What is the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010?
With so much new legislation that's hitting mainstream media, it's becoming confusing as we try to keep up with it. Such is the case with the legalization of marijuana, especially in California. Currently, the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 is making a lot of noise with politicians, legal minds and of course, the medical sector. What it means, says A. Harrison Barnes, founder of LegalAuthority.com, is that cities and counties in California would be allowed to adopt ordinances that allow the growth, transportation and sale of marijuana, with appropriate taxes just as anything else is taxed (think alcohol and cigarettes). Many lawyers for the state say the tax advantages can save the ailing state, which is suffering incredible budget problems. Still, there are those lawyers and politicians who say if this passes, it's only the first step in weakened drug laws and it won't be applicable only to California; the threat is to the country in its entirety.
Ever heard of Oakland's Oaksterdam University? If you haven't, you will, says the LegalAuthority.com founder. The institution holds classes that teach students how to not only grow marijuana, but to establish a prospering marijuana business. The founder, Richard Lee, invested more than $1 million dollars to sponsor the legalization of marijuana and to ensure it hits the ballots this November. Remember, this is also an election year for deciding who will become the next governor for California. Many corporate attorneys say California could realistically expect more than a billion dollars annually in excise taxes alone. With the legalization comes an eased burden on jails and court systems, too since they will no longer be hearing cases where marijuana arrests are concerned. A. Harrison Barnes points out that California has seen an increase in marijuana arrests in the past several years.
So what are the odds of this bill passing? That depends on who you listen to. As one might expect, there are strong supporters on both sides of the controversy. Medical marijuana is already legal in California and has been for more than a decade; it's those wishing to legalize it for recreational use that has folks picking sides. And in case you're wondering how much support there is behind this legalization, a Field poll taken in late 2009 revealed 56% of Californians support making pot profitable.
It remains to be seen on how those in the state will overcome the current Federal law that prohibits the growth, consumption, sell or possession of marijuana. Many say the current Supreme Court justices won't likely overturn that law, either. Of course, Congress would have to agree – which is highly unlikely. Too many conservatives influence their representatives and these representatives aren't likely to go against their constituents, says Barnes. So does this mean the current debate going on along the west coast is moot? Maybe. Time will tell; however, one thing is sure: the effects go far further than the state lines.
Ever heard of Oakland's Oaksterdam University? If you haven't, you will, says the LegalAuthority.com founder. The institution holds classes that teach students how to not only grow marijuana, but to establish a prospering marijuana business. The founder, Richard Lee, invested more than $1 million dollars to sponsor the legalization of marijuana and to ensure it hits the ballots this November. Remember, this is also an election year for deciding who will become the next governor for California. Many corporate attorneys say California could realistically expect more than a billion dollars annually in excise taxes alone. With the legalization comes an eased burden on jails and court systems, too since they will no longer be hearing cases where marijuana arrests are concerned. A. Harrison Barnes points out that California has seen an increase in marijuana arrests in the past several years.
So what are the odds of this bill passing? That depends on who you listen to. As one might expect, there are strong supporters on both sides of the controversy. Medical marijuana is already legal in California and has been for more than a decade; it's those wishing to legalize it for recreational use that has folks picking sides. And in case you're wondering how much support there is behind this legalization, a Field poll taken in late 2009 revealed 56% of Californians support making pot profitable.
It remains to be seen on how those in the state will overcome the current Federal law that prohibits the growth, consumption, sell or possession of marijuana. Many say the current Supreme Court justices won't likely overturn that law, either. Of course, Congress would have to agree – which is highly unlikely. Too many conservatives influence their representatives and these representatives aren't likely to go against their constituents, says Barnes. So does this mean the current debate going on along the west coast is moot? Maybe. Time will tell; however, one thing is sure: the effects go far further than the state lines.
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