cannabisnews.com: Medical Marijuana Policy Revised










  Medical Marijuana Policy Revised

Posted by CN Staff on April 13, 2007 at 05:43:28 PT
By Geoff Johnson 
Source: California Aggie 

California -- The California State Board of Equalization, responsible for the state's sales and business tax, is changing its policy regarding medical marijuana in the state of California. Under the new system, dispensers will no longer be required to disclose the nature of their products.Previously, dispensers were required to sell items other than marijuana and were allowed to attribute income from the sales of marijuana to other legal goods such as T-shirts or rolling papers.
Though medical marijuana has been legal within the state of California since Proposition 215 was passed in 1996, Board Chairwoman Betty Yee said the matter of taxing medical marijuana had not been addressed because cannabis clubs needed time to proliferate, in part because of negotiations with local authorities."I think part of what's happened is that the establishment of cannabis clubs has taken time," Yee said. "They've been dealing with local regulatory issues."Nathan Sands, communications director for the nonprofit organization Compassionate Coalition, said the policy would have only marginal impact on the medical-marijuana community."To some extent, I think the media has wanted to make it appear that people in the medical-marijuana movement disagree on the subject," Sands said. "Nowadays there's been a lot of agreement on the subject."Sands dismissed fears that tax information could help the federal government track down patients and dispensers, noting that information-sharing agreements with the state already allowed such records to be made available, and outlined a scenario in which tax information could actually be used to persuade potential juries that marijuana is for medical use."[Tax] information might actually help dispensers in court," Sands said. "You're not allowed to mention the words 'medical marijuana' in your defense or at all, because [the authorities] don't acknowledge medical marijuana."Co-founder and director of the San Francisco Patients Cooperative Randi Webster, however, said she feels the tax is just one more obstacle for what was already a difficult practice. She added that she is frustrated that something could be illegal on a federal level while being taxed by the state."Many of these places are nonprofit and don't make any money," Webster said. "They barely break even."Webster said she went before the Board of Equalization in 2005, when the current legislation was being considered to make the case for alternatives to taxation and was unsuccessful."The majority of us went into this with the idea of helping patients, not earning money. The few profiteers … are the ones they should be going after," Webster said.Note: Dispensers no longer have to reveal the nature of their products.Source: California Aggie, The (UC Davis, CA Edu)Author: Geoff JohnsonPublished: April 13, 2007Copyright: 2007 The California AggieContact: editor californiaaggie.comWebsite: http://www.californiaaggie.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Compassionate Coalitionhttp://www.compassionatecoalition.org/ Marijuana Taxhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22860.shtmlBid To Impose 7.25% Sales Tax on Cannabishttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22855.shtmlSome Aren't Stoked About New Taxhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22848.shtml 

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Comment #31 posted by FoM on April 14, 2007 at 06:27:10 PT
fight_4_freedom 
You're welcome and we are glad you are part of the Cannabis News Team. Onward and upward we go!
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Comment #30 posted by fight_4_freedom on April 13, 2007 at 22:18:54 PT:
FOM
Thanks!Glad to be a part of this Cannabis News Team!Together we will make a difference.
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Comment #29 posted by FoM on April 13, 2007 at 21:28:04 PT
fight_4_freedom 
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22869.shtml
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Comment #28 posted by whig on April 13, 2007 at 21:04:01 PT
fight_4_freedom
Excellent letter!
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Comment #27 posted by fight_4_freedom on April 13, 2007 at 20:57:16 PT:
Thanks you guys!
I really appreciate the compliments. This is the first letter I've ever wrote to this newspaper before. And the first time I've ever had anything published in the newspaper.So it feels pretty good. Even though I wish they would have put the whole thing in. I guess they didn't want me to have the entire page ;)Hopefully this will be the first of many more to come.And for any of you are interested, here is a link to some video footage of David Arquette at the recent Hash Bash I attended.Hope you enjoyhttp://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2021721780
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Comment #26 posted by Hope on April 13, 2007 at 20:31:38 PT
Fight_4_freedom
Whoo Hoo!A really good one!
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on April 13, 2007 at 15:57:24 PT
 fight_4_freedom 
Great job! 
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Comment #24 posted by Taylor121 on April 13, 2007 at 15:28:48 PT
fight_4_freedom, nice
It's nice to get our message out. Thanks for speaking out.
