Are you still trying to make up your mind about just what to do about “adult use” cannabis regulation in California?
There’s been a flurry of articles about California’s Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which would legalize recreational cannabis throughout the state. Much like in 2010, when voters voted against a recreational marijuana market, Prop 64 is creating rifts even within cannabis friendly communities. Growers are divided, patients are divided.
To help you sort through it all, we put together a special pre-election Mendo Wire, sampling articles on Prop 64 in California. We’ll start with the perspective of some Mendocino locals and then move on to national stories looking at how legal recreational weed in California could change the country.
Tomorrow, we’ll be providing live updates from county polling stations all day as the votes come in. Until then, enjoy your final moments of indecision 2016!
Overview of Cannabis Business Licenses if Prop. 64 Passes – Redheaded Blackbelt
Karen Byars of the Mendocino Cannabis Resource, an educational organization, shared this letter on Redheaded Blackbelt this week in support of approving Prop 64. She gave an overview of cannabis businesses licenses if it is approved.
Marijuana Growers Divided Over Proposition – Press Democrat
Nikki Lastreto of Mendocino’s Swami Select talked to the Press Democrat about why she supports the proposed rules.
These 76 Year Old Twins Have Grown Pot For Decades. Here’s Why They Oppose Legalization – LA Times
Twin growers from Covelo explain to the LA Times why they think Prop 64 will hurt their business.
Growing Worries: Humboldt Cannabis Farmers Divided on Proposition 64 — High Times Magazine
Kym Kemp, of Redheaded Blackbelt, wrote about how residents of the Emerald Triangle are divided Prop 64 in her new High Times column this week.
Pot Panel Discusses ‘Last Small Farm Industry in California’ – Eureka Times-Standard
Humboldt State University, home to the Humboldt Interdisciplinary Institute for Marijuana Research, hosted a forum debate on Prop 64 called “Unrolling the Issues.”
What would be legal — or not — under Prop 64? – San Francisco Chronicle
The San Francisco Chronicle’s excellent new cannabis editor David Downs contributed to this special section on life after Prop 64, including an examination of what could happen to cannabis prices and dispensaries in the new market, and a timeline of how regulations would be implemented. We recommend checking out the entire section, but start with the explainer article above.
State Pot Measure May Cost Millions Before It Raises Billions – San Francisco Chronicle
The Chronicle also looked at the costs of implementing Prop 64, noting it may have significant costs before the state gains any revenue.
We Read It So You Don’t Have To: 10 Things to Know About Prop 64 – LA Times
Another explainer, this one’s from the LA Times.
Prop 215 Author Fights Prop. 64; Here’s Why – The Cannabist
Dennis Peron, a well-known cannabis activist and author of 1996’s Proposition 215, which legalized medical cannabis in the state, explains why he’s against 64.
The War Over Weed – SF Weekly
The SF Weekly looks at both sides of the argument in this article.
Would Big Corporations Seize California Pot Industry – Sacramento Business Journal
Will Prop 64 bring a corporate cannabis cash-in to California? The Sacramento Business Journal takes a look.
Cash Crop: California Sees Dollar Signs Over Legalization – Newsweek
This article and video look at how new revenue might flow if Prop. 64 taxes, and particularly whether it will help rural areas like Mendocino.
Nancy Pelosi Backs California’s Pot Proposition – CNN
Pelosi endorses 64, and CNN makes a video at Harborside in Oakland.
Peter Thiel Opens Wallet for Pot Legalization in California – Sacramento Bee
The proposition is funded by a number of wealthy investors in the tech industry, including Sean Parker.
Legalization Won’t Root Out California’s Toxic Weed Farms. But It’s a Start – Motherboard
Vice’s site Motherboard argues Prop 64 will address the environmental impacts of illicit cannabis farms while taking a trip to the North Coast.
Marijuana Legalization is Really a Real Estate Story, and That Has Big Implications for California – Forbes
The potential for legalization passing is already affecting real estate values in California, and Forbes takes a closer look.
