Pubdate: Tue, 22 Mar 2016
Source: Modesto Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2016 The Modesto Bee
Contact:  http://www.modbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/271

IN THE EFFORT TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA, KNOW THE KEY PLAYERS AND THEIR PLANS

Legalizing Recreational Use of Marijuana Is Likely to Be on November's Ballot

Californians Will Have a Lot to Think About As They Sort Through Issues

Think of California as a cannabis jungle. A year ago, 20 
cannabis-related initiatives were proposed for the November 2016 ballot.

Slowly but surely, they've died or been abandoned. Now only four 
appear to be collecting signatures in time for the Nov. 8 election.

But California isn't alone. Voters in 20 states are considering some 
form of legalization through 66 proposals  more than three per state. 
As expected, California has the most. There's even a possibility that 
more than one could pass.

Entering this political weed patch, it pays to be careful. We've got 
time to figure this out, but we should get started now. If you know 
the players and their plans, it might help.

The Initiatives

Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA)

This is the odds-on favorite for passage with strong financial 
backing, celebrity endorsements and a lot of specifics. The executive 
summary alone is eight pages, covering details ranging from how much 
can be grown, driving while impaired, rules for growers, limits on 
where it can be sold, packaging, tax rates and directions on how to 
spend the tax money.

AUMA drew from the experiences of Colorado, Arizona and Washington, 
as well as the Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy established 
by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Key component: It would require anyone with 
a current medical marijuana card to reapply.

Initially, several groups refused to support it despite its pedigree. 
But it has been refined to answer a variety of concerns. The 
California Medical Association, state NAACP and many others now 
support it. It must gather 365,880 signatures by July 5.

Medical Control, Legalization and Revenue Act (MCLR)

Medical marijuana dispensary owners have thrown a lot of support into 
this initiative. The group is depending on social media and downloads 
from its website to accrue the 365,880 signatures it needs by Aug. 22.

Many believe it will go head-to-head with AUMA, which includes 
requirements for licenses and other fees that MCLR's backers feel 
favor larger-scale growers with startup capital. There are other 
substantive differences, including a lower state excise tax and a 
prohibition on enacting new marijuana laws. It also would exempt 
medical marijuana collectives from licensing and local zoning laws, 
and allow medical cardholders to keep them and the tax breaks they 
would create.

If MCLR reaches the November ballot, AUMA supporters fear it will 
confuse voters and possibly condemn both measures.

California Cannabis Hemp Initiative (CCHI) or Jack Herer Initiative

Even those in favor of legalization consider this one "out there." 
Proposed by people who believe cannabis can save the world, it would 
remove any restrictions on cultivation; void any local or state laws 
that conflict with it; and prohibit cities or counties from imposing 
any "prohibitive" fees, rules or laws.

It would reduce taxes on medical marijuana, and simultaneously make 
it more widely available and take it off the controlled-substance 
list. It would release those in prison on nonviolent marijuana 
charges and put caps on taxes and license fees.

This proposal has already failed to gain traction three times and 
last month lost a major donor. Its devotees have until April 25 to 
collect the 365,880 signatures.

Safe and Drug Free Community Initiative

If you don't want to deprive those with legitimate medical needs, but 
hate the thought of marijuana being used for fun, this is your 
initiative. Roger Morgan, founder of the Take Back America Campaign, 
has enlisted several law enforcement and religious organizations. He 
has until May 23 to gather his signatures.

The players

Americans for Policy Reform is a group largely funded by medical 
marijuana dispensaries and small growers. It is the driving force 
behind MCLR. San Jose's John Lee heads the group and is consulting 
with Stanislaus County on sensible rules.

California Cannabis Coalition is the group of true believers who came 
up with the California Cannabis Hemp Initiative. Its leader is Buddy 
Duzy, but it includes Tommy Chong (of Cheech & Chong) and someone 
named Dab Hashbars.

California Cannabis Unity Campaign sees cannabis reform as a human 
rights issue. The group is aligned with NORML, a nationwide 
organization, and the United States' first "cannabis college," 
Oaksterdam University. The group sponsored its own initiative but no 
longer is collecting signatures. NORML, meanwhile, has endorsed AUMA.

California Craft Cannabis Initiative is no longer collecting 
signatures for its initiative, but attorneys Omar Figueroa and 
Heather L. Burke are working to "incentivize" small-farm cultivation 
and cottage cannabis industries. They have endorsed MCLR.

California NAACP considered its own initiative, largely because it 
feels so many young African American men have been treated unfairly 
under existing laws. But state director Alice Huffman has joined 
forces with the Drug Policy Alliance and endorsed AUMA.

Coalition for Cannabis Policy Reform (aka, ReformCA) led the failed 
effort to legalize marijuana in 2010 and has abandoned its initiative 
this year. Leader Dale Sky Jones is chancellor of Oaksterdam 
University and has tacitly endorsed AUMA.

Drug Policy Alliance is a nationwide umbrella group whose California 
affiliate was among the five authors of the Adult Use of Marijuana 
Act. State affiliate director Lynne Lyman and others were able to 
enlist Newsom and entrepreneur Sean Parker to their cause.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom