Move To Legalize Marijuana In California Sparks Fears About Drop In Prices

[MedicalNeed]

^
EDIT: Cause you can be DAMN sure the federal gov't won't be subsidizing any Cannabis farmers any time soon.

When the gov. pays farmers not to plant cannabis just as they do other crops when prices are way down.
Once we have reached that point cannabis will be at it's stable point and price just as it should have been all along.

Until the Cannabis-Hemp movement has reached that point the people will not stand for it, and take governments and corporations polluting the world for synthetic profits.

 

[lasmoker]

I don't really care about dispensary prices for myself. I grow 90% of what I smoke. I mostly care about the prices at the hydro store which are significantly lower than dispensaries. However, I do care about my fellow Americans paying high prices at the dispensaries. I bought a light for about $300 and got much more for my $300 than I would have at a dispensary.

 

[StinkFinger]

Thought this might interest all.

Oakland lawyer William G. Panzer came to last weekend's International Hemp & Cannabis Expo aptly wearing a medical pot tee-shirt and handing out business cards printed on hemp fiber paper.

Then the co-author of the Proposition 215 medical marijuana law and winner of a High Times Magazine "Freedom Fighter" award told dispensary officials and wannabe pot shop operators they may well be breaking the law.

He also predicted there could be a major downsizing in the medical marijuana trade. Panzer said California courts could order closure of scores of cannabis outlets that don't operate as strict, non-profit, socialist-style collectives.

"A dispensary is a place where cannabis is distributed," he told the convention crowd at the Cow Palace in Daly City. "It can be set up as a lawful cannabis collective or as an illegal retail sales outlet. I think the way most dispensaries are set up, they are retail operations.

"The truth is, if you set up lawfully, you're not going to make money. And there are a lot of people for whom it is more important to make money than to serve patients."

Panzer represents dispensaries and advises them on how to organize lawfully as patient networks. But the sharp words of the leading medical marijuana advocate seemed to buttress a hard-line view expressed by Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen A. Trutanich.

Arguing that dispensaries are illegally operating as retail stores, Trutanich has won two court injunctions against Los Angeles dispensaries. Judge James C. Chalfant this month ordered a popular Venice Beach dispensary, Organica, to stop selling or distributing marijuana. In January, Chalfant's injunction barred sales at the Hemp Factory V in Eagle Rock.

The L.A. actions have been assailed by the patient advocacy group, Americans for Safe Access, as violating "the letter and spirit" of state law and the city's dispensary ordinance.

Prosecutors in San Diego County have taken a similar view as those in Los Angeles, but have lost twice in recent prosecutions of medical marijuana operators.

Panzer said a state appellate court may ultimately issue a ruling that may force many improperly run dispensaries to close.

He counseled people operating dispensaries to follow the mandates of a "closed-circuit" patient collective. Under such rules, all marijuana is cultivated and distributed by medical marijuana users who are members of the collective. Any payments for pot are reimbursement for services provided by the non-profit collective.

As one woman asked Panzer about potential income tax deductions from a medical pot business, he abruptly cut her off.

"I'm counseling people not to be a business," he told the crowd. "You have to stop thinking that it is a business. There is no buying and selling."

In an interview, he said many marijuana dispensaries are operating correctly and legally. But he said there are also pot shops set up as "sole proprietorships and limited partnerships that are owned by somebody. You see advertisements to sell them.

"That's not socialism. It's capitalist."


NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: sacbee.com
Author: Peter Hecht
Copyright: 2010 The Sacramento Bee
Contact: Contact Us - sacbee.com
Website: Weed Wars: Advocate lawyer warns that 'capitalist' dispensaries may close

 

[bnzapilot]

It's impossible to provide a product or service for free. The California legislators want the members of the collectives to provide medical marijuana for free to it's members. Funny how all the other non-profit establishments pay their people for working there but the dispensaries are not supposed to do that. They are saying it's ok because we voted for it but they are making it impossible to do without breaking the law. One of these days the politicians running for office are going to realize that if they would just support the people that want it legalized they will have a much better chance of getting elected. Support the majority. They are the ones you are supposed to be representing and also the ones that are going to put you in office. Duh!

 

[Seraphim]

I like PapaGreen's outlook. There may be the larger producers (making 'Budweiser' level product) and there may be the smaller specialty bud 'boutiques' with higher priced ultra-premium champagne nugs which will command higher compensation for the grower's skill and attention to detail.

Lower prices and higher selection for consumers and patients but still enough profit to make it a worth while business to get into for the smaller operations.

Skill in growing the best and or most exotic product and perhaps breeding your own strains may be where it's at for those seeking profit. Which is not a bad thing .. people have to work for a living and people want to smoke good herb.. we should be able to find niches in this industry if it is legalized. It should be OK for anyone willing to work and with aptitude to make as good a living in this field as any other.

However, in general right now all we are doing is just speculating because this legalization has not yet happened.

So the actual effects of legalization may differ greatly from whatever we discuss here. Not that we should not discuss it by any means just that we should do so with the knowledge that we are speculating on future events. Market forces can be extremely unpredictable. Consumers will fall into segments of those who want the cheapest bud to those willing to pay extra for the top shelf unique stuff that tickles your senses like no other. You know it!

I for one think there are a lot of ways for people who are willing to work honestly in this field once the threat of jail is removed. Remember growing is not the only way to make a living. I am a glass blower by hobby and everyone LOVES a nice glass piece.. Although I am not making any glass these days, once I move somewhere better than were I am now I certainly plan on it. And there are may other derivative or secondary industries that would benefit greatly once Cannabis is legalized... many where small businesses could thrive.

I am pro legalization, pro hard work=big profit for those willing to put in the work and pro lower prices for everyone, also pro small business and single man operations succeeding as long as they are ethical and do an honest day work for an honest day pay. There is no reason why with such a strong market demand we cannot have all of these things. Dare to dream for the best scenario! Only then can we move towards it.

 

[michaelkaer]

Non-profits do not mean that the company is always running at a loss. What it means is all the profits of running the business go back in to the business. You must have a profit in order to stay in business. If these are true non-profits, than it can be run as a business. Having said that, we are in the backlash stage of legalizing medical cannabis, so the anti-pot people are going to be pulling out all stops to shut down as many dispensaries as possible. Different regions and towns are using the council powers of regulating zoning laws to try and stop these from opening up. They can fight and they will win for a short time, but then they will be forced to change. The people will not stand for this too much longer. END PROHIBITION TODAY!!!

 

[GanjaAL2]

Yes sir... the river of weed is coming.... the stars are aligning and companies merging hinging on the very thread of legalization where those who have done it will have rivers of weed coming forth for pennies on the dollar. With this no one will be able to afford to grow as it will on only cost a few dollars for an oz. Viva la revolution'!

 

[bnzapilot]

Yes sir... the river of weed is coming.... the stars are aligning and companies merging hinging on the very thread of legalization where those who have done it will have rivers of weed coming forth for pennies on the dollar. With this no one will be able to afford to grow as it will on only cost a few dollars for an oz. Viva la revolution'!

I disagree. Someone has to grow it and pay for the expenses. Pennies on the dollar? I think not. It's fun to think it will be cheap but the reality if that the product still has to be produced. The cost is not going to go down so the price will stay the same or go up considering the new demand.

 

[ol hippy]

I don't care if it goes up or down at least if it's legal I can grow without worring about my door getting kicked in by the pigs ! Plus I know I'll be able to walk into a new group of dispensaries , and or smoke shops to buy my weed !! Bring it on baby legalize me !!

 

[GanjaAL2]

I do not see it that way... the market is going to be flooded with rivers and maybe oceans of weed that no one will be able to sell. They will just have to give it away. Look at the market now. With raids kinda low right now and growers springing up everywhere the market is flooded.

Soon the rivers of weed will flow and 25.0./lbs will be the norm for grade "A" hydro!

Bring on the legalization and let the river of weed flow.

 

[ol hippy]

That would be nice but I still think the feds are really a bunch of loons and they will still be causing havock among growers legal or not! their just like the Gestapo!! Plus Ca supplys 1/3 of the countrys weed if it becomes legal in Ca ,just think of the export business.

 

[StinkFinger]

Key component in the proposed law.

Q: How would the Initiative control and tax cannabis?

A: The Initiative will allow local governments to set up a system to oversee cultivation, distribution, and sales, and determine how and how much cannabis can be bought and sold within area limits. If a local government decides it does not want to control and tax the sale of cannabis, then buying and selling cannabis within area limits will remain illegal, but the possession and consumption of up to one ounce will be permitted.

Source: sponsors of the proposal TaxCannabis 2010

 

[lasmoker]

I do give any extra marijuana I have to close friends who also have recs and California ID. When ever I make edibles I GIVE them away
It is inexpensive to cultivate marijuana. I spend far less at the hydro store than I would in a dispensary.

 

[GanjaAL2]

Let the rivers of weed flow... bring on the legalization. Like it was said above... it may not be as legal as everyone thinks. However the key players will make their millions.

 

[lasmoker]

I do give any extra marijuana I have to close friends who also have recs and California ID. When ever I make edibles I GIVE them away
It is inexpensive to cultivate marijuana. I spend far less at the hydro store than I would in a dispensary. grow your own and you too can give dispensaries your middle finger

 

[TorturedSoul]

Soon the rivers of weed will flow and 25.0./lbs will be the norm for grade "A" hydro!

Bring on the legalization and let the river of weed flow.

How about letting the rest of us know how to grow a pound for $25 (or less).

For many that wouldn't cover a garden's electric bill - for a month.

 

[GanjaAL2]

you would think... where there is a will there will be a way. I for one do not believe it but the speculation is that it will. As the market will be flooded and the fact that outdoor will be the norm in growing. I am sure someone will be able to make it happen.

The river of weed will flow!

 

[kysmoker]

Well, my first post here. Ive read this whole damn thread, and I joined the 420 community just to be able to post in it lol (ive lurked it from time to time).

Legalization, ahh, think for a second. Who wouldve thought that we (which I assume most of us "we" are growers) would be having this discussion. Incredible times. Go figure, as soon as the government needs money they finally start seeing things our way lol.

Well, I have alot of different feelings about legalization, as well as alot of concerns about this bill in particular (funny how a bill in California IS going to have a huge national impact if its passed).

First of all, im a grower. And im not gona lie for the sake of security, I make a living off of my girls. Hope I dont get banned for saying that, but I feel its important that you know where im coming from and what helps shape my opinions (afterall, everyone has motives, right?)

Lets start with the proposed bill. California lead the way with medical marijuana, with 14 (I think?) other states following in its footsteps, and arguably learning from its mistakes (other states seem to be more controlled then California, no offense intended). This bill looks as if it could have the same effect if its passed. California will be a social experiment for all of America to see, so its up to you guys on the west coast to show the rest of the country that legalization isnt so bad (God I hope you hippies dont mess that up, just messin ). But on a serious note, the future of marijuana legalization is in your guys hands, and more specifically how effective that bill is at actually controlling marijuana and its social problems (which dont kid yourself, I love the herb, but their are always irresponsible poeple out there).

On top of that, I have no idea how the federal government will respond to this bill if/when its passed. Medical marijuana is one thing, but to allow recreational use would require a complete rewriting of the Controlled Substances Act. I think you may have some luck with the current administration, but what if the next one is a conservative administration (which it very well could be)? Other states will also be looking to see how our federal government responds, and it will play a large role in whether or not they write their own legislation. Also your going to see a huge problem with people smuggling marijuana into other states, in essence, California could very well become a launching point for many people who run marijuana based businesses (legal or otherwise). Then again, from what I hear, that might not be a huge change lol.

Thats about all I could think of on that note. As a grower, I love being able to grow cannabis as a profession, and I hope to continue it into the future. I really dont care about how much money I make, as long as I have enough to keep my grow space up and running and provide for me and my wife (honestly, the grow room cost more to maintain than I spend on living lol). I dont know if I will be able to compete with large corporations if/when nationwide legalization occurs, but I damn well intend on trying. Itll be a sad day for growers if large corporations do control the market, but then again, good things never last forever, right?

