CA voters, who is the Cannabis candidate for US Senate?

[ghostsinthemachine]

By Ngaio Bealum
[e-mail]


This article was published on 06.04.15.


Q: I was just wondering how our U.S. senators feel about marijuana. I haven’t heard much.

—Jeff

A: I’m glad you asked. And, no, it is not too early to start discussing the 2016 election for the Senate. As it stands now, the Democratic field has two main challengers, with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez recently throwing her hat into the ring against California Attorney General Kamala Harris. Although Harris is the favorite, I feel Sanchez would be a better choice for cannabis users, and Californians in general, since marijuana legalization would be a boon to the welfare and economy of the entire state. Sanchez has a history of marijuana law reform support: In 2009, she told CNN, “So maybe it would be a good pilot program to see how that regulation of marijuana might happen in California since the … majority of Californians believe maybe that should happen.” Harris has recently shifted her stance somewhat; last week, she told the annual Convention of California Democrats that, “The war on drugs has failed,” and, “Now is the time to end the federal ban on marijuana,” but she still giggles every time she mentions marijuana, like she can’t believe what she just said. Either one would be better than Senator Dianne Feinstein though. When does she retire? She hates weed. https://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/high-active/content?oid=17299406

[randys1]

1. Sanchez for me.

[padfun]

2. Both Harris and Sanchez are good

I like Boxer but since she is retiring, it would be good to have both of these in. Either way, I think that the voters will legalize it in cali like the have in 4 other states. Cali doesn't like to be second on progressive idea's, and now they will be at least 5th.

[ghostsinthemachