedom
I'm not all that in to TV. I watch it some, but I try to never miss Ghost Hunters. 
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Comment #56 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 26, 2009 at 15:39:49 PT
It's the best deal I can find
Hope- I meant spirits/ghosts have been seen. Just some sightings....nothing physical. And like I said, I'm more interested in that kind of stuff than scared of it. It makes me believe even more than I do when I see or hear something like that.I'm glad you are hoping for me.Thanks a lot you guys.
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Comment #55 posted by Hope on February 26, 2009 at 11:04:02 PT
Fight_4_Freedom
Haunted?How haunted? Health hurting haunted?I hope that's not the reason the present tenant is leaving.I'll also be a little anxious for you, because I know you want it, until it's a done deal. She may have another niece or nephew that needs a place suddenly. Get it done!
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Comment #54 posted by FoM on February 26, 2009 at 06:42:47 PT
fight_4_freedom
Your rent seems reasonable to me. Back when our rent was $60 a loaf of bread costs 10 cents! Inflation will be forever with us.
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Comment #53 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 25, 2009 at 20:51:02 PT
Thanks for your first apartment 
stories :) I love hearing old stories about the people I love.Sounds like a steal FoM...I wish my rent was going to be 60 a month. Mine is going to be 350 + electric. I'm just glad there isn't going to be an roosters outside my bedroom window. But I'm sure I'll have some crazy first apartment stories when I'm out of there.I have already been told that it's haunted. But that kind of stuff intrigues me more than it scares me.I didn't get to meet with the landlord. But I did get to go to the local compassion club meeting tonight. There was about 20 some people that showed up. A local attorney gave us his take on our new law. We had very interesting discussions about many parts of our law. Met some really good hearted activists and patients. I learned a few things about cultivating (even though I'm not cultivating). All in all it was a good meeting. 
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Comment #52 posted by Hope on February 25, 2009 at 14:18:35 PT
Fight_4_Freedom
I sure hope he gets that apartment he wants. 
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Comment #51 posted by Hope on February 25, 2009 at 14:11:00 PT
Lol!
".... the stairs in the house were creepy." It's funny to think of you climbing the fire escape to avoid the stairs.
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Comment #50 posted by FoM on February 25, 2009 at 14:07:48 PT
Hope
This was the town where we had our first apartment. It was on the 3rd floor and we used a fire escape to get to it because the stairs in the house were creepy. It was $60 a month. We only lived there a few months because he got drafted. Defrosting the refrigerator was a job for a butter knife and a lot of grit. LOL!http://www.royersfordborough.org/index.htm
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Comment #49 posted by Hope on February 25, 2009 at 13:31:31 PT
First apartments.
I remember my first one, too and it makes me smile.The bed area was actually over an alley/street. There was an apartment down stairs right on the single lane alley. Ours was upstairs and part of it was built over what looked like a carport open at both ends. But it wasn't. It was an actual right of way, the alley, or winding backstreet more accurately, for delivery trucks, garbage trucks, and other vehicles. Any vehicle. That was interesting.A rooster lived in the tree outside our bed area windows. 
We had iron out door furniture for dining. Our Range/Oven was so old it had legs. It was so great. 
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Comment #48 posted by FoM on February 25, 2009 at 09:03:43 PT
fight_4_freedom
I'd like that and thank you. 
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Comment #47 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 25, 2009 at 08:46:17 PT
Once I have it all furnished and decorated
I'll have to send you some pictures of my new place.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZzpqtekRoIBeautiful Day- U2
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Comment #46 posted by FoM on February 25, 2009 at 08:41:41 PT
fight_4_freedom
I know you will love your apartment. Yes it is another beautiful day.
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Comment #45 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 25, 2009 at 08:13:23 PT
Another beautiful day
another broken record :)I am very excited about it. And the way you described your first apartment sounds like the one I'm about to move into.The living room/dining room/kitchen is all one room. lolBut I don't need anything big for just myself.
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Comment #44 posted by FoM on February 25, 2009 at 05:15:41 PT
 fight_4_freedom 
Thank you. We broke another record today. I am so happy to know that many people are reading CNews and all of our comments. I know you must be excited about your first apartment. You'll never forget your first apartment. I never did. Mine was so small it took about 3 steps to go from the kitchen to the living room and then to the bedroom. I loved it just the same.
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Comment #43 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 24, 2009 at 21:12:20 PT
FoM- #30
Breaking records huh?? That really puts a big smile on my face.And to all you new faces skimming over these pages, welcome.We need each and every one of you to help. If everyone pitches in and joins the fight, this war will be over a lot sooner than most of you may think.But we need more soldiers!Please join the fight.And once again, welcome to our little internet cannabis caf`e, C-News.
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Comment #42 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 24, 2009 at 20:59:36 PT
Then I will be attending our 2nd 
compassion club meeting. A well known local attorney/activist will be speaking there. Hopefully we can draw about 30 - 40 people this time. We managed 15 for our first meeting. For a little city that's not bad.I'll let you all know how it goes.
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Comment #41 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 24, 2009 at 20:54:18 PT
I'm going to have a talk with the landlord 
tomorrow afternoon. I'm going to take the apartment. It's just too good of a deal to pass up. I may not find this good of a deal down the road. And I really want to get a place before spring.So bring on the Spring for a fresh new start.
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Comment #40 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 24, 2009 at 20:51:08 PT
He is most certainly aware of our issue
I truly believe he is on our side. And I also believe he will help our movement down the road. I don't think it will be happen A.S.A.P, but I don't think it will take that long either.And with all these medical/recreational bills being passed and introduced, it's only going to make it easier for him to speak out in favor.
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Comment #39 posted by FoM on February 24, 2009 at 20:33:44 PT
fight_4_freedom
Everything seems new. Change is coming. I think it would be impossible for Obama not to see the need for change. I don't know how though. He is aware of so much. He must be aware of our issue too. 
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Comment #38 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 24, 2009 at 20:21:59 PT
That's how I feel FoM
Our time is now.
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Comment #37 posted by FoM on February 24, 2009 at 19:15:24 PT
Hope
Thank you. It's almost like our time has come. I don't know if that is true but I have more hope then I ever had that change just might happen. Hope is a powerful word and name.
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Comment #36 posted by Hope on February 24, 2009 at 18:57:27 PT
Comment 33 Storm Crow
"And dang, things are getting exciting lately!"It's really nice, isn't it? 
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Comment #35 posted by Hope on February 24, 2009 at 18:55:21 PT
Lol! Congratulations, FoM.
I have trouble visualizing what the stats mean, but if it sounds good to you... I'll take your word for it. This is an amazing website. We do appreciate you and what you do, FoM, and how extraordinarily diligent you have been in taking care of C-News. Thank you.
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on February 24, 2009 at 16:32:07 PT
Storm Crow
Thank you. We are making progress. It's really great! Yippie! LOL!
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Comment #33 posted by Storm Crow on February 24, 2009 at 16:19:23 PT
And now that they know you are here...
I expect quite a few will pop in more often! You have one of the best sites, my dear. It is my #1 stop every morning. You deserve the success! Congrats on the numbers! And dang, things are getting exciting lately! 
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on February 24, 2009 at 08:16:48 PT
dongenero 
And thank you too. We are really a great community of thoughtful and good people. 
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Comment #31 posted by dongenero on February 24, 2009 at 08:06:29 PT
That's great FoM
Congratulations and sincere thanks to you for you continuing work, patience and your steadfast commitment.
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on February 24, 2009 at 05:06:03 PT
We Broke a Record!
Good morning everyone. I always check our stats every morning. This article in less then 24 hours has over 18,000 hits! Never before has this happened in all these years. We also had over a quarter of a million total hits for one day which has never happened before. People must be sending this article around the Internet. What a day! 
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Comment #29 posted by Paint with light on February 23, 2009 at 23:21:30 PT
ideas
It is great to hear these conversations, finaly.The fees seem a little excessive, especially for small producers. I had rather see a sliding fee system for retail growers.Small producers pay a small fee and larger producers pay a larger fee.The tax and fees should not be so excessive as to be a burden on the beginning or small retail growers.Also I would like to see a cap on volume so you could encourage more growers.I don't want to see a Wal~grow in every community.The idea of no tax on personal gardens sounds like a great provision.Equal with alcohol is all I ask.
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Comment #28 posted by The GCW on February 23, 2009 at 19:36:13 PT
FoM,
I mean remove Him from the stage.
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Comment #27 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 19:09:10 PT
itsonlyaplant
It would be nice.
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Comment #26 posted by itsonlyaplant on February 23, 2009 at 17:51:52 PT
Would be nice
Hola. This bill would be nice if it passed, but, and I hate to sound like a nay-sayer, but there are a LOT of chowder heads in Sacramento (the capitol) like Niello. However, if by some miracle this DID pass it says ALOT by being the most populous state in the union (almost 10% of our national population) and legalizing cannabis. So go get em Assemblymember Ammiano, you'd have my vote if I lived in Frisco.
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 17:50:14 PT
News Article From Stop The Drug War
Is a "Grow Your Own" Marijuana Policy Better Than Legalization?URL: http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle_blog/2009/feb/23/is_a_grow_your_own_marijuana_pol
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 17:46:13 PT
The GCW 
I'm not sure if you mean remove it from the article. If you did that is against the law to modify any article for me.
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Comment #23 posted by OverwhelmSam on February 23, 2009 at 17:35:56 PT
It May Be California
I was hoping for Texas. On California, Arnold did say that politicians should start listening to the people. There are a lot of people who don't want marijuana legalized, but the vast majority of them don't really care or push the issue much. There are just a few crazy prohibitionists out there who need to be called out.
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Comment #22 posted by The GCW on February 23, 2009 at 17:29:35 PT
Can someone please remove Niello?
Niello's ignoid comment is pretty stupid. """Assemblyman Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, said legalizing marijuana would be a bad idea. He said he considers pot a "gateway drug" -0-This letter is in today's issue of The Rebel Yell, for Him.Re: Speaker rebuts drug policy  http://unlvrebelyell.com/2009/02/23/re-speaker-rebuts-drug-policy/Stephen H. Frye hit the bull’s-eye calling for credible drug law reform and that means Re-legalizing cannabis (marijuana) at the very least.One beneficial component of re-legalizing cannabis that doesn’t get mentioned is that it will lower hard drug addiction rates. DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) brainwashes youth into believing lies, half-truths and propaganda concerning cannabis, which causes grave future problems.How many citizens try cannabis and realize it’s not nearly as harmful as taught in DARE type government environments? Then they think other substances must not be so bad either, only to become addicted to deadly drugs. The old lessons make cannabis out to be among the worst substances in the world, even though it’s never killed a single person.The federal government even classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance along with heroin, while methamphetamine and cocaine are only Schedule II substances. For the health and welfare of America’s children and adults that message absolutely must change.Regulated cannabis sales also would make it so citizens who purchase cannabis would not come into contact with people who often also sell hard drugs which would lower hard drug addiction rates.Stan WhiteDillon, Colorado(Coming soon to MAP)
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 17:25:19 PT
The GCW
I"ll be glad even if we come in last as long as it happens here someday in the not to distant future. 
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Comment #20 posted by The GCW on February 23, 2009 at 17:08:29 PT
This news isn't all good, folks.
If California re-legalizes the superplant there are 49 other states that are going to lose the race.I was pretty much hoping Colorado would win.I will try to be a good sport about it though if Cal. beats Us.Of course they haven't reached the finish line yet.
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 16:22:39 PT
Paul
Thank you.
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 16:20:18 PT
MarijuanaSavesLives
Thank you. Assemblyman Tom Ammiano deserves a feather in his cap if it works out that way. No one should be taxed on a personal garden. We cannabis activists have thought this through many times over the years. If it is a retail tax not a personal tax I think that's ok. 
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Comment #17 posted by paul armentano on February 23, 2009 at 16:19:36 PT
fom...
that's my understanding...
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Comment #16 posted by MarijuanaSavesLives on February 23, 2009 at 16:12:46 PT
yes
YES!
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 15:58:05 PT
Paul
Do you mean if a person who wants to grow 10 plants but not sell it but share it with friends like I think you can do with home brew beer no tax would be put on it?
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Comment #14 posted by paul armentano on February 23, 2009 at 15:49:36 PT
home brew beer
The tax is specific to retail sales and production, not noncommercial production., so in fact this is quite close to the 'home brewing' model you've cited.
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 15:35:30 PT
Ammiano Bill Would Legalize Marijuana in State
There's a video on the link.February 23, 2009California would become the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana for recreational use under a bill introduced today by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco.The proposal would regulate marijuana like alcohol, with people over 21 years old allowed to grow, buy, sell and possess cannabis - all of which is barred by federal law.Complete Article: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/23/BAO416354C.DTL
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 15:07:40 PT
dongenero 
I'm not sure how he came up with taxing a garden. I really am glad it isn't happening in my state. I will gladly wait for the federal law to change and let it be treated like people brewing their own beer. 
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Comment #11 posted by dongenero on February 23, 2009 at 15:02:28 PT
home brew beer
Do any states tax home brewed beer that is not for resale?Why and how would they tax home grown cannabis?Do they tax produce at farmer's markets?Tax the mass manufactured and packaged stuff. Tax the small and micro grow businesses and products.
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 14:52:15 PT
OT: George Soros Says
Soros Says World is Witnessing End of Pure, Unregulated Capitalism Modelhttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/23/soros-says-world-is-witnessing-end-of-pure-unregulated-capitali/I say: The party's over. George Soros said it and he would know.
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Comment #9 posted by potpal on February 23, 2009 at 14:47:11 PT
fdr
Wasn't one of his first things to do was getting rid of a failed prohibition...history repeats itself. Too bad we have to have a depression to put things in perspective...Oh California, I'm coming home...Do it.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 14:39:05 PT
MarijuanaSavesLives 
I'm really fine. When I hear tax this and tax that my head tends to spin. I love that song. It always makes me laugh. Now I'm not trying to figure it out and how it could possibly work. 
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Comment #7 posted by MarijuanaSavesLives on February 23, 2009 at 14:33:07 PT
Hugs for FoM
ok FoM this hug is for you.... Now if you possibly can back away from the computer and get the nearest park or outside destination ASAP... Please...that vid was freakie
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 14:05:00 PT
I Needed To Laugh
This is how I feel now! LOL!'They're coming to take me away'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnzHtm1jhL4
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Comment #5 posted by MarijuanaSavesLives on February 23, 2009 at 13:58:36 PT
Come on Cali!
I love that this guy was sworn in three months ago....What a leader! In the old days we had a saying for guys like this...we would say he was "un-afraid" 
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on February 23, 2009 at 13:44:03 PT
A Question
How would they determine how much to tax a pot grower? What I mean is per plant or per dry ounce or the wet weight of the growing plant? Excerpt: The state would gain by charging sellers a fee of $50 per ounce. Pot growers also would be charged under the measure.
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Comment #3 posted by observer on February 23, 2009 at 13:33:35 PT
Niello ''the reason of generating revenue''
"I don't think we're particularly well served in our society to further accommodate or even encourage something that's going to be unproductive and damaging to the individual -- especially not for the reason of generating revenue," he said.In that case, the sagacious legislator Niello might want to drop the jailing of people simply because they use cannabis. Why? Because jailing people for taking marijuana is not particularly well served in our society to further accommodate or even encourage something that's going to be unproductive and damaging to the individual (namely, arrests and prison).We especially should not be jailing marijuana users for the reason of generating revenue: revenue in salaries paid to prison union jobs because of jailing potheads, revenue in salaries paid to police because of jailing potheads, revenue in salaries paid to prosecutors, and drug court "professionals", the treatment racket, the testing industry, not to mention the fat salaries of judges who also are paid to railroad potheads into jail. All of which Niello supports. Yeah, especially not for the reason of generating revenue - which shows Assemblyman Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks to be a hypocrite writ large. 
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Comment #2 posted by Dankhank on February 23, 2009 at 13:24:08 PT
all i can say is ...
wow ...The discussion of this matter will be very, very interesting.Happy to see it and cheers to the far-sighted who champion this idea.Peace to all who help ...
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Comment #1 posted by paul armentano on February 23, 2009 at 13:12:14 PT
ABC News video of Ammiano press conference
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&id=6674064TV anchors from ABC, NBC, CBS, and PBS covered the press conference. ABC and CBS news affiliates were also on hand. This was very well attended by the MSM. 23 stories so far on google.Full citation for the bill is AB 390: The Marijuana, Control, Regulation, and Education Act.
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