Showing posts with label marijuana tax laws. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marijuana tax laws. Show all posts
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Oregon Cannabis Tax Act 2010
The Oregon Cannabis Tax Act OCTA will comprehensively reform cannabis and hemp laws by regulating and taxing adult commercial use while promoting industrial hemp cultivation. By regulating the sale of cannabis Oregon stands to earn millions in tax revenue for the the Oregon General Fund, which pays for schools, health care and public safety to name just a few.
Medical Marijuana Inc Continues Development and Completes 1st Stage of the National Rollout of Its Educational Seminars
MARINA DEL REY, CA — (Marketwire) — 11/20/09 — Medical Marijuana Inc (PINKSHEETS: MJNA) announced today they have completed the taping of the Educational Seminar series as the 1st step toward the Seminar program being offered across America in those states where permitted by law. These Seminars will continue to be held in Ukiah, Ca. through the rest of the year.
Noted speakers included Oakland defense attorney James Silva, Mendocino Country Independent Editor Richard Johnson, Aeroponics cultivation expert Wayne Zallen, and MJNA – CEO Bruce Perlowin. The panel focused on current California laws and ordinances. Cultivation techniques and environmental sensitivity and solutions regarding the broad based tax solution that MJNA offers were explained in depth and unanimously agreed upon as paving the future for Medical Marijuana.
MJNA business protocol modules include Marketing, Accounting and Tax Compliance. Other modules include Trademarks and Patents, barter and their relevance to Medical Marijuana. Special attention is given to compliance issues related to extended Caregiver and Co-Op models. How-to instructions from some of the best Cannabis growers, use of Cannabis in the kitchens, legal experts, journalists and business professionals have enabled an unprecedented course of informational dialogue to move forward weekly.
Online enrollment can be accomplished at www.medicalmarijuanainc.com
Solutions
Medical Marijuana Inc has developed a suite of solutions to deliver an efficient and secure infrastructure for the Medical Marijuana Industry that will provide the tools to industry operators to effectively manage their businesses with the confidence that they are in full compliance.
ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA INC
Medical Marijuana Inc recognizes the vast and unequaled opportunities that exist in the rapidly expanding medical marijuana industry. The scientific recognition of marijuana as a powerful medicine, and as an effective, non-narcotic pain reliever, has brought legalized marijuana use to the forefront of mainstream discussion thus opening the door for safe and lucrative investment opportunities.
The growing amount of states that have legalized the use of medical marijuana have yet to establish a system for the legalized commercial production and sale of the medicine. It is likely that other states will follow California’s basic lead as the Golden State more specifically defines the regulations and protocols that are shaping the supply-side of the legal medical marijuana sector.
For further details on Medical Marijuana Inc contact:
www.medicalmarijuanainc.com
Noted speakers included Oakland defense attorney James Silva, Mendocino Country Independent Editor Richard Johnson, Aeroponics cultivation expert Wayne Zallen, and MJNA – CEO Bruce Perlowin. The panel focused on current California laws and ordinances. Cultivation techniques and environmental sensitivity and solutions regarding the broad based tax solution that MJNA offers were explained in depth and unanimously agreed upon as paving the future for Medical Marijuana.
MJNA business protocol modules include Marketing, Accounting and Tax Compliance. Other modules include Trademarks and Patents, barter and their relevance to Medical Marijuana. Special attention is given to compliance issues related to extended Caregiver and Co-Op models. How-to instructions from some of the best Cannabis growers, use of Cannabis in the kitchens, legal experts, journalists and business professionals have enabled an unprecedented course of informational dialogue to move forward weekly.
Online enrollment can be accomplished at www.medicalmarijuanainc.com
Solutions
Medical Marijuana Inc has developed a suite of solutions to deliver an efficient and secure infrastructure for the Medical Marijuana Industry that will provide the tools to industry operators to effectively manage their businesses with the confidence that they are in full compliance.
ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA INC
Medical Marijuana Inc recognizes the vast and unequaled opportunities that exist in the rapidly expanding medical marijuana industry. The scientific recognition of marijuana as a powerful medicine, and as an effective, non-narcotic pain reliever, has brought legalized marijuana use to the forefront of mainstream discussion thus opening the door for safe and lucrative investment opportunities.
The growing amount of states that have legalized the use of medical marijuana have yet to establish a system for the legalized commercial production and sale of the medicine. It is likely that other states will follow California’s basic lead as the Golden State more specifically defines the regulations and protocols that are shaping the supply-side of the legal medical marijuana sector.
For further details on Medical Marijuana Inc contact:
www.medicalmarijuanainc.com
Friday, October 23, 2009
Medical Marijuana, Inc. Launches Seminar and Training Program in Ukiah, CA
Medical Marijuana, Inc. is currently offering free Informational Seminars in Mendocino County, CA. These two hour seminars will be held every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the remainder of 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Discovery Inn, 1340 N. State St., Ukiah, in the Corporate Room hosted by MJNA’s, CEO and “King of Pot”, Bruce Perlowin, who was featured in CNBC's most watched television documentary "Marijuana, Inc.". Additionally, beginning November 6&7, 2009 and every weekend after that MJNA will be conducting a series of two day paid seminars ($420 for the weekend course) in the Landmark Room at the Discovery Inn.
Among significant topics to be covered in the weekend courses are clarification of State, City and County laws and ordinances governing Medical Marijuana collectives in regards to dispensaries and cultivation. This is tied into Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s transparent patent pending Tax Remittance Card and Closed Loop Inventory Tracking System to ensure total compliance. Also discussed are the cottage industries that will sprout from the core medical marijuana industry beyond cultivation and collectives such as; cannabis kitchens and various franchises, testing facilities, distribution and logistics, delivery services, security and more. Dozens of other topics related to running any business – from internet marketing, advertising and media exposure, to trademarks, patents and proper accounting protocols – will also be taught in the weekend courses.
For more information contact: www.medicalmarijuanainc.com
Medical Marijuana Inc Begins Licensing of Its Patent Pending Tax Remittance Technology
MARINA DEL REY, CA--(Marketwire - October 22, 2009) - Medical Marijuana Inc (PINKSHEETS: MJNA) has entered into discussions with a publicly traded coffee distribution company for licensing of its patent pending tax remittance solution. Medical Marijuana Inc's tax remittance technology was originally designed to be industry and product neutral; it can be implemented in any industry. Execution of this agreement will launch phase one of Medical Marijuana Inc's multi-industry implementation strategy.
Once daily tax remittance becomes standard practice in the medical marijuana industry, government officials are likely to have a strong interest in implementing Medical Marijuana Inc's patent pending technology across all industries. The windfall to the government could be enormous, with sales taxes being delivered to government coffers on a daily basis versus the currently accepted practice of submitting taxes every ninety days or more.
For further information contact:
www.medicalmarijuanainc.com
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY.......
Once daily tax remittance becomes standard practice in the medical marijuana industry, government officials are likely to have a strong interest in implementing Medical Marijuana Inc's patent pending technology across all industries. The windfall to the government could be enormous, with sales taxes being delivered to government coffers on a daily basis versus the currently accepted practice of submitting taxes every ninety days or more.
For further information contact:
www.medicalmarijuanainc.com
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY.......
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Medical Marijuana Inc., Prepares for CA Rollout with Completion of Custom Programming and Tax Compliance System
MARINA DEL REY, CA--(Marketwire - October 8, 2009) - Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA) continues to execute its business plan with the next step of their Tax Compliance System in place. MJNA now has over 30 collectives in 3 states and Canada signed on to use this tax system. These collectives are showing their intent to comply with proper business systems regarding tax remittance to the proper agencies. This puts these collectives in compliance with one of the most crucial aspects of Medical Marijuana and its proper distribution. Charles Larsen, President of MJNA, says, "With our fully scalable, robust processing platform, we are able to meet the most stringent requirements of any Government agencies requesting our system for their municipalities."
Medical Marijuana, Inc. is the first public company to recognize the vast and unequaled opportunities that exist in the rapidly expanding Medical Marijuana market. The scientific recognition of marijuana as a powerful medicine has brought marijuana to a new status, and opened the door for investment and opportunity.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY....
Medical Marijuana, Inc. is the first public company to recognize the vast and unequaled opportunities that exist in the rapidly expanding Medical Marijuana market. The scientific recognition of marijuana as a powerful medicine has brought marijuana to a new status, and opened the door for investment and opportunity.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY....
LA County DA Prepares To Crack Down on Pot Outlets
Los Angeles, CA — Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley said Thursday he will prosecute medical marijuana dispensaries for over-the-counter sales, targeting a practice that has become commonplace under an initiative approved by California voters more than a decade ago.
“The vast, vast, vast majority, about 100%, of dispensaries in Los Angeles County and the city are operating illegally, they are dealing marijuana illegally, according to our theory,” he said. “The time is right to deal with this problem.”
Cooley and Los Angeles City Atty. Carmen Trutanich recently concluded that state law bars sales of medical marijuana, an opinion that could spark a renewed effort by law enforcement across the state to rein in the use of marijuana. It comes as polls show a majority of state voters back legalization of marijuana, and supporters are working to place the issue on the ballot next year.
Law enforcement officials have been frustrated by the explosion in the number of dispensaries in Southern California, arguing that most are for-profit enterprises that violate the 1996 voter initiative legalizing medical marijuana and the 2003 state law permitting collective cultivation. Cooley’s announcement, coming at a news conference that followed a training session he and Trutanich conducted for narcotics officers, dramatically raises the stakes.
In the city of Los Angeles, some estimates put the number of dispensaries as high as 800. The city allowed 186 to remain open under its 2007 moratorium, but hundreds of others opened in violation of the ban while the city did nothing to shut them down.
..........
Cooley said he believes that under state law, collectives must raise their own marijuana and can only recoup their costs. “That’s absolutely legal,” he said. “We’re going to respect that.”
But he said none of them currently do that.
The district attorney’s warning could make the situation more chaotic in Los Angeles, where the City Council has struggled for two years to devise an ordinance to control the distribution of medical marijuana.
In addition to prosecuting dispensaries, Cooley said he would consider going after doctors who write medical marijuana recommendations for healthy people. Medical marijuana critics argue that some doctors freely recommend the drug to people who are not ill.
..............
When Californians voted for Proposition 215 in 1996, they made it legal for patients with a doctor’s recommendation and their caregivers to possess and raise pot for the patient’s medical use.
In 2003, the Legislature allowed patients and caregivers “collectively or cooperatively to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes” but said they could not do it for profit.
