Cali decriminalizes pot

[Matt J]

OK, fair enough. But, I don't want to pay the tax. I just met someone from CA who has a medicinal marijuana permit - old football injury....actually, it was pole vaulting, I think....but, this guy is a total pothead - think Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

I think initially the Black Market will be huge like 'stills' used to be when people wanted to avoid that taxation. I suspect this black market will probably level off when you're hitting retirement and have the STD thing to worry about.

As soon as Monsanto can figure out how to copyright the seed it'll be legal.

 

[30ashopper]

The internet has the answer - The University of Mississippi has been growing pot for the federal government since 68.

Nation's sole marijuana farm focuses on limiting abuse - USATODAY.com

 

[Smiling JOe]

How big is the black market for alcohol and tobacco? Yes, the government taxes the hail out of both too. But these are optional consumption based taxes. If we're going to tax stuff, that's the right way to do it.

That sounds like a logical thought, but making liquor requires much more work than planting some pot seeds, which grow like "weeds." I imagine growing tobacco, aging and drying it in barns, would also require more work than people would want to mess with. If the gov't did legalize it, there would be many back yard gardeners who would be growing it, because it requires so little attention.

 

[Kayak Fish]

How big is the black market for alcohol and tobacco? Yes, the government taxes the hail out of both too. But these are optional consumption based taxes. If we're going to tax stuff, that's the right way to do it.

I agree.

 

[Lake View Too]

Hunter Thompson, who was somewhat of an authority on this subject (and, curiously, looks a lot like Fishfood), said, that if they legalize it, the price will go up, and the quality will go down. Isn't it better to just sneak around, in this hidden underground society anyway?

 

[30ashopper]

Hunter Thompson, who was somewhat of an authority on this subject (and, curiously, looks a lot like Fishfood), said, that if they legalize it, the price will go up, and the quality will go down. Isn't it better to just sneak around, in this hidden underground society anyway?

Getting tossed in jail for 2 years for growing a plant in your backyard just doesn't seem very american to me. I think that should change.

 

[happy2Bme]

If alcohol, which we know is WAY BAD, is legal for general consumption by "those of age".....and drinking at home or in public (to a point) is okay, then why is it that one imbibing in marijuana (which is obviously less BAD--in comparison) is subject to severely harsh, crimimal penalties? All things being equal, one would think it "fair" to allow those who wish to smoke pot in the same circumstances, to be allowed to legally do so to some predetermined toxicological measurement, without being stashed away as a felonious nere-do-well until God is an old guy. Doesn't this seem at bit hipocritical? Just curious. Back to you, Dave......(Dave?....Dave?.....Dave's not here!....No, man, I'M Dave).

 

[BeachSteelers]

Does it surprise anyone that Budweiser and the alcohol industry is lobbing hard not to get pot legal anywhere. They hate the competition. Since their product kills and is addictive. And as far as i know Pot hasn't killed anyone by over ingesting and it's addictive properties. Maybe the real reason it's Illegal is then who makes money from it. Which is what it's all about...$$$$. Easy to grow, ah it's a weed. No brewers or corner dealers for cops to harass. No Mexican drug mules over the desert routes or through Canada.
No more forecloser farms in local hoods. Less crowded prisions.
There's too many good reasons for it to be legal except Profit. Big Pharma, Local Cops, Feds,Mob,Cartels all got reasons to keep it illegal. $400-$500 dollars an Ounce. What's better than outlawing the Competition.

 

[Matt J]

Hunter Thompson, who was somewhat of an authority on this subject (and, curiously, looks a lot like Fishfood), said, that if they legalize it, the price will go up, and the quality will go down. Isn't it better to just sneak around, in this hidden underground society anyway?

If it were legalized tomorrow you could hear the gears grinding at the Phillip Morris plant from here. I'm sure like anything else there would be economy brands and "premium" as well.

 

[futurebeachbum]

Facebook Billionaire Explains Why He Backs Prop 19

Some big business cash being used for a worthwhile purpose for a change.

From Forbes Blogs "Facebook Billionaire Explains Why He Backs Prop 19".

Late last night I reported that Facebook billionaire Dustin Moskovitz had given $70,000 in support of Proposition 19, which would allow people 21 years old or older to possess, cultivate or transport cannabis for personal use and would permit local governments to regulate and tax commercial production and sale of the substance. (Click here to read original post).

Asked for a comment as to why he?s backing the legalization of marijuana, Moskovitz just sent this statement:

?More than any other initiative out there, Prop 19 will stabilize our national security and bolster our state economy. It will alleviate unnecessary overcrowding of non-violent offenders in our state jails, which in turn will help California residents.?

He's definitely putting his money where his mouth is. I wonder if this will make him a target of the drug cartels? Decriminalization will force them to change their business models significantly.