Replies to post #190638 on American Green Inc (ERBB)

[porsche2006]

http://www.leafly.com/news/headlines/4-reasons-why-november-2014-will-be-big-for-cannabis

Remember, remember the fourth of November…..

Not just a play on the catchphrase from a truly excellent movie, this year the month of November will bring major legislative action nationwide. On November 4th, 2014, the United States will be undoubtedly witnessing history being made yet again, just as we witnessed it in 2012 when Colorado and Washington overturned prohibition and legalized the recreational sales of cannabis within their respective states.

In the months since then, we’ve seen triumphant successes and a few stumbles and pitfalls, but overall, the remarkable progress of these two pioneering states has paved the way for new recreational avenues in a few places you might expect (and at least one that you wouldn’t).

1. Oregon
Oregon’s liberal attitudes towards cannabis, combined with a thriving medical industry makes the atmosphere ripe for a quick change-over to recreational sales. They already have more than 130 medical dispensaries and a canna-connoisseur momentum that pushes the recreational movement. To add to that, 57% of the population in Oregon supports recreational legalization. If you’re an Oregon resident and want to throw your support behind Initiative 53, join the revolution here and don’t forget to vote in November!

2. Alaska
Alaskans have always valued their privacy, having legalized the personal use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis in a private home setting in the 1970’s, but the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Alaska (not the most inventive title, but we like the implications) could be a game-changer. The only problem that Alaska could face is their lack of a current dispensary system or major regulations already established. This means that if the measure passes (which is likely, as 55% of Alaskans support legalizing cannabis in a taxed and regulated system), there would probably be a significant delay in establishing rules, guidelines, and dispensary licenses. Alaska has always embraced progress – if you are an Alaska voter, sign here to pledge your support!

3. Washington, DC
Say whaaaat? That’s right, you read that correctly. The District of Columbia, our nation’s great capital, has submitted a ballot measure, Initiative 71, to legalize and tax recreational cannabis. Washington, DC has a surprisingly liberal political scene despite being embroiled in the political frying pan; they legalized gay marriage in 2009 and medical cannabis in 2011, and they’ve permitted medical dispensaries (albeit, only a few) in the years since. With decriminalization taking effect earlier this month, DC might seem like a shoe-in, but only if the federal government doesn’t step in with a veto – sign up here to get involved!

4. Florida
Florida recently legalized limited use of medical cannabis extract, namely the trendsetting CBD oil that’s sweeping otherwise conservative states. While that’s all fine and good, and definitely a step in the right direction, for all you Floridians down there, you’ll be excited to hear that Florida has ANOTHER, much more comprehensive medical marijuana bill up for a vote. When is that vote, you ask? Yup, you called it: November 4th!

This bill will establish medical dispensaries for qualifying patients and already has the support of both Florida senators and at least one Representative. According to a recent Quinnipiac University poll, 88% of Florida voters are in favor of medical cannabis, a figure that's up 6% from last November. Furthermore, 55% of Floridians would legalize recreational cannabis, a 7% increase from last fall. Do you want medical marijuana in Florida? Then get out there and vote this November!

For those lucky voters in these regions, REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE 4TH OF NOVEMBER! (And if you’re not a registered voter, register to vote here and become a part of history!)

Update: Technically, there are now five reasons why November 2014 will be big for cannabis. U.S. territory Guam has just announced that medical cannabis will be on voters' General Election ballot this coming November.

Image credit: istockphoto

[porsche2006]

Which States Will Legalize Marijuana Next?

http://www.equities.com/editors-desk/economy-markets/politics/which-states-will-legalize-marijuana-next

Equities.com invites you to watch Legalized: Making Sense of the Marijuana Green Rush our ground-breaking roundtable discussion on the impact of recreational marijuana's legalization in the United States. Our amazing panel of leading experts offer incredible insights from their perspectives of the regulatory, legislative, medical and business aspects of the industry. Click here to watch now.

There seems to be a growing awareness in America that marijuana legalization is gaining steam. Although marijuana remains criminalized on the federal level, two states have already legalized the drug and more states remain poised to take similar action.
Colorado’s legal marijuana program has been in full effect for months, and initial reports are exceedingly positive. According to Forbes, the state drew in $2 million in tax revenue in January 2014, a number that many believe will reach $40 million in all of 2014. Meanwhile, Washington is still scrambling to get its program off the ground.
Many now believe that federal and local marijuana criminalization policies are ineffective and illogical, as the drug is often prosecuted in the same way as cocaine and much harder drugs. According to an FBI report, one American is arrested every 42 seconds for marijuana. The report also establishes that marijuana arrests account for more than half the drug arrests in the United States, most of whom are minorities.
Thus, the public is starting to recognize the discrepancy between marijuana’s effects on the body and its status in the legal system. Studies show that marijuana may have positive benefits and poses fewer health risks than alcohol and tobacco. Colorado has also established that the drug can be successfully regulated and taxed. Thus, the trend in America points toward legalization, but it remains up to the state voters to decide for themselves. These states could be next to legalize the drug.
Alaska
After receiving more than 45,000 sponsors, Alaskans will vote to legalize marijuana in the general election on November 4, 2014. If passed, the law would legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana like alcohol, much like Colorado and Washington. The law would establish a $50/ounce excise tax and fines for public consumption would remain in effect.
Arkansas
Given Arkansas’ conservative roots, many would be surprised to hear that the “The Natural State” could become the third to legalize marijuana. The state’s current marijuana laws are among the harshest in the nation, punishing offenders just like cocaine and heroin users. However, Arkansas could be poised to legalize the drug as early as this year. A pro-marijuana act is currently gathering signatures in all 75 of its counties. The bill could wind up on the ballot either this year or next.
Map_of_US_state_cannabis_laws____Wiki_Commons.pngCalifornia
California voted against legalized marijuana in 2010 despite having one of the country’s largest medical marijuana programs. Yet, this time around could be different. Voters often fear the unknown, but now that Colorado has proven that legal marijuana can succeed both financially and administratively, voters may change their mind. Although 2014 has not been ruled out, pro-weed activists may wait to put a measure on the ballot until the 2016 presidential election when the bill will garner more statewide attention.
Oregon
Initiative Petition 53 will be on the ballot in Oregon this November and many are confident the measure will pass. The law would legalize the production, sale, and use of marijuana plants and paraphernalia. It will also implement a $35/ounce excise on marijuana flowers, $10/ounce of marijuana leaves, and $5 per immature marijuana plant. Initiative 53’s official website projects $88 million in tax revenue the first two years.
Rhode Island
Lawmakers in Rhode Island discussed Senate Bill 2379 this week. The bill is quite similar to the other marijuana bills on the table, and its proponents believe legal marijuana could generate $82 million in annual tax revenue. With a pro-weed governor and a late push to legalize the bill this year, legal pot could be in the cards for America’s smallest state.
Honorable Mention: Washington D.C.
Despite the federal government’s unwillingness to decriminalize marijuana, the District of Columbia is extremely close to doing so. Initiative 71 received enough signatures to earn a spot on the November ballot, and polls indicate the district’s residents favor the bill.
DISCLOSURE: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not represent the views of equities.com. Readers should not consider statements made by the author as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
- See more at: http://www.equities.com/editors-desk/economy-markets/politics/which-states-will-legalize-marijuana-next#sthash.bQAVHlGH.dpuf