Pubdate: Thu, 07 Jul 2016
Source: Sacramento News & Review (CA)
Column: The 420
Copyright: 2016 Chico Community Publishing, Inc.
Contact:  http://newsreview.com/sacto/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/540
Author: Ngaio Bealum

POT AT THE POLLS

I hear the AUMA has made it to the ballot. Which way are you leaning?

- -Imonda Phince

The Adult Use of Marijuana Act has indeed made it to the ballot. 
California voters will get a chance to join states like Oregon, 
Washington, Colorado and Alaska by legalizing recreational marijuana 
use for adults. Other states with adult-use initiatives on the ballot 
this year are Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada.

I am going to support AUMA and do all that I can to get this 
initiative passed. It isn't perfect, but it's really, really good, 
and it's high time for California to retake its proper place as a 
leader in the recreational cannabis industry. I have traveled 
extensively through Washington, Oregon and Colorado, and I have to 
tell you that the freedom (and the money) that comes with cannabis 
legalization is incredible. And dig this: If the AUMA does pass, it 
doesn't mean that our jobs as activists are done. The AUMA is just a 
step. A big step, but there will be things we need to change, and we 
will need pot activists to stay involved.

This election is gonna be nutty. Last time a legalization initiative 
was on the ballot, people lost their minds; some folks said 
unnecessarily harsh things and friendships were lost. Let's all try 
to remember that no matter what side of the debate we are on, we all 
want what is best for the cannabis plant. Also-and don't tell anyone 
I said this-but the growers that can't handle the new rules will 
still be able to make a living on the deep black market, at least 
until Idaho and Texas and Georgia pass their own legalization laws. 
So everyone stay polite, be nice, smoke weed and vote!

What's the biggest epiphany you have ever had while under the 
influence of cannabis?

- -Coffeeshop Christiana

Good question. I don't ever think I have thought about it. I am not 
sure if pot is really an epiphany-giver like, say, LSD or psilocybin. 
I don't think I have had any thoughts while stoned that were 
mind-blowing or life changing, but when I am high, I generally have a 
pretty good time. Weed, at least for me, is more of a flavor enhancer 
and a smoother-outer. I would say that cannabis reminds me that it is 
easier to be kind than it is to be mean.

What do you think is going to happen to Dabbenport?

- -Livermore Larry

No idea. To sum up: The folks at Dabbenport Extracts (winners of the 
2016 High Times Cannabis Cup for best concentrates) were arrested 
last month by the Livermore police. They face multiple felony charges 
for manufacture and sale of cannabis. Alameda County (aside from 
Oakland. Oakland is awesome) has been against medical cannabis since 
forever. Hopefully, Dabbenport's lawyers can get the charges dropped. 
I wonder if Alameda will continue to prosecute if AUMA passes.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom