Originally, it was my understanding that the initiative would prohibit smoking in public and smoking in front of a minor. In reality, it seems the initiative allows for future prohibitions of these acts by the legislature, but does not create any new restrictions in this area.

Similarly, I was under the impression that Prop 19 would create new taxes. Despite it being titled “Tax Cannabis,” it does not actually create any new taxes. Local governments could potentially legalize cannabis without taxation. Under the current system, cities like Oakland have already passed taxes on medical cannabis and Senator Calderon has introduced SBx6 16 which would institute a 41% tax on all dispensary sales across the state. Taxes will continue to be an issue regardless of whether Prop 19 passes.

Of course, Local governments in California love to pass taxes. My fear was that regulations and taxes would be put in place by city councils that favor big grow corporations and limit personal cultivation. Thankfully, the California Constitution, Article XIll(C), Section 2{b) requires that the electorate approve a general tax by a majority vote. Before the City can establish a new tax for “Cannabis Businesses,” a majority of the electorate must approve the measure. In my opinion, this makes it MUCH more likely that we can prevent “sin” taxes on cannabis at the local level.

Currently, the majority of medical cannabis is produced by small grow sites and co-ops. If Tax and Control Cannabis passes, expect to see local regulations that favor 200,000sqft corporate grow sites. The Oaksterdam crowd funding this initiative already has substantial influence on the Oakland City Council. It’s obvious that wealthy investors with connections to city and county governments, will set the rules. Expect to see small family-run grows forced out of business.

Vote NO on Tax Cannabis

Liberate it, Don’t Tax it! Facebook group: http://bit.ly/duU7hJ

Prop 215 Author, Dennis Peron says:

“The tax revenue it will supposedly generate is a mere smokescreen for the kids it will regulate into three, five and seven year state prison sentences. Perpetuating and increasing the hundred million plus tax dollars per year the state already spends policing this harmless plant is wrong yet that is exactly what this proposition does. Surely we can do better than this. How about just legalizing it, getting the state off pot to save lives and real money across the board? Please consider how you can help expose and defeat this misleading “tax and regulate” initiative.”

And if you believe that, you believe that pigs can fly!