Cooley and Trutanich, after reviewing a state Supreme Court decision from last year, have concluded that the law protects collectives from prosecution only in the cultivation of marijuana, not for sales or distribution.
Medical marijuana advocates, however, note that the state currently requires dispensaries to collect sales taxes on marijuana, and that guidelines drawn up by the attorney general conclude that “a properly organized and operated collective or cooperative that dispenses medical marijuana through a storefront may be lawful.”
The guidelines allow collectives to take costs into account but do not deal directly with over-the-counter sales.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY
“The vast, vast, vast majority, about 100%, of dispensaries in Los Angeles County and the city are operating illegally, they are dealing marijuana illegally, according to our theory,” he said. “The time is right to deal with this problem.”
Cooley and Los Angeles City Atty. Carmen Trutanich recently concluded that state law bars sales of medical marijuana, an opinion that could spark a renewed effort by law enforcement across the state to rein in the use of marijuana. It comes as polls show a majority of state voters back legalization of marijuana, and supporters are working to place the issue on the ballot next year.
Law enforcement officials have been frustrated by the explosion in the number of dispensaries in Southern California, arguing that most are for-profit enterprises that violate the 1996 voter initiative legalizing medical marijuana and the 2003 state law permitting collective cultivation. Cooley’s announcement, coming at a news conference that followed a training session he and Trutanich conducted for narcotics officers, dramatically raises the stakes.
In the city of Los Angeles, some estimates put the number of dispensaries as high as 800. The city allowed 186 to remain open under its 2007 moratorium, but hundreds of others opened in violation of the ban while the city did nothing to shut them down.
..........
Cooley said he believes that under state law, collectives must raise their own marijuana and can only recoup their costs. “That’s absolutely legal,” he said. “We’re going to respect that.”
But he said none of them currently do that.
The district attorney’s warning could make the situation more chaotic in Los Angeles, where the City Council has struggled for two years to devise an ordinance to control the distribution of medical marijuana.
In addition to prosecuting dispensaries, Cooley said he would consider going after doctors who write medical marijuana recommendations for healthy people. Medical marijuana critics argue that some doctors freely recommend the drug to people who are not ill.
..............
When Californians voted for Proposition 215 in 1996, they made it legal for patients with a doctor’s recommendation and their caregivers to possess and raise pot for the patient’s medical use.
In 2003, the Legislature allowed patients and caregivers “collectively or cooperatively to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes” but said they could not do it for profit.
Cooley and Trutanich, after reviewing a state Supreme Court decision from last year, have concluded that the law protects collectives from prosecution only in the cultivation of marijuana, not for sales or distribution.
Medical marijuana advocates, however, note that the state currently requires dispensaries to collect sales taxes on marijuana, and that guidelines drawn up by the attorney general conclude that “a properly organized and operated collective or cooperative that dispenses medical marijuana through a storefront may be lawful.”
The guidelines allow collectives to take costs into account but do not deal directly with over-the-counter sales.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY
Kelly McParland: Benign White House unleashes marijuana boom
Anyone with an interest in the debate over medical marijuana might want to keep an eye on California and Colorado, where prospects for the pot business have never been brighter. It’s not far-fetched to suggest a combination of financial need and the Obama administration’s benign neglect could make California the first state to legalize recreational use of marijuana next year.
Without making a big deal of it, the White House has made life a lot easier for pot enthusiasts. Although 13 states have approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes, it remains a crime under federal law, which means you may be free under state law to open a dispensary and start offering various types of pot, but can’t be sure a federal narcotics team won’t bust in and drag you off to jail anyway. If that happens, the U.S. Federal Court won’t let you use the state law in your defence....
Apart from its enthusiasm for liberal social policies -- the more high-profile the better -- California has another, more compelling reason to embrace legalized pot: It’s broke. The state budget is in such a crisis it chopped $15 billion in spending this year, largely on education, and was forced to send out 327,000 IOUs worth $2 billion.
Legalizing marijuana would allow it to be licenced, regulated and -- best of all -- taxed, producing a juicy new revenue stream. It would probably also make it all but impossible for other states to maintain more restrictive laws. With more than 30 million Californians able to fill their baggies at the corner store, attempting to staunch the flow across borders would become an expensive exercise in self-deception.
So the economic crisis may do for potheads what decades of lobbying, protesting and defiance failed to achieve. And if Obama succeeds in pushing though health care reform, marijuana users might even find a way to make him pay for their supply.
National Post
Without making a big deal of it, the White House has made life a lot easier for pot enthusiasts. Although 13 states have approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes, it remains a crime under federal law, which means you may be free under state law to open a dispensary and start offering various types of pot, but can’t be sure a federal narcotics team won’t bust in and drag you off to jail anyway. If that happens, the U.S. Federal Court won’t let you use the state law in your defence....
Apart from its enthusiasm for liberal social policies -- the more high-profile the better -- California has another, more compelling reason to embrace legalized pot: It’s broke. The state budget is in such a crisis it chopped $15 billion in spending this year, largely on education, and was forced to send out 327,000 IOUs worth $2 billion.
Legalizing marijuana would allow it to be licenced, regulated and -- best of all -- taxed, producing a juicy new revenue stream. It would probably also make it all but impossible for other states to maintain more restrictive laws. With more than 30 million Californians able to fill their baggies at the corner store, attempting to staunch the flow across borders would become an expensive exercise in self-deception.
So the economic crisis may do for potheads what decades of lobbying, protesting and defiance failed to achieve. And if Obama succeeds in pushing though health care reform, marijuana users might even find a way to make him pay for their supply.
National Post
If History Repeats - Buy This Stock!
I am a shareholder of MJNA. I have known Bruce Perlowin since the early 90's and worked with him in several of his companies. Bruce is what I call a true pioneer. He gets into an industry early and positions the company as a leader simply by being there first and marketing on a very personal level. While others are still thinking about it, Bruce is already providing solutions.
In the medical marijuana industry, Bruce is called the "King of Pot" because of his historically large enterprise. But this time,he is doing it legally. His company, Medical Marijuana, Inc. provides payment solutions and a tax remittance system. This can help dispensaries to be in full compliance with the current tax laws. In addition, the stored value system provides other functionalities that benefit the dispensaries, such as customer loyalty, cashless transactions and more.
As the debate over medical marijuana heats up, it seems apparent that it is just a matter of time before this prohibition ends and it becomes a booming industry. MJNA has already planted its foot as an industry leader. I recommend to buy this stock while it is still affordable.
Check them out at: http://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com/
In the medical marijuana industry, Bruce is called the "King of Pot" because of his historically large enterprise. But this time,he is doing it legally. His company, Medical Marijuana, Inc. provides payment solutions and a tax remittance system. This can help dispensaries to be in full compliance with the current tax laws. In addition, the stored value system provides other functionalities that benefit the dispensaries, such as customer loyalty, cashless transactions and more.
As the debate over medical marijuana heats up, it seems apparent that it is just a matter of time before this prohibition ends and it becomes a booming industry. MJNA has already planted its foot as an industry leader. I recommend to buy this stock while it is still affordable.
Check them out at: http://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com/
Pinnacle Digest: Looking For Shareholder Opinions On Medical Marijuana's Latest News
Oct 09, 2009 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- MJNA | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- www.PinnacleDigest.com is a performance-driven online financial magazine and social network with a proven track record. After yesterday's news from Medical Marijuana, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: MJNA | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) announcing it continues to execute its business plan with the next step of their Tax Compliance System now in place, our team is inviting all shareholders to their exclusive investor controlled forum. Our staff and members have requested that all Medical Marijuana shareholders join our community and share their thoughts on the company, its development and future outlook. One of the most important aspects when we research for new investments is to understand the sentiment of the current shareholders; that is why we have released this announcement - we want to know your opinion.
Join The Medical Marijuana Investor Discussion Here: http://www.pinnacledigest.com/company/mjna
Join The Medical Marijuana Investor Discussion Here: http://www.pinnacledigest.com/company/mjna
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Booming Medical Pot Sales Concern Officials
LOS ANGELES — Almost 13 years after California became the first state to allow the sale of marijuana for some medical conditions storefront purveyors of the drug are nearly as easy to find as a taco stand.
Yet police and prosecutors say the law is vague on who can sell pot and in what circumstances. They worry that the state unwittingly created safe havens for drug pushers who are doping the population with immunity.
"They appear to be run by drug dealers who see an opening in the market and a way to make a fast buck," says San Diego district attorney Bonnie Dumanis, who says every pot store her office has looked at is operating illegally.
The tangle of regulations and alleged criminality that has followed in the aftermath of California's first in the nation medical marijuana law is hardly restricted to the Golden State.
Thirteen states, from New England to the Pacific Northwest, have passed laws by ballot or legislative action permitting marijuana possession for some medical reasons even though the drug is illegal under federal law.
Some, like Rhode Island, where a medical marijuana law passed in 2006, officials are still trying to figure out how to set up places where people can buy the drug. In Colorado, which approved medical marijuana sales in 2000, cities are passing moratoriums to halt the blossoming of marijuana stores. New Mexico's lone non-profit licensed to distribute pot is overwhelmed by demand.
In Washington state, a legal dispute rages over whether the law permits people to just grow their own pot or also buy it from dispensaries.
Stewart Richlin, lawyer for more than 150 medical marijuana collectives in Southern California, says states that legalize medical marijuana must accept the commerce that follows.
"Once we acknowledge patients have a right to cannabis, they have to get it somewhere," he says.
The medical marijuana movement was begun by advocates who say pot can provide relief for a wide range of illnesses, from AIDS to arthritis. Why should people suffer when pot can help, they say?
"It's highly effective in certain circumstances," San Diego physician Bob Blake says.
Critics say a law meant to benefit a relatively few number of patients is being exploited by entrepreneurs who are making big money.
Los Angeles Police Lt. Paul Torrence says the department investigated a clinic in the fashionable Venice area that was doing up to $140,000 in sales a month. In San Diego, where authorities this month shut down 14 medical marijuana sellers, Dumanis said at least one was operating on that scale as well, over $700,000 in six months.
City Council members Janice Hahn and Dennis Zine, in proposing Los Angeles tax medical marijuana sales, point to Oakland, where they say four licensed dispensaries had gross sales of $19.6 million in 2008.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY......
Blog Notes: Apparently, this is a bigger business than anyone really anticipated. With these kinds of sales, it is obvious that this industry is on the verge of exploding. Medical Marijuana, Inc. is providing solutions for both the government and the dispensary owner. Their Tax Remittance Card, allows the taxes to be automatically dispersed into a dedicated account for tax remittance. As the industry evolves Medical Marijuana, Inc. intends to be the market leader in providing quick, easy payment solutions.
