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Indybay Feature

Ammiano bill does NOT legalize marijuana

by Tim Castleman
Comments on California Assembly member Ammiano's marijuana tax bill, AB 390 (as introduced)

The problems begin early, in fact with the title of the bill itself - the term "marijuana" is slang and should not be used in legislation. The proper terminology would incorporate all of the words cannabis, sativa, indica and ruderalis. The definition offered in the bill only includes sativa. Much worse are all the new crimes created and the fact that cannabis actually remains illegal except when obtained through state authorized channels. Deepening the offense, the idea that cannabis should be treated like alcohol and only allowed for age 21 years and up is just flat wrong and certainly unenforceable. Even killer tobacco is available to 18 year olds. Further, alcohol kills thousands in a variety of ways. No such harm has come to millions of regular cannabis consumers, except at the hands of their own government. Cannabis is SAFER than alcohol and it is a slippery slope to allow cannabis to be classified in the same category.
So let's wade into the bill's text to unravel this unholy 59 page proposed new law. Section 1 begins well enough and would be complete with just subsection (a), which states: "To legalize marijuana and its derivatives." Regrettably it is mostly downhill from there. Subsection (b) says that 18,19 and 20 year olds are not adults and makes them into a whole new batch of criminals if they have anything at all to do with cannabis. Hope subsides upon reading subsection (c), which requires federal permission for any of the law to be valid anyway. So much for states rights.

Next, subsection (d) funds drug war propaganda and treatment centers with a "substantial fee" on the "legal sale" of marijuana. To clarify what "legal sale" may mean subsection (e) seeks to "impose a set of regulations and laws concerning marijuana comparable to those imposed on alcohol." This means licenses, background checks and restrictions on a plant that has never killed anyone, unlike alcohol. This apples and oranges comparison perpetuates the lie that cannabis is a "dangerous drug" and puts unreasonable restrictions on private citizens. The people that pay the tax should benefit from it with reduced fees for government services, assistance with research and development, small business loans and services that benefit the cannabis consumers. Pot smokers don't cause alcoholism or drug addiction and should not be forced to pay for the treatment of those who become addicted to the products of drug, alcohol and tobacco corporations.

The magnitude of damage this bill could do only begins to come into focus deep into the language, but a hint is seen in subsection (f) "To impose substantial fines for violations of the noncommercial regulations and laws concerning marijuana, which will be applicable until and after commercial marijuana is available by virtue of future changes in federal law." So there you have it - marijuana is even more illegal than it was, unless obtained from a state licensed retailer, who must get it from a state licensed wholesaler, who must get it from a state licensed producer.

Subsection (g) seems to be pro-reform, but look closely and note there are still "crimes related to marijuana" .... "in this bill."

Exempting industrial hemp and medical marijuana from the tax in subsection (h) seems unfair. This is like saying gala apples are taxed but fuji apples are not. It doesn't make sense. If there is a to be a tax on cannabis, let all who benefit from the plant pay their fair share.

The subsection (i) legislation authorizing state funded lobbyists to Washington DC is a waste of taxpayer resources. We have elected representatives and their staff to do this on our behalf already. States do not need to "encourage the federal government" to do anything other than respect states rights.

Sections 2 and 3 set up the tax and licensing regime that must be complied with to avoid prosecution. First year applicants must pay $5,000 ($2,500 annual renewal) and submit to a background check, however no guidance is offered as to whom the "department" may consider worthy of the license. The state's power increases with "significant fees" and "regulations" to enforce. These regulations, fees and taxes cover "all stages of cultivation, harvesting, drying, processing, packing, and delivery". This seems to be taking things out of order. Before we start taxing pot smokers let's stop prosecuting them and work on making restitution for the harm done by the government's dishonesty and outright hostility to cannabis consumers. It is really insulting to suggest cannabis consumers agree to any kind of taxation until after the government has ceased its declared war on them and made restitution for harm done.

Section 4 falls far short of the reparations needed in order for the government to earn back the peoples trust on this matter. Many have been badly burned by the hostile actions of government agents and agencies. This bit of window dressing to address the stigma created by records of past legal issues is a step in the right direction, albeit a very small one.

Section 5 seems to further extend government control and tax authority to include every possible market segment from bongs to baggies to growing supplies and equipment.

Section 6 modifies Schedule I of the controlled substance list by removing the terms "marijuana" and "Tetrahydrocannabinols", which is replaced by "Synthetic tetrahydrocannabinols not derived from cannabis plants. Synthetic equivalents of the substances contained in the plant, or in the resinous extractives of Cannabis, sp. and/or synthetic substances, derivatives, and their isomers with similar chemical structure and pharmacological activity such as the following: delta 1 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and their optical isomers; delta 6 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and their optical isomers; delta 3,4 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and its optical isomers. (Since nomenclature of these substances is not internationally standardized, compounds of these structures, regardless of numerical designation of atomic positions covered)." Does this mean Marinol is now Schedule I and exempt from the new tax?

Section 7 establishes the punishments for 18,19 and 20 year olds who use cannabis, especially on school grounds.

Sections 8,9, 10 and 11 repeal three laws that made cannabis illegal. Hooray! These are keepers.

Section 12 further codifies the restrictions on every market possibly related to cannabis. In short, everything is illegal, unless the state grants an applicant permission, based on fees, a background check and proof of financial resources to sufficient satisfy their requirements for security etc.

Section 13 exempts felons and others with previous legal trouble from eligibility for a state license to retail, wholesale or produce marijuana. This would be unfair to those who have been unfairly prosecuted for cannabis in the past and will likely restrict the industry to a select few.

Section 14 clarifies that every asset is subject to forfeiture for violation of any of these laws. This devastating practice is often used in place of legal proceedings to persecute individuals and prevent them from fighting back.

Section 15 authorizes law enforcement officials to destroy any amount of a "suspected controlled substance" over 10 pounds. Later, when it is time to return the victims property, much of it is likely to have been destroyed by hostile government agents.

Section 16 repeals property rights of owners.

Section 17 instructs any peace officer, subsequent to making or attempting to make an arrest, to "notify the Franchise Tax Board of a seizure where there is reasonable cause to believe that the value of the seized property exceeds five thousand dollars ($5,000)." Yep, the government always gets their share, legal or not.

Section 18 modifies the H&S code to remove marijuana and hashish "drug paraphernalia" from consideration as items that create "probable cause" for illegal drug dealing. In other words, having a pipe or bong is no longer evidence that the person was dealing. This seems like a keeper.

Section 19 removes marijuana and hashish from the list of prohibited "drug paraphernalia" and language banning cultivation, possession or sale of marijuana. This is a keeper.

Section 20 removes marijuana from the list of controlled substances that a person can be sued for damages related to abuse. This seems like a keeper.

Section 21 adds an incomplete definition of what "marijuana" is and sets forth conditions under which it is "lawful" and (still) "unlawful" to do anything regarding cannabis. Highlights include 11725 (c) sets a 10-plant limit per person and 11725 (d) authorizes a nursery to cultivate and sell "seedlings" but clones are not mentioned. 11725 (e) forbids the nursery from growing any plants to maturity and may ONLY sell seedlings, no marijuana. 11727 seems to exempt industrial hemp and hemp products.

Section 22 adds "Marijuana Fees" to the Revenue and Taxation Code. It exempts industrial hemp and medicinal marijuana from said fees. It also establishes the initial fee of $50 per ounce, which is subject to review but not to an increase. The money goes into a special account to fund drug war propaganda and treatment centers.

Sections 22, 23 and 24 amend the motor vehicle code to remove some penalties related to marijuana possession. Further study is needed here. It is premature to treat marijuana intoxication or the presence of its active compounds as impairment when driving or operating machinery. (Some evidence suggests the opposite.) It’s bad policy to agree to this knee jerk reaction just for the sake of "baby-steps." Science should guide policy, not unproven presumptions based on drug war propaganda.

In summary, it is good the debate has been energized, and there are a few good things about this bill. Here is my proposed revised bill language:

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this, the Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Education Act, to do all of the following:
(a) To legalize cannabis sativa, indica and ruderalis and its derivatives.
(b) To remove all existing civil and criminal penalties
(c ) To begin reparation and restitution for harms done by prior law

View and track AB 390 here: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/caasm/postquery?bill_number=ab_390&sess=CUR
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by Ammiano's website
Press Releases
February 23, 2009
Contact: Quintin Mecke @ (415) 557-3013
Ammiano Proposes Bill To Tax And Regulate Marijuana

Legislation Would Generate $1 Billion in New Revenue for CA

San Francisco, CA – Today Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) announced the introduction of groundbreaking legislation that would tax and regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. The Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Education act (AB 390) would create a regulatory structure similar to that used for beer, wine and liquor, permitting taxed sales to adults while barring sales to or possession by those under 21.

“With the state in the midst of an historic economic crisis, the move towards regulating and taxing marijuana is simply common sense. This legislation would generate much needed revenue for the state, restrict access to only those over 21, end the environmental damage to our public lands from illicit crops, and improve public safety by redirecting law enforcement efforts to more serious crimes”, said Ammiano. “California has the opportunity to be the first state in the nation to enact a smart, responsible public policy for the control and regulation of marijuana.”

Having just closed a $42 billion budget deficit, generating new revenue is crucial to the state’s long term fiscal health. Board of Equalization Chairwoman Betty Yee said, "This common sense measure effectively prioritizes state resources during these times of fiscal constraint. Prioritizing law enforcement to control the most serious drugs while raising new revenues from casual marijuana use directed to treating serious drug addiction is a prudent use of limited resources."

"I support this legislation because I feel this issue should be the subject of legislative and public debate,” said current San Francisco Sheriff Mike Hennessey. Orange County Superior Court Judge (retired) James P. Gray added, “Assemblymember Ammiano is to be applauded in addressing this critical issue honestly and directly.”

“Marijuana already plays a huge role in the California economy. It’s a revenue opportunity we quite simply can’t afford to ignore any longer,” said Stephen Gutwillig, California state director for the Drug Policy Alliance. “It’s time to end the charade of marijuana prohibition, regulate the $14 billion market, and redirect law enforcement resources to more important matters. Assemblymember Ammiano has done the state an enormous service by breaking the silence on this commonsense solution.”

"It is simply nonsensical that California's largest agricultural industry is completely unregulated and untaxed," said Marijuana Policy Project California policy director Aaron Smith. "With our state in an ongoing fiscal crisis -- and no one believes the new budget is the end of California's financial woes -- it's time to bring this major piece of our economy into the light of day."
by the web
ab_390_bill_20090223_introduced.pdf_600_.jpg
Here is the text, as introduced on 2/23/09
by .
the usa is so backward.cant get hopes up in this country.insanely messed up people talking about a plant like its a nuclear material!
by Even if Not Perfect!!
Thanks Tim, for your breakdown of each section of AB 390, both the good Sections and the not so good. However, despite the imperfections and flaws of AB 390, it is way, way, way better than the current status quo that maintains cannabis prohibition and incarceration..

No Assembly Bill will ever satisfy everyone, though we do need to make changes to cannabis prohibition in incremental steps instead of doing nothing waiting for the most perfect Assembly Bill to come along, because it never will!!

Personally i would err on the side of caution when it comes to motor vehicle driving, even if people under influence of cannabis are safer (usually slower) drivers than those under influence of legal caffeine..

Cannabis drivers are safer because they tend to drive at slower speeds in general, and caffeine drivers tend to drive at faster speeds. The delayed reaction of a cannabis driver hitting the brakes compared to a quicker caffeine driver's reaction is negated because of the spped of which the vehicle is traveling..

The faster caffeine driver needs to stop the mass of the vehicle in a much shorter time than is possible to avoid impact, while the slower driving cannabis driver can outweigh the slower reaction by the mass of the vehicle stopping sooner since it travels on average at slower speeds. There was a study done in Australia that proved this point during an experiment, something to that effect..

other studies say the same;

"5) "Drivers under the influence of marijuana retain insight in their performance and will compensate, where they can, for example, by slowing down or increasing effort. As a consequence, THC's adverse effects on driving performance appear relatively small." (1993 Marijuana and Actual Driving Performance U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Final Report, November 1993 (DOT HS 808 078).)"

studies found @;
http://cannabiscoalition.ca/html/index.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=33

Democracy is a slow and cumbersome process, though taking "baby steps" may be the only way to get on the correct path towards ending cannabis prohibition. Please support A.B. 390 despite the imperfections, as these slight flaws are far less intrusive than the current practice of incarceration of cannabis users..
by ra
some people cannot get married ,have health preoblems,but cannot use cannabis.but what if cannabis is your wife or whatever? prop 8 should unite with cannabis freedom,some dont have friends because of race and health reasons.cannabis IS our marriage partner.cannabis is less destructive to environment that human sexual relations.
by Katie
It's unbelievable that to this day, people are still so ignorant to Marijuana. Some doctors are able to actually PRESCRIBE it for people. Can that be said about alcohol, or tobacco? No.
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