cannabisnews.com: Pot Taxes on Ballots in California Cities Looms

cannabisnews.com: Pot Taxes on Ballots in California Cities Looms
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Pot Taxes on Ballots in California Cities Looms
Posted by CN Staff on October 29, 2010 at 07:45:48 PT
By Alison Vekshin
Source: Bloomberg.com
California -- Oakland and San Jose lead California cities preparing to tax marijuana crops and sales if state voters decide on Nov. 2 to legalize the drug for personal use.From Long Beach to Berkeley, ballot measures aim to spin tax revenue from passage of Proposition 19, which would let adults 21 and older grow and possess marijuana. Initiatives to tax growers and sellers are among at least 11 local proposals, according to data prepared for Bloomberg News by Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin.
“Should Prop 19 pass, we’re going to see a number of requests for retail businesses in San Jose and we’ll have to deal with regulations as well as taxing the operations to defray the cost of oversight,” said Rick Doyle, the city’s attorney. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is home to technology companies, including EBay Inc. and Cisco Systems Inc.Proposition 19 would let local governments tax and regulate commercial production, distribution and sale of marijuana. Some cities would designate the new revenue to pay anticipated increases in law-enforcement costs. Others would use the cash raised to cover unrelated expenses. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize marijuana for medical use.“The medical marijuana dispensaries are telling us that it will be lucrative,” Doyle said, citing Oakland, which collects revenue from the state sales tax on the drug. The levies range from 8.25 percent to 10.75 percent, according to Anita Gore, a spokeswoman for the California State Board of Equalization, the state’s tax administrator. Oakland Collects In Oakland, where voters will consider a new levy on marijuana businesses, the city’s four dispensaries generated $3.01 million in sales taxes in the past fiscal year, including more than $308,000 that went into municipal coffers, according to Karen Boyd, the city’s communications director.San Jose’s ballot measure would impose a tax of as much as 10 percent on gross receipts of marijuana businesses to pay for road paving, parks, senior programs and other city services.The revenue potential from legalizing the drug is hard to project, since it hinges on variables such as the tax rate, the number of marijuana businesses and their receipts, said Michelle McGurk, a spokeswoman for San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed.Proposition 19 would let Californians grow the plant on as much as 25 square feet (2.3 square meters) of land per residence or parcel for personal use and not for sale. It would allow local governments to license retail sales and regulate commercial cultivation, according to a state voter guide. New Taxes In Rancho Cordova, a suburb of Sacramento, a ballot proposal would require marijuana businesses to pay a tax ranging from $120 to $150 per $1,000 of receipts. Another measure would require growers to pay an annual tax of from $600 to $900, based on indoor or outdoor cultivation.“There are additional public-safety expenses that will come about from the legalization of marijuana,” Donna Silva, finance director for Rancho Cordova, said by telephone. “We want to make sure that we have adequate revenues.”In Berkeley, voters will decide whether to let the city slap a $100 levy on each $1,000 of receipts for non-medical marijuana businesses to help pay for services ranging from street repair to public health, according to the city’s website.“Our city has been suffering during the recession,” Kriss Worthington, a member of the Berkeley City Council who supports legalization, said by telephone. “This will be one piece to make up for some of the declines in the economy.”Support for Proposition 19 has dwindled, with 51 percent of likely voters opposed to it, compared with 39 who supported it in a poll released Oct. 22 by the University of Southern California and Los Angeles Times. A May survey showed backers at 49 percent, with 41 percent opposed.California residents consume about 1 million pounds (454 metric tons) of marijuana each year, according to the Equalization Board.Source: Bloomberg.com (USA)Author: Alison Vekshin Published: October 29, 2010Copyright: 2010 Bloomberg L.P.Contact: avekshin bloomberg.netWebsite: http://www.bloomberg.com/URL: http://drugsense.org/url/9ysPUq2pCannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml
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Comment #18 posted by BGreen on November 01, 2010 at 08:03:07 PT
Stop screaming at us, OG WIZ
It's basic internet protocol that all caps are the equivalent of yelling.Your ideal law that completely frees the plant is admirable but not very plausible at this time. Incremental steps are necessary. Study the Dutch model of the 70's and you'll see the same situation. They simply changed the public perception and overwhelmed the cops. That's exactly where the domino effect will take the country if CA passes prop 19. If prop 19 fails, they will claim victory against cannabis, set us back decades and launch a full blown war against the last remaining bastion of cannabis freedom, the medical users.You are dead wrong in claiming prop 19 overturns or invalidates prop 215. How can we even have a reasonable discussion when you yell at us with your facts dead wrong?You need to look at the big picture and see how you're falling into the trap of the prohibitionists. Fear is what they're selling and you seem to be afraid of losing what you already have instead of seeing how the rest of us are depending on CA to set a legalization precedent.If you get your way the rest of us are screwed for years to come and you are going to be attacked by the DEA, guaranteed.Those who never learn history are doomed to repeat it.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #17 posted by Had Enough on October 31, 2010 at 21:04:58 PT
Gee…Whizz…
“”I AGREE YOU SHOULDN'T NEED A CARD TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NOBLE WEED BUT IT IS CHEAP INSURANCE.””Why should someone have to ‘PURCHASE CHEAP INSURANE’ to partake in a thing called ‘Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness…a god given right!!!Insurance people are the same as ‘WALL STREET BANKSTERS’…What you think happens when you ‘purchase’ that card with the information that you submit. (database)Seems to me…feeding ‘BIG BROTHER’ is something you advocate…Vote Yes on 19…and take a friend with you…It is dues owed to mankind…mankind of the world…************I've paid my dues - Time after time - I've done my sentence But committed no crime - ***Queen - 'We Are The Champions'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY&feature=fvw
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Comment #16 posted by OG WIZ on October 31, 2010 at 20:24:11 PT:
HAD ENOUGH OF HAD ENOUGH