Yet police and prosecutors say the law is vague on who can sell pot and in what circumstances. They worry that the state unwittingly created safe havens for drug pushers who are doping the population with immunity.
"They appear to be run by drug dealers who see an opening in the market and a way to make a fast buck," says San Diego district attorney Bonnie Dumanis, who says every pot store her office has looked at is operating illegally.
The tangle of regulations and alleged criminality that has followed in the aftermath of California's first in the nation medical marijuana law is hardly restricted to the Golden State.
Thirteen states, from New England to the Pacific Northwest, have passed laws by ballot or legislative action permitting marijuana possession for some medical reasons even though the drug is illegal under federal law.
Some, like Rhode Island, where a medical marijuana law passed in 2006, officials are still trying to figure out how to set up places where people can buy the drug. In Colorado, which approved medical marijuana sales in 2000, cities are passing moratoriums to halt the blossoming of marijuana stores. New Mexico's lone non-profit licensed to distribute pot is overwhelmed by demand.
In Washington state, a legal dispute rages over whether the law permits people to just grow their own pot or also buy it from dispensaries.
Stewart Richlin, lawyer for more than 150 medical marijuana collectives in Southern California, says states that legalize medical marijuana must accept the commerce that follows.
"Once we acknowledge patients have a right to cannabis, they have to get it somewhere," he says.
The medical marijuana movement was begun by advocates who say pot can provide relief for a wide range of illnesses, from AIDS to arthritis. Why should people suffer when pot can help, they say?
"It's highly effective in certain circumstances," San Diego physician Bob Blake says.
Critics say a law meant to benefit a relatively few number of patients is being exploited by entrepreneurs who are making big money.
Los Angeles Police Lt. Paul Torrence says the department investigated a clinic in the fashionable Venice area that was doing up to $140,000 in sales a month. In San Diego, where authorities this month shut down 14 medical marijuana sellers, Dumanis said at least one was operating on that scale as well, over $700,000 in six months.
City Council members Janice Hahn and Dennis Zine, in proposing Los Angeles tax medical marijuana sales, point to Oakland, where they say four licensed dispensaries had gross sales of $19.6 million in 2008.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY......
Blog Notes: Apparently, this is a bigger business than anyone really anticipated. With these kinds of sales, it is obvious that this industry is on the verge of exploding. Medical Marijuana, Inc. is providing solutions for both the government and the dispensary owner. Their Tax Remittance Card, allows the taxes to be automatically dispersed into a dedicated account for tax remittance. As the industry evolves Medical Marijuana, Inc. intends to be the market leader in providing quick, easy payment solutions.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Pot Advocates Think Legalization Is Nearer
The 38th annual national convention for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws wraps up today at the downtown Grand Hyatt, and groups of medical marijuana users have been casually passing joints on the outdoor patio. It’s probably what some visitors from Des Moines were afraid would happen when they landed in the marquee city of the Left Coast.
But NORML delegates, basking in the glow of their Barack Obama themed-convention motto - “Yes We Can-nabis” - are convinced this isn’t a fringe issue any more.
“There is no doubt that today, Sept. 25, 2009, is the moment of genuine zeitgeist to decriminalizing marijuana in America,” said Allen St. Pierre, the executive director of NORML. “This conference represents that we are at that tipping point.”
Maybe in the Bay Area, but I doubt voters in conservative Orange County will be thrilled to vote for the Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010.
The cannabis act was endorsed Friday by Oakland mayoral candidate and former Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata. Perata was supposed to appear at the conference, but was ill and was not available for comment.
The act would make it lawful for anyone over the age of 21 to “possess, share, or transport not more than one ounce of cannabis.” The act is currently gaining signatures in a petition drive to make the ballot, but it seems more like a first step than a popular vote winner.
The same can be said about State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano’s bill, the Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Education Act, which he says could raise as much as $1 billion. Ammiano insists that even right-wingers will see the benefits of legal pot.
“It’s not the wedge issue it once was,” he said after speaking to hundreds of delegates at the NORML morning session. “When they see that the sales of pot to adults is financing a health clinic, they will see why it will work.”
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY....
But NORML delegates, basking in the glow of their Barack Obama themed-convention motto - “Yes We Can-nabis” - are convinced this isn’t a fringe issue any more.
“There is no doubt that today, Sept. 25, 2009, is the moment of genuine zeitgeist to decriminalizing marijuana in America,” said Allen St. Pierre, the executive director of NORML. “This conference represents that we are at that tipping point.”
Maybe in the Bay Area, but I doubt voters in conservative Orange County will be thrilled to vote for the Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010.
The cannabis act was endorsed Friday by Oakland mayoral candidate and former Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata. Perata was supposed to appear at the conference, but was ill and was not available for comment.
The act would make it lawful for anyone over the age of 21 to “possess, share, or transport not more than one ounce of cannabis.” The act is currently gaining signatures in a petition drive to make the ballot, but it seems more like a first step than a popular vote winner.
The same can be said about State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano’s bill, the Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Education Act, which he says could raise as much as $1 billion. Ammiano insists that even right-wingers will see the benefits of legal pot.
“It’s not the wedge issue it once was,” he said after speaking to hundreds of delegates at the NORML morning session. “When they see that the sales of pot to adults is financing a health clinic, they will see why it will work.”
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY....
Twitter High: California Group Sells Medical Marijuana Online
Artists Collective, a non-profit California medical marijuana delivery service, is now Twittering out its goods, and all it takes to get high is a doctor's note. They've got everything from brownies to blunts and the delivery is free. Rather than whispering "weed" to passersby, the solicitation is like this:
ArtistsCollectve BB Kush, NY Soma, SD Strom, Forrest G, Green C, Baby Crunch, Spy Diesel, buy 1/4 get gram free. Baked goods, Grams, Joints avail.
4:06 PM Jun 29th from web
Dann Halem, 34, started the project about 18 months ago to raise money for California artists, and it's entirely legal, under California's medical marijuana laws. However, the Artists Collective could still be raided at any time by the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents. Medical marijuana operations are still technically in violation of federal law, despite being legalized by more than a dozen states.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY...
ArtistsCollectve BB Kush, NY Soma, SD Strom, Forrest G, Green C, Baby Crunch, Spy Diesel, buy 1/4 get gram free. Baked goods, Grams, Joints avail.
4:06 PM Jun 29th from web
Dann Halem, 34, started the project about 18 months ago to raise money for California artists, and it's entirely legal, under California's medical marijuana laws. However, the Artists Collective could still be raided at any time by the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents. Medical marijuana operations are still technically in violation of federal law, despite being legalized by more than a dozen states.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY...
WAMMfest: Santa Cruz Medical Marijuana Festival Goes Off Without A Hitch
SANTA CRUZ -- Although smoking was not allowed at the WAMMfest on Saturday due to a planning mix-up, the annual celebration of medical marijuana still filled San Lorenzo Park with hundreds of patients and supporters.
Without an exemption to the city's no-smoking rules in the park, WAMMfest organizers patrolled the park and handed out fliers stating that smoking was not allowed this year. In the past, organizers have set up tents in the park where medical marijuana patients could inhale their medicine.
"What we're trying to do is respect the laws and keep it safe and fun," WAMM board member Suzanne Pfeil said. "We don't want anyone to receive a citation."
Santa Cruz police said they would not increase the number of officers on duty Saturday afternoon for WAMMfest. However, they said those on duty would issue citations if the park's no-smoking rules were not followed.
"Organizers of the event were very respectful and responsive to any inquiries park staff had who were doing their regular patrols of the park," Santa Cruz police Lt. Rick Martinez said. "There was a small smoking tent but it wasn't located on park property. We estimated the crowds to be around 200-300 people. Overall I think it was a success for the organizers."
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY...
Without an exemption to the city's no-smoking rules in the park, WAMMfest organizers patrolled the park and handed out fliers stating that smoking was not allowed this year. In the past, organizers have set up tents in the park where medical marijuana patients could inhale their medicine.
"What we're trying to do is respect the laws and keep it safe and fun," WAMM board member Suzanne Pfeil said. "We don't want anyone to receive a citation."
Santa Cruz police said they would not increase the number of officers on duty Saturday afternoon for WAMMfest. However, they said those on duty would issue citations if the park's no-smoking rules were not followed.
"Organizers of the event were very respectful and responsive to any inquiries park staff had who were doing their regular patrols of the park," Santa Cruz police Lt. Rick Martinez said. "There was a small smoking tent but it wasn't located on park property. We estimated the crowds to be around 200-300 people. Overall I think it was a success for the organizers."
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY...
420 Times Launches eNewsletter For Medical Marijuana Users
September 29, 2009 -- The 420 Times, Southern California’s leading magazine of medical marijuana and natural healing, has launched the Smoke Signal, its email eNewsletter aimed to benefit users of medicinal marijuana.
The Smoke Signal eNewsletter covers a wide range of content, including the latest news on medical marijuana legislation, coupons for dispensaries and cooperatives, as well as tips and advice regarding medical marijuana use.
“With so much misinformation on the internet, it’s hard to find a reliable resource to keep track of what’s happening in the world of medical marijuana,” notes Brian Lancer, editor of The 420 Times. “We conceived the Smoke Signal eNewsletter as a trustworthy source of the latest medical marijuana news and legislation, things every medical marijuana user should know.”
Also keeping in mind the lingering economic recession, the eNewsletter provides exclusive coupons to save money on medical marijuana. “We understand that the faltering economy has put everyone, including users of medical marijuana, in a financial pinch,” explains Lancer. “That’s why we’ll be including local coupons, offers and upcoming events for medical marijuana dispensaries and cooperatives—we want to give back to our readers.”
Furthermore, people who sign up for the eNewsletter are eligible to win a Volcano™ Vaporizer. The Volcano Vaporizer system is known for being the most technologically advanced professional vaporizer available with its precision air temperature control and reliability.
People interested in the Smoke Signal eNewsletter can sign up at: www.the420times.com.
The 420 Times reports monthly on the latest legal, medical, and business trends in the emerging field of medical marijuana and natural healing. Focusing primarily on the needs of medical marijuana users in Southern California, The 420 Times and its companion web site, The420Times.com, are also among the most informed sources of information for readers from The High Desert to Long Beach and all of Los Angeles County.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY...