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Comment #23 posted by Dankhank on April 13, 2007 at 13:30:13 PT
congrats ...
fight4freedom ...a good letter, concise, literate ... great job ..peace to all who educate ...
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Comment #22 posted by nuevo mexican on April 13, 2007 at 13:00:27 PT
Ed will prevail, the Feds look idiotic.....
and the bush drug war and all attendant cronies will be exposed, follow the links, and eventually, perhaps by Henry Waxman, and Patrick Leahy (here to save the day), who knows, but I'd get out the Popcorn and the C-Span, the 17th is Tuesday, and Gonzo, well, the longer he stays.......(your thought here....)Here is a great story about a cat for all you cat lovers, I thought this story goes with TGIF the 13th:Off Topic: Should the cat be forced to pay?Puss that cat-ches the bus
 
A CAT has stunned bus drivers by commuting on a busy route most days for three months.The mystery cat jumps on the No 331 service in Wolverhampton and rides it two stops down the road before leaping off near a fish and chip shop.Since January, the cat — nicknamed Macavity by drivers — has caught the bus three times a week and always gets on and off at the same spot.http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007160369,00.html
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Comment #21 posted by observer on April 13, 2007 at 12:42:44 PT
Feds Still Want to Prosecute Ed Rosenthal
Federal prosecutors move forward with case against Pot King
KSBY, CAhttp://news.google.com/?q=%22Federal+prosecutors+move+forward+with+case+against+Pot+King%22
SAN FRANCISCO Federal prosecutors say they are moving forward with their case against marijuana grower Ed Rosenthal, a month after a federal judge chastised the government for adding new charges solely to punish the self-proclaimed "guru of ganja."Rosenthal was convicted of three felonies in 2003 for growing hundreds of plants for a city of Oakland medical marijuana program and sentenced to a day in prison, which he served.A federal appeals court overturned his conviction last year because of misconduct by a juror who consulted an attorney on how to decide the case.But prosecutors indicted Rosenthal again on three growing charges in October over the same marijuana operation. They also added four counts of hiding money and five counts of filing false tax returns. Those charges were tossed out last month, but prosecutors say they're moving forward anyway with the case. 
http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=6367085&nav=9qrx
http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/
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Comment #20 posted by fight_4_freedom on April 13, 2007 at 12:33:07 PT:
I'm famous!!! lol
This is my letter to the people's forum published in today's Bay City Times.....http://www.mlive.com/news/bctimes/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1176477510256760.xml&coll=4 Voice: Adam Krause, Bay City, MILegalize MarijuanaI do not understand how our government can place dangerous, life-threatening drugs such as alcohol and tobacco as legal products on every corner in America while at the same time, they criminalize a virtually harmless, non-toxic, medically beneficial plant such as cannabis.In 2005, tobacco use caused 435,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. Not much better, alcohol caused some 85,000 deaths. Even legal drugs such as aspirin caused over 7,000 deaths in 2005.Where is that dangerous devil weed that we have demonized for so long for all its devastating effects? It's not even on the list. Maybe that's because it hasn't killed a single person in the history of its existence.I think the government is scared - scared to unleash the truth about marijuana. It would be just way too convenient for us to plant a seed and grow our own medicine in our backyards. We could use one medicine for several ailments at the same time, thus saving our bodies and wallets. Think how much money people would save from using less pharmaceutical garbage.Additionally, the cost of the war on marijuana is unbelievably high. If we legalized, taxed and regulated cannabis, we would not only save billions, but also could yield tax revenue up to $6.2 billion annually.That would also free up a good portion of our jail crowding. There are an average of around 700,000 people arrested for marijuana offenses annually. Ninety percent of those arrests are for possession. We'd have more room for real criminals that actually deserve to be in there. We could save all our police resources for finding and correcting the real problems in our world today.Let's put an end to this political nonsense. It's the only logical thing to do. 
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Comment #19 posted by ekim on April 13, 2007 at 12:19:19 PT
just noticed that i have not said anything about
last nights visit by author Dean Kuipers who wrote Burning Rainbow Farm-- i guess i have been blocking to much.Dean read and talked long into the evening with a packed house at the Delton Library.I was amazed at how the different age groups were represented some had gone to the farm and some of there kids had gone and just wanted to get the book signed as memories to give them. With out a doubt everyone was in agreement that what had been done in our name was not what the people felt should be the way we treat someone for haveing cannabis.i am at a loss at puting into words any more as it is just to painfull to relive-- i know we must -- just to keep from repeting that mistake from ever happing again.thank goodness for Dean Kuipers who did put it into words to live on.
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Comment #18 posted by ekim on April 13, 2007 at 12:03:56 PT
action on climate change ---- April 14 07
Step It Up 2007 : "On Saturday, Stephen, you can join with thousands of Americans and take part in stepitup2007.org, a national day of action on climate change ...
 
http://www.stepitup2007.org
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Comment #17 posted by Hope on April 13, 2007 at 11:48:09 PT
Excerpt from Israel: Going to Pot
People don't know what it really is; they think that they are going to see flying pink elephants because of all the government propaganda." D. also thought that he would be having elaborate hallucinations while on cannabis. Instead, he said, he has only been feeling "happy and hungry.""I was scared, but also excited to maybe see these things. But I never see anything imaginary or fantastic. I just see the world as a happier place," he said. 
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Comment #16 posted by Hope on April 13, 2007 at 11:44:04 PT
Comment 14
Right on, Taylor."... don't expect your elected officials to read your mind."
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Comment #15 posted by Hope on April 13, 2007 at 11:40:06 PT
Oh my!
I just noticed it's Friday the thirteenth!:0IWe're expecting storms here. Furious storms. Softball size hail possible. I'm praying. Maybe it will all disapate somehow. Crops are already ruined in the midwest. That hail could wreak so much damage.Happy and safe and blessed Friday the Thirteenth all!
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Comment #14 posted by Taylor121 on April 13, 2007 at 10:55:32 PT
Help Pro Reform Organizations
There are AT LEAST two things that everyone here should have done already, but in case you haven't it's not too late to start.1) Contact your elected officials a couple times a year. This includes state and Federal officials. If you dislike marijuana being prohibited, don't expect your elected officials to read your mind. Speak out:http://capwiz.com/norml2/home/
http://www.mpp.org2) Donate to an organization that lobbies for change. We have to be represented somehow, and we have organizations that are making things happen.http://www.mpp.org (hit the donate button)
http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3443
http://www.saferchoice.org/content/view/14/29/
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Comment #13 posted by Hope on April 13, 2007 at 10:18:47 PT
Israel: Going to Pot
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n468/a08.html?397
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Comment #12 posted by ekim on April 13, 2007 at 10:16:45 PT
Near Chicago for Earth Day-- 
April 21-22-07
Chicago Green Festival 
300 Exhibits
150 Speakers
http://www.greenfestivals.org/content/view/17/37/
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Comment #11 posted by museman on April 13, 2007 at 10:06:14 PT
toke
Because of my many references to 'scriptures' and revelatory inderstanding, don't ever think that I use them in dogmatic, or doctrinal reference. I have no 'religion', but I have Faith and Belief in God. Not an exclusive, seperate social club that reiterates the same old dried up useless information that our ancestors were forced to swallow in fear of real retribution from the 'church' and the various powers it has raised and supported, but a relative, contemporary, living observatiion, and effort at practicing truth.Just as we need to re-establish truth in our government, we also must also include the religions. - perhaps the religions should be first, since politics is currently nothing more than an apostastatic religion.
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Comment #10 posted by museman on April 13, 2007 at 09:54:42 PT
Toke
An old friend of mine once yelled this on top of a mountain at a Rainbow Gathering;"All religions are false. All you need is love." -several times.I believe that is one of the most profound things I remember him ever saying.
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Comment #9 posted by museman on April 13, 2007 at 09:49:05 PT
left field
There may not be a whole lot of us here in left field, but they dare not hit the ball our way, because they'll never get it back if they do -I think they know this.
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Comment #8 posted by Toker00 on April 13, 2007 at 09:45:13 PT
museman
Now you're talking. I'm telling ya. It's THAT simple. It's just not that easy. It is the same with all this religious crap, museman. There is, as far as I can tell, only one God that put us here, so why the different religions? BUSINESS. MONEY. CONTROL. DIVIDE. CONQUER. DECEPTION. RULE. Where are the works of these religions that reflect their belief in God? That reflect the WILL of God, which is to Unite and Set Free by Truthology, not Capitalism and Technology? All religions based on the model of business are bogus. God didn't mind us having different Philosophies, but I don't think he wanted us to divide into, or be forced to choose from, closed ideologies that war against one another, breaking all his commandments in the process. Are you RELIGIOUS? Are your papers in ORDER? What's the difference?A government of, for, and by People is possible, but not unless Capitalism is Capped and Deception Decapitated.Are you following me on this or am I alone in left field?Toke.
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Comment #7 posted by museman on April 13, 2007 at 09:38:14 PT
Max
It does seem unlikely, but all it really takes is a sufficient number of people conscious of and working towards it, just like the work that is being done to overthrow and dismantle Cannabis Prohibition.Of course this is all contingent on a belief that mankind is created equal, and that until taught to be and act evilly, all man is essentially, and inherently good -at least in the begginning.The more that intelligent people are shown the truth about all this, 9/11, Waco, the incredible destruction of American Freedom wrought by the Civil War -and all wars since- the list of evil acts and inequities committed by this government is just too long - the more the people are going to really want change enough to do something about it. The right of the people -in this country- to choose their 'elected' representatives has been hijacked, and most people seem to be content enough with their comfort- or their illusion that they will someday get their comfort through their service to the beast, to take initiative or civil responsibility. So we have to keep informing them, one at a time if necessary.The Spartan motto; "Never give up, never surrender."
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Comment #6 posted by Max Flowers on April 13, 2007 at 09:31:29 PT
Can't have it both ways
Regarding taxing medical cannabis in CA, I have this to say about that:They can't have it both ways! If the state is going to tax it, they need to also stand up to the feds 100%, assert state sovereignty, and stop all federal raids. I'm talking about the governor, and the attorney general, and all of their ilk. They can't tax it with one hand and sit on the other when the DEA pulls its illegal harassment robberies of dispensaries. I think most people are unaware that federal narcs need state permission, whether explicit or tacit, from state officials to do what they do. The governor for example could easily stop that crap by loudly and clearly telling the feds to stop, and withdrawing their unspoken (or maybe it's actually spoken) approval. Jurisdictionally, DEA/DOJ has no inherent right to kick in doors, steal property, etc. They need the state's nod to do it. If California "authorities" would start protecting the state's sovereignty, we would see the end of these thug raids.
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Comment #5 posted by Max Flowers on April 13, 2007 at 09:20:26 PT
museman post #2
Absolutely excellent idea... inspired, wise... I love it.If only it could happen in the real world. I don't say that cynically, I want to see it happen, but there are powerful forces that are severely opposed to such a blossoming of fairness and freedom. At any rate, I dig your clear vision of it. I will add my energy to hoping for it.
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Comment #4 posted by museman on April 13, 2007 at 08:59:56 PT
and also
If we cut their wages, stop all the wars, and revise our system to include real people as representatives, there would be a hell of a lot more wealth and prosperity to go around.
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Comment #3 posted by museman on April 13, 2007 at 08:57:11 PT
and one more thing
Stop paying those 'representatives' so damn much money. Does anyone besides themselves, and their power-rich masters think they really deserve so much money?
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Comment #2 posted by museman on April 13, 2007 at 08:53:53 PT
Lets just get down to it
Legalize freedom and be done with it. Remove all laws that restrict civil liberties based on social/economic/political bias. Stop creating and supporting systems that showcase elitism, and special classes of people. Fire every politician, hold new elections that allow only the same percentage of rich people as their precentage in the population -that would be about 3%. There are 437 US Fed Gov representatives including Pres and vice pres. 3% of that would be 13. That means that 424 of those elected representatives must make less than $50,000 a year to qualify in a truly representative election in this country.Aplly that formula to state and local townships, and watch this country become what the obfuscators, and word spinners claim it is -FREE, and DEMOCRATIC.People have the right to demand true and equitable representation, and allowing 3% of the population to dictate law and legislation -through THEIR chosen, bought, groomed, over-specialized, and under-rated political lackies known as politicians, is just a huge failure of civic responsibility.
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on April 13, 2007 at 07:30:27 PT
Tom Paine.com: Your Tax Dollars At Waste
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2007/04/13/your_tax_dollars_at_waste.php
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