OK FOR THE LAST TIME THERE IS NO DATABASE EXCEPT IN HAD ENOUGH HEAD. I AGREE YOU SHOULDN'T NEED A CARD TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NOBLE WEED BUT IT IS CHEAP INSURANCE. MY LAST COMMENT: WHAT ABOUT WHAT THE FEDS HAVE SAID ABOUT NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN, ARE THEY GOING TO COME IN AND SHUT IT DOWN, DON'T YOU THINK THEY MIGHT JUST LOOK AROUND WHILE THERE IN THE AREA AND SEE IF THEY CAN GET A FEW MEDICAL PEOPLE AND MAYBE TRY AND TURN EVERYTHING AROUND IF THEY CAN. THEY ARE NOT BOTHERING US NOW SO WHY GIVE THEM A REASON. I'M DONE COMMENTING, THINK ABOUT IT AND VOTE. HAVE A HIGH TIME!
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Comment #15 posted by Had Enough on October 31, 2010 at 19:22:08 PT
What it is…???…Wizz
OG Wizz says…“”NO ONE WILL GO TO JAIL IF THEY HAVE A ’MEDICAL CARD.’ ””When Proposition 19 is passed…you won’t need a ‘CARD’ for ‘Big Brothers' database.Why should someone have to have permission from ‘Big Brother” there should be no regulation at all…The participation in the ‘noble weed’ should be no different that the use of lettuce, tomatoes, apples, oranges, …etc…Your argument holds little water…that bag you are holding has many holes punched in it…Don’t be foolish…Vote Yes on 19…the rest of the world depends on it…and quit licking the jackboots that are at your throat…“Nothing is more disheartening than, when the slave you are attempting to teach liberty to, defends the right of their masters to enslave them!!!”…(excerpt from museman)OG Wizz…You need to take a good long look in the mirror…
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Comment #14 posted by OG WIZ on October 31, 2010 at 15:03:30 PT:
WRONG AGAIN BUD.