The Smoke Signal eNewsletter covers a wide range of content, including the latest news on medical marijuana legislation, coupons for dispensaries and cooperatives, as well as tips and advice regarding medical marijuana use.
“With so much misinformation on the internet, it’s hard to find a reliable resource to keep track of what’s happening in the world of medical marijuana,” notes Brian Lancer, editor of The 420 Times. “We conceived the Smoke Signal eNewsletter as a trustworthy source of the latest medical marijuana news and legislation, things every medical marijuana user should know.”
Also keeping in mind the lingering economic recession, the eNewsletter provides exclusive coupons to save money on medical marijuana. “We understand that the faltering economy has put everyone, including users of medical marijuana, in a financial pinch,” explains Lancer. “That’s why we’ll be including local coupons, offers and upcoming events for medical marijuana dispensaries and cooperatives—we want to give back to our readers.”
Furthermore, people who sign up for the eNewsletter are eligible to win a Volcano™ Vaporizer. The Volcano Vaporizer system is known for being the most technologically advanced professional vaporizer available with its precision air temperature control and reliability.
People interested in the Smoke Signal eNewsletter can sign up at: www.the420times.com.
The 420 Times reports monthly on the latest legal, medical, and business trends in the emerging field of medical marijuana and natural healing. Focusing primarily on the needs of medical marijuana users in Southern California, The 420 Times and its companion web site, The420Times.com, are also among the most informed sources of information for readers from The High Desert to Long Beach and all of Los Angeles County.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR FULL STORY...
Bruce Perlowin Interview of Medical Marijuana Inc. with Tim Connolly
Bruce Perlowin, CEO of Medical Marijuana Inc.(OTC:MJNA) was interviewed on "Corporate Strategies with Tim Connolly". He discussed the advantages of their tax remittance, stored value card that Medical Marijuana, Inc. is marketing to the medical marijuana industry.
Medical cannabis businesses call for self-regulation
Boulder, CO -- The Boulder County District Attorney's office will attend
a public meeting of a group of cannabis businesses to discuss
self-regulation and developing standards in the medical cannabis industry.
The meeting will take place: Wednesday (9/30)@ 7:30 pm
VFW Meeting Hall - 206 S. Main Street, Longmont, CO
Open to anyone concerned about regulation in the medical cannabis industry.
Larry Hill, owner of the Apothecary, a medical cannabis dispensary in
Longmont, organized the Wednesday meeting. He believes medical cannabis
self-regulation is the best way to ensure that patients have safe,
consistent, access to quality, affordable medicine. "Our standards tend to
be higher than government standards anyway," he says. "Industry
self-regulation will ensure the highest standards of care, which is what
our patients need and deserve. Physicians regulate themselves, and medical
cannabis businesses should do the same."
In August, the Cannabis Therapy Institute formed the Medical Cannabis
Policy Group to develop model legislation that clarifies issues regarding
medical cannabis businesses, including business models, zoning issues,
taxation, patient rights, and economic development potential.
http://www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com/news/policygroup/
"There is no other medicine that treats as many conditions as effectively
and safely as cannabis does. The communities that encourage research and
development of cannabis medicines will benefit the most from this economic
boom," says Laura Kriho, education director for the Cannabis Therapy
Institute. "If Boulder County were to designate a Cannabis Research Park
zoning district and encourage caregivers to develop the industry in a way
that provides 100% patient security and satisfaction, the economic
potential would be staggering."
CLICK ON LINK FOR FULL STORY....
a public meeting of a group of cannabis businesses to discuss
self-regulation and developing standards in the medical cannabis industry.
The meeting will take place: Wednesday (9/30)@ 7:30 pm
VFW Meeting Hall - 206 S. Main Street, Longmont, CO
Open to anyone concerned about regulation in the medical cannabis industry.
Larry Hill, owner of the Apothecary, a medical cannabis dispensary in
Longmont, organized the Wednesday meeting. He believes medical cannabis
self-regulation is the best way to ensure that patients have safe,
consistent, access to quality, affordable medicine. "Our standards tend to
be higher than government standards anyway," he says. "Industry
self-regulation will ensure the highest standards of care, which is what
our patients need and deserve. Physicians regulate themselves, and medical
cannabis businesses should do the same."
In August, the Cannabis Therapy Institute formed the Medical Cannabis
Policy Group to develop model legislation that clarifies issues regarding
medical cannabis businesses, including business models, zoning issues,
taxation, patient rights, and economic development potential.
http://www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com/news/policygroup/
"There is no other medicine that treats as many conditions as effectively
and safely as cannabis does. The communities that encourage research and
development of cannabis medicines will benefit the most from this economic
boom," says Laura Kriho, education director for the Cannabis Therapy
Institute. "If Boulder County were to designate a Cannabis Research Park
zoning district and encourage caregivers to develop the industry in a way
that provides 100% patient security and satisfaction, the economic
potential would be staggering."
CLICK ON LINK FOR FULL STORY....
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tell President Obama That Legalizing Marijuana Is No Laughing Matter
Asked this morning whether he "would ... support the bill currently going through the California legislation to legalize and tax marijuana, boosting the economy and reducing drug cartel related violence," the President responded with derision.
"There was one question that was voted on that ranked fairly high and that was whether legalizing marijuana would improve the economy and job creation, and I don't know what this says about the online audience," he laughed.
