Pubdate: Wed, 23 Oct 2013
Source: Colorado Springs Independent (CO)
Copyright: 2013 Colorado Springs Independent
Contact:  http://www.csindy.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1536
Column: Cannabiz
Author: Bryce Crawford

RECREATIONAL PUTS MEDICINAL UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT IN WASHINGTON

Weed in Washington

On Monday, a work group in the state of Washington released
recommendations on how medical marijuana should be regulated in the
state. That's right: Medicinal cannabis is the issue.

The previous passage of Initiative 502 made it clear how recreational
marijuana would work in the state, leaving its MMJ industry as the
freewheeling black sheep, and one that federal prosecutors in Spokane
and Seattle say needs to shape up if the state wants to avoid federal
intervention, reports the Associated Press.

Additionally, an expected recommendation for any MMJ dispensaries
currently operating to register under the new RMJ rules "might
effectively close most Washington medical-marijuana dispensaries,
which have proliferated ..." the AP writes. "The state Liquor Control
Board, which is overseeing the implementation of I-502, has said it
will issue 334 licenses for retail pot stores around the state, with
21 of them in Seattle - a city that has an estimated 200
medical-marijuana dispensaries. ...

"Another question is whether the state might create a system that
exempts patients from paying taxes, or at least requires them to pay
lower taxes, at recreational marijuana stores."

Speaking of, whereas Colorado requires a separate vote to approve
additional taxes, via the coming Proposition AA, Washington's taxation
was a package deal under I-502. In 2014, businesses in the legal
marijuana market will face a 25 percent excise tax at each of three
different stations of production: sales between growers and
processors; between processors and retail shops; and between the
retailer and the consumer.

If AA passes in Colorado next month, recreational retailers in the
state would face a 15 percent excise tax, as well as a 10 percent
sales tax that would likely be increased to 15 percent by the
Legislature. These are in addition to the existing 2.9 percent state
sales tax and any taxes added by the local municipality, like the one
on the ballot in Manitou Springs.

Cannabis in California

Last week, the American Civil Liberties Union announced a new panel,
fronted by California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, to possibly propose a
ballot measure to legalize marijuana in California in 2016.

A good 65 percent of Californians are in support of legalization,
according to a Tulchin Research poll released last week. The poll
surveyed 1,200 residents and found the results showed a "solid
majority" in support.

Newsom and his panel of 16 experts, including professors and medical
researchers, reportedly will follow the practices of Colorado and
Washington closely as they attempt to establish the best
infrastructure for legalization in the Golden State.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt