Kharla Vezzetti

MMJ Advocates Call on Cal. Board of Equalization for Representation with Taxation

SACRAMENTO, March 18th, 2008. Medical marijuana advocates appealed to the state Board of Equalization to recognize their contribution to California’s sales taxes revenues and stand up for their right to “taxation with representation.” The Board heard testimony from California NORML, ASA, and half a dozen dispensary owners concerned about harassment by DEA despite paying sales taxes to the BOE.

Speaking for ASA, Rebecca Saltzman reminded the Board that California’s dispensaries are generating some $100 million in sales tax revenues, but are nonetheless being threatened with raids, arrest and asset seizure by the DEA.…

Activists are circulating a sweeping legalization initiative for the 2008 ballot, the California Cannabis Hemp and Health Initiative. Sponsored by veteran hemp advocate Jack Herer along with Eddy Lepp and other activists, the initiative would repeal criminal and civil penalties for cannabis, ban drug testing for metabolites, and provide that marijuana be regulated in a manner similar to the wine industry. Also included is a controversial provision ordering the immediate release from jail of all non-violent marijuana offenders, which many believe goes farther than voters would be apt to support.…

No Progress Toward Goal of Eliminating Illicit Cannabis

Only Practicable Solution: Eliminate Its Illicit Status

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws welcomes the opportunity to participate in the “Beyond 2008” NGO Regional Consultation of the Vienna NGO Committee on Narcotic Drugs in Vancouver, Canada Feb 4-5 2008. On behalf of the millions of cannabis users who are directly and adversely affected by the current UN conventions on drugs, we are particularly thankful to Open the Doors for inviting us to this consultation, from which our constituency has been excluded in the past.…