I WAS NEVER A COOL KID AND I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO GO TO JAIL. IN FACT IF YOU READ MY LAST COMMENT I SAID LET ALL THE MARIJUANA PEOPLE OUT OF JAIL NOT PUT THEM IN. BUT DON'T COMMENT ON THAT JUST GET DOWN ON ME. IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE IS INSULTS. COMMENT ON THE FACTS LIKE I DID. NO ONE WILL GO TO JAIL IF THEY HAVE A MEDICAL CARD. YOU CAN GROW AT HOME IN MORE SPACE THEN THIS PROP GIVES YOU AND YOU WON'T GO TO JAIL. SO WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR HAVING MORE THAN 1 OUNCE AND HAVING MORE THAN A 25 sq ft GROWING SPACE? WILL THEY GO TO JAIL? OH I THOUGHT IS WAS LEGAL. I WANT REAL LEGALIZATION WITH NO GOVERNMENT, CORPORATION, OR GREADY DISPENSARY OWNERS TO TAX AND CONTROL US.
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Comment #13 posted by museman on October 31, 2010 at 10:38:39 PT
1984 came and went
Where was all this concern for "Big Brother" when the jobs starting being outsourced, the knock-off digital crap was farmed out to Asia, and the armed-to-the-teeth mercenary 'police' force began it's long ranged social intimidation plan?When the TV set told americans to jump, did you say 'How High?'Or was that in between the fritos and beer?It's a bit late to be concerned about the 'take over.'Better to be concerned about how to get it back!And de-fanging cannabis prohibition is #1 on the personal liberty block.Nothing short of absolute repeal of the illegal, unconstitutional prohibition of an herb given to us as our natural right an heritage will satisfy me, but if I don't accept the degrees of change, I won't see any of it.I don't like a lot of what is going on in the 'regulate and control' faction of cannabis liberation, but since most of the problem is public ignorance, every chance we get to demonstrate the benevolence of cannabis is a step in the right direction.Don't want Big Brother? Turn off your TV. Take a walk in the woods. Talk to your neighbor- in person, not on a phone.
Stop using fossil fuels. Stop supporting corporate domination of life's basic needs, start supporting locally based supply.Don't want Big Brother? Vote first. Then we will get on with the next phase.LEGALIZE FREEDOM
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on October 31, 2010 at 06:20:59 PT
BGreen
I look at it this way. Prop 215 has flaws but it is working out all in all. Prop 19 has flaws and it will work out ok too.We have had so much news on TV about the legalization of marijuana that almost every person will have to think how they feel about marijuana and should people be jailed for it. We need to keep working towards changing the federal law so states that are not progressive have a chance at change too.
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Comment #11 posted by BGreen on October 31, 2010 at 06:07:12 PT
It's OK, FoM
OG WIZ may think we're wrong but I don't. Cannabis isn't some clique like in high school where only the cool (sick) kids get to participate. OG WIZ wants the status quo of thousands of arrests for innocent cannabis partakers and we want them all to stop. This proposition is only the first step in total legalization throughout this country but we'll continue to go backwards if OG WIZ and law enforcement get their way.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on October 31, 2010 at 05:45:04 PT
OG WIZ
I am not sure why you feel you can come in to CNews and tell the regular posters that they are wrong. We are allowed to think differently then you do. We do our best to respect each others opinions.
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Comment #9 posted by OG WIZ on October 31, 2010 at 04:17:45 PT:
BUD GREEN IS WRONG!
First off marijuana is at an all time low right now selling for $150. to $250. an ounce not $800. in Cali. Also all I am saying is get your medical marijuana cards and you'll be protected much more than this. Also what about all the people in jail for marijuana are they going to let them out. Put that in the prop and I'll vote for it.
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Comment #8 posted by BGreen on October 31, 2010 at 03:44:40 PT
Who is OG WIZ anyway?
From their words they could be any profiteer of $800 per ounce "medical marijuana" or cop because the narcissism in their argument is basically "I've got mine, screw you."I guarantee you that whatever you think you have now will disappear tomorrow if Prop. 19 fails because all guns will then be pointed at the Prop. 215 people. Then people like OG WIZ will come to us whining and begging again for our help. We did help, we have helped, you took our help and then crapped on us in return.Don't be surprised if you lose a lot of support by your selfishness.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #7 posted by OG WIZ on October 31, 2010 at 02:46:44 PT:
Had enough is wrong!
You don't have to sign up with the state government if your a 215. That is a voluntary program that no one 1 know has ever signed up for. Also in this prop. is a section that the legislators in Sacramento can amend this prop if they want, since when has that been in a prop? And it gives cities and counties the right to opt out which they can't do now even though they try. This is not a good legalization proposal. Try again.
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Comment #6 posted by Had Enough on October 30, 2010 at 15:13:57 PT
Hhmmm….
Strange Brew -- Cream (the)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3cELfFjXvY
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Comment #5 posted by Had Enough on October 30, 2010 at 15:04:05 PT
and more…....OG WIZ
Proposition 19 does not trump Proposition 215. Proposition 215 will remain in place.The claim that big brother will take over is nil.As it stands now, Big Brother says you have to get a card and pay them to have ‘permission’, and you get all your personal information tucked away real neat in a nice tidy little STATE CONTROLLED data base. Seems to me that Big Brother is already controlling your activities. Why should it be that you have to register with the STATE to keep from getting caught up in a bad way with Big Brothers machine. Taxes…nobody likes them, but most pay them, except Big Brother…The whole world is watching this…This can and will be the vote heard around the world.Vote YES…Don’t bite on the hype.
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Comment #4 posted by Had Enough on October 30, 2010 at 14:35:35 PT
OG WIZ re: #3
Check out these comments...http://cannabisnews.com/news/26/thread26088.shtmlThink about it...Think about what you are about to do.Do not be on the wrong side of history!!!
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Comment #3 posted by OG WIZ on October 30, 2010 at 12:37:39 PT:
GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATION TAKEOVER!

SO HOW MANY TIMES HAS ANYTHING THE GOVERNMENT GOT INVOLVED IN BECOME BETTER? RIGHT NOW IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL CARD YOU CAN CARRY 8 OUNCES IN YOUR CAR NOT 1, AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE 21. THIS CUTS AND AMOUNT YOU ARE ALLOWED TO HAVE AND SAYS YOU HAVE TO BE 21. HOW IS THIS BETTER! THE COUNTIES AND STATE ARE FOAMING AT THE MOUTH TO RUIN A GOOD THING AND GET THERE DIRTY HANDS ON THIS REVENUE. ARE YOU GOING TO HELP THEM? AND IF YOU THINK THIS IS GOING TO STOP MEXICAN VIOLENCE OR SMUGGLING YOUR SMOKING TO MUCH! ANYONE CAN GET A MEDICAL CARD. WAY MORE PROTECTIONS. VOTE NO ON THIS TAKEOVER!
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Comment #2 posted by runruff on October 29, 2010 at 09:48:26 PT
I am voting with a vengence!
I am convincing everyone who will listen, let's send a tsunami wave of change to the powers that be!This is the "Brave New world" and it ain't going as invisioned by our corporate demons in washington!You cannot contain a civilizaton who's wide spread dependency is on a product local to every community-Hemp!
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Comment #1 posted by Graehstone on October 29, 2010 at 07:55:24 PT
A New Leaf
http://www.thenewleaf.org/
Go out and Vote, Vote, Vote!
[ Post Comment ]

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