This is how a revolution starts, said Daniel Pasko under the cover of Arcata’s giant redwoods. “It starts with a few people talking under a tree. A true ‘grassroots’ movement.”
On March 14, a rainy Saturday, Pasko met his brother Michael and friend David Acord to discuss the legalization of one of Humboldt’s favorite plants, Cannabis.
California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano recently introduced AB 390, a bill that would strip away the penalties on the cultivation, distribution, and possession of cannabis for adults 21 and over. The bill hopes to regulate cannabis much like alcohol and tobacco creating a tax that would bring in an estimated 1.2 billion dollars into the California economy.
Pasko said the new bill is a complete 180 from the attitudes of the past 70 years. “We’re gonna go from being the villains to the heroes. In a society where caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol is legal, how do you draw the line?” he asked.
“I’m against the legalization of all drugs. But we are not talking about drugs, we are talking about marijuana.”
Although AB 390 is written to legalize marijuana and create a tax to boost California’s economy, it is not written to provide a marijuana free-for-all. Ammiano did add a few stipulations in the bill in order to address these concerns:
• First, you will have to buy a license to grow and distribute cannabis for an initial first-time fee of no more than $5,000 and a yearly renewal of no more that $2,500.
• Cannabis may not be consumed on the premises of where it is grown or sold.
• Growers must provide adequate security.
• All employees must undergo criminal background checks.
Jack Nelsen, an agent for Humboldt County’s Drug Task Force, doesn’t see how you can legalize cannabis and tax it in California when it will remain illegal at the federal level. He said most of the cannabis grown in Humboldt goes to Southern California, or even out of state. Because it will still be illegal in every other state a black market will still exist, explained Nelsen.
“To legalize it here would open the floodgates,” he said, adding that he would be “shocked” to see any number of growers pay the tax required to grow and distribute.
There are still many questions to be answered: Who will actually pay the California government their taxes? What in a background check could disqualify a potential grower?What will be the consequences for those who do not get a license, sell cannabis across state lines and perpetuate the existence of the black market?
As AB 390 presents a basic framework to address some of these questions and takes a serious look at legalizing cannabis, it is not anywhere near the final draft. As it works its way through legislation the bill may undergo several changes. Acord organized the meeting with the Pasko brothers to recruit volunteers for his Yes On AB 390 group, and sent an email to Matt Bunch, one of Ammiano’s aides, to try and get some clarification on the bill.
In the e-mail Bunch wrote, “We do anticipate amendments to many provisions of the bill, but it would be premature to anticipate what those amendments might look like. The regulatory process that would occur after this bill is passed would establish what can and can’t be considered.”
Bunch also stressed the long road this bill will travel before making its way to the governor’s desk, where it could still be vetoed. “It could take two years to reach the governor’s desk,” wrote Bunch.
With a steep hill to climb to reach legalization, Acord is doing what he can to rally supporters. But in the rain and muddy redwood field, on the first day of spring break, there were few initial volunteers.
Acord knows that he is just “preaching to the choir” here in Humboldt County, but he feels that there are many ready to join his voice. In the meantime, he said there are movements all around California.
“It’s a game of connect the dots right now,” he added.
Acord has a Web site, www.ab390.vze.com, where he plans to map areas of the state that need support or volunteers. The Web site also has a link to the full wording of the bill.
He urges people who are interested in supporting the bill to write letters to your local assembly representative, senator and the governor asking for their support. On his site there is a link to a letter generator where all you need to do is enter your information, and the generator sends an e-mail to your representative.
“Nothing beats a personal letter,” said Acord.
With the annual 420 Fest coming up, Acord hopes to have another meeting to get volunteers to run a table.
“With the way people’s attitudes are changing, marijuana will be legal and soon,” said Acord.
34 comments
I mean what is it you do exactly? Are you like some kind of stupid redneck who is so detached from society that you do not understand that 70% of the entire population has smoked cannabis and over 30% admit to smoking at least once a month. But what do I know, I am just a stoner with a 3.76 G.P.A. in a bachelors of science in information technology. I'd bet Ryan that if this was about Meth amphetamine or coffee, the redneck bastard would be out infront of the capitol carrying a sign.
she used to be so sweet, fun, nice, and out going thats what i loved about her
but when she started smoking marijuana she turned into a real bitch
she started hitting me more and abusing me and she turned into a total zombie!!!
it was just sad and i really dont want to see this happen to anymore people. even tho its not my choice
what others do. but do we really want to drop our standards just to make a quick buck?
HAHAHHAAHHAHAHAHHA. :]
& WTF OMG I SMOKED MY LAST CIGG & DRANK ALL MY VODKA
hah;
wow seriously lots of druggies are gonna vote yes,
and some people who arent druggies will still vote yes.
but dayumm i think the whole thing is RETARTED.
why even legalize it.
so we can have more potheads in the world
and like in canada and mexico they will think
were freaking stupid
well thats my opinion :P
As The States saw back in the 30's criminalizing something that the people want just creates more crime and murder. Drugs are not the best thing for one's health, but shouldn't the government let the people have the freedom to decide for themselves? With all the gangs and crime organizations killing people just to control who sells the drugs, wouldn't it be better if the citizens just killed themselves from using? Not to say all users are going to die from drug use, but the world could be a safer place if you could get heroin at WalMart instead of on the streets. The quality of drugs could be regulated so you would have a better idea of how much you need, instead of guessing if it's pure drugs, or mixed with something else to make more money off of a cheaper product. Some people are concerned about citizens going around under the influence of drugs, and that somehow being a danger to them. Citizens of The States have been using drugs for decades. Making a legal means of using them, if an individual decides he or she wants to will open the doors for better treatment of abuse. Also without the stigma of doing something 'bad' we can teach the public a better way of moderation and being responsible with their health. Not to mention ease should give our jails and prisons.There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?
-Robert KennedyChange we can believe in