Ukiahan Seeks To Overturn Measure G

[PFlynn]

Measure G is the county voter initiative that declared prosecuting the cultivation of marijuana would be the lowest priority for county law enforcement, and in no case would local law enforcement arrest and no district attorney would prosecute anybody for growing 25 or fewer marijuana plants.

It was approved by 58 percent of the voters in November 2000. Rickel has authored and has secured permission to circulate an initiative petition called Sensible Medical Marijuana ( SSM ).

According to him, SSM does four things: 1. It overturns Measure G. 2. It sets the plants limits for growing medical marijuana at Senate Bill 420 levels, namely, six mature and 12 immature medical marijuana plants.

3. It provides that "caregrivers", i.e., those who are growing medical marijuana, may not grow for more than four "patient cards" per year, per parcel.

4. It directs county government to figure out how to make certain doctors' recommendations for medical marijuana are for serious medical conditions only.

Rickel said the SSM initiative was approved for circulation on Nov. 6, 2007. He has until early April to gather the necessary number of signatures set by county Clerk-Recorder Marsha Wharff at 3,015.

Rickel said that he has about a dozen people helping him gather signatures throughout the county, and could use more help.

People wishing to aid Rickel in his effort to put the SSM initiative on the ballot may call him at 485-7915, or they can email him at sensiblemedicalmarijuana@yahoo.com.

Rickel said he submitted his ballot initiative because that the efforts of the board of supervisors was going to be ineffective. "I knew the board of supervisors was not going to have any teeth in any ordinance they would try to adopt," Rickel said. He added he is aware that his position may not be popular in some circles.

"I'm anticipating crap on this from left, right and center," he said. All I can say is, 'Bring it on.'"


Source: Willits News (CA)
Copyright: 2007 Willits News
Contact: editorial@willitsnews.com
Website: The Willits News - HOME