On the plus side for legalization, atleast so many people wouldnt be harassed by cops and other authorities, or even thrown in prison over a simple plant. The war on drugs is one of the saddest things to happen to America, and its caused alot of people to lose confidence not only in our nations law enforcement, but also the very constitution that our nation is based on. In the end im on the fence, so ima just sit back and see how you guys do. Remember, the whole nation is watching

 

[bnzapilot]

I do not see it that way... the market is going to be flooded with rivers and maybe oceans of weed that no one will be able to sell. They will just have to give it away. Look at the market now. With raids kinda low right now and growers springing up everywhere the market is flooded.

Soon the rivers of weed will flow and 25.0./lbs will be the norm for grade "A" hydro!

Bring on the legalization and let the river of weed flow.

Based on your previous statements, it doesn't surprise me you "dont see it that way".

 

[GanjaAL2]

Well, my first post here. Ive read this whole damn thread, and I joined the 420 community just to be able to post in it lol (ive lurked it from time to time).

Legalization, ahh, think for a second. Who wouldve thought that we (which I assume most of us "we" are growers) would be having this discussion. Incredible times. Go figure, as soon as the government needs money they finally start seeing things our way lol.

Well, I have alot of different feelings about legalization, as well as alot of concerns about this bill in particular (funny how a bill in California IS going to have a huge national impact if its passed).

First of all, im a grower. And im not gona lie for the sake of security, I make a living off of my girls. Hope I dont get banned for saying that, but I feel its important that you know where im coming from and what helps shape my opinions (afterall, everyone has motives, right?)

Lets start with the proposed bill. California lead the way with medical marijuana, with 14 (I think?) other states following in its footsteps, and arguably learning from its mistakes (other states seem to be more controlled then California, no offense intended). This bill looks as if it could have the same effect if its passed. California will be a social experiment for all of America to see, so its up to you guys on the west coast to show the rest of the country that legalization isnt so bad (God I hope you hippies dont mess that up, just messin ). But on a serious note, the future of marijuana legalization is in your guys hands, and more specifically how effective that bill is at actually controlling marijuana and its social problems (which dont kid yourself, I love the herb, but their are always irresponsible poeple out there).

On top of that, I have no idea how the federal government will respond to this bill if/when its passed. Medical marijuana is one thing, but to allow recreational use would require a complete rewriting of the Controlled Substances Act. I think you may have some luck with the current administration, but what if the next one is a conservative administration (which it very well could be)? Other states will also be looking to see how our federal government responds, and it will play a large role in whether or not they write their own legislation. Also your going to see a huge problem with people smuggling marijuana into other states, in essence, California could very well become a launching point for many people who run marijuana based businesses (legal or otherwise). Then again, from what I hear, that might not be a huge change lol.

Thats about all I could think of on that note. As a grower, I love being able to grow cannabis as a profession, and I hope to continue it into the future. I really dont care about how much money I make, as long as I have enough to keep my grow space up and running and provide for me and my wife (honestly, the grow room cost more to maintain than I spend on living lol). I dont know if I will be able to compete with large corporations if/when nationwide legalization occurs, but I damn well intend on trying. Itll be a sad day for growers if large corporations do control the market, but then again, good things never last forever, right?

On the plus side for legalization, atleast so many people wouldnt be harassed by cops and other authorities, or even thrown in prison over a simple plant. The war on drugs is one of the saddest things to happen to America, and its caused alot of people to lose confidence not only in our nations law enforcement, but also the very constitution that our nation is based on. In the end im on the fence, so ima just sit back and see how you guys do. Remember, the whole nation is watching

Sorry but people still are getting thrown in jail for mmj which is legal. So I do not see how making it legal again is going to change this. What will change the situation is if we make amendments which makes it legal to go after elected officials and LE for making false arrests and targeting the sick. Also making sure the LE obeys the laws that we have voted in. If you think arrests are going to go away... you are mistaken... they are going to continue.