"The answer is no, I don't think that [is] a good strategy."
Please take a moment to tell the President that marijuana law reform is no laughing matter, and that the millions of Americans who support this issue deserve to be treated respectfully. For your convenience, a pre-written letter will be e-mailed to President Obama when you follow this link and enter your information. The President's phone number is also listed there and you can call to leave him a message.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR LINKS AND FULL STORY...
"There was one question that was voted on that ranked fairly high and that was whether legalizing marijuana would improve the economy and job creation, and I don't know what this says about the online audience," he laughed.
"The answer is no, I don't think that [is] a good strategy."
Please take a moment to tell the President that marijuana law reform is no laughing matter, and that the millions of Americans who support this issue deserve to be treated respectfully. For your convenience, a pre-written letter will be e-mailed to President Obama when you follow this link and enter your information. The President's phone number is also listed there and you can call to leave him a message.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR LINKS AND FULL STORY...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The tax heard round the world
Since the passage of Oakland's Measure F, which taxes medical marijuana the same as alcohol, the media has been in a feeding frenzy. Articles gushing over the revenue potential of marijuana have appeared in Time, The Atlantic, The San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Economist, and Forbes.
Notably absent from this blitz is any criticism of the taxation of medicine. And there is some, by some of the most notable voices in the medical marijuana movement, such as Ed Rosenthal and Dennis Peron.
Click on the title to read the quotes from these people.
Notes from the writer of this blog:
In looking at what we determine to be medicine, I think there are two categories here. One is the medical industry, including pharmaceuticals, which it not taxable under current laws; and the other is alternative medicine, which includes, herbs, vitamins, homeopathy and other over the counter medicine, which is taxable. For those who choose the more natural and alternative direction, we are taxed on this "medicine". So if medical marijuana is categorized as alternative, then it is liable to taxes the same as herbs and vitamins. If this is the case, then marijuana should be changed from the Schedule 1 drug that is it currently listed under. If it is categorized as a "pharmaceutical medicine", then under the current laws, it should not be taxed.
In addition to the comments regarding taxes, the author of this article has yet again mentioned Bruce Perlowin and his company Medical Marijuana, Inc. The author seems to have taken the tax remittance aspect of the payment system out of context, inferring that MMI is making money off of the taxes, which it can not do. The tax remittance feature only allows dispensaries to be more transparent and in compliance with the CURRENT LAWS. There are many more features and benefits of the card, for example, eliminating the cash transactions which put both the dispensary and client at risk for theft. Other important information may be stored on the card, as well.
To set the record straight, Medical Marijuana, Inc. does not promote that medical marijuana should be taxed, but is a solutions oriented company that offers a simple way for dispensaries to monitor their sales and easily comply with the tax remittance laws.
Notably absent from this blitz is any criticism of the taxation of medicine. And there is some, by some of the most notable voices in the medical marijuana movement, such as Ed Rosenthal and Dennis Peron.
Click on the title to read the quotes from these people.
Notes from the writer of this blog:
In looking at what we determine to be medicine, I think there are two categories here. One is the medical industry, including pharmaceuticals, which it not taxable under current laws; and the other is alternative medicine, which includes, herbs, vitamins, homeopathy and other over the counter medicine, which is taxable. For those who choose the more natural and alternative direction, we are taxed on this "medicine". So if medical marijuana is categorized as alternative, then it is liable to taxes the same as herbs and vitamins. If this is the case, then marijuana should be changed from the Schedule 1 drug that is it currently listed under. If it is categorized as a "pharmaceutical medicine", then under the current laws, it should not be taxed.
In addition to the comments regarding taxes, the author of this article has yet again mentioned Bruce Perlowin and his company Medical Marijuana, Inc. The author seems to have taken the tax remittance aspect of the payment system out of context, inferring that MMI is making money off of the taxes, which it can not do. The tax remittance feature only allows dispensaries to be more transparent and in compliance with the CURRENT LAWS. There are many more features and benefits of the card, for example, eliminating the cash transactions which put both the dispensary and client at risk for theft. Other important information may be stored on the card, as well.
To set the record straight, Medical Marijuana, Inc. does not promote that medical marijuana should be taxed, but is a solutions oriented company that offers a simple way for dispensaries to monitor their sales and easily comply with the tax remittance laws.
Dennis Peron sacked by Oaksterdamn U for opposing marijuana tax
Dennis Peron announced on Tuesday 15 Sep 09 that he returned from Burning Man to discover he had been fired from Oaksterdamn U because of his opposition to taxing and regulating medical marijuana.
Oaksterdamn U has announced it intends to spend a million dollars to promote an initiative that would tax, regulate and control marijuana by city and county, as well as at the state level.
Peron has been hailed as the father of the medical marijuana movement and was the guiding force and co-author of California's Proposition 215.
He became a marijuana dealer after returning from Viet Nam to San Francisco in 1969 and through the 70s he ran the Big Top marijuana supermarket from his home.
Oaksterdamn U has announced it intends to spend a million dollars to promote an initiative that would tax, regulate and control marijuana by city and county, as well as at the state level.
Peron has been hailed as the father of the medical marijuana movement and was the guiding force and co-author of California's Proposition 215.
He became a marijuana dealer after returning from Viet Nam to San Francisco in 1969 and through the 70s he ran the Big Top marijuana supermarket from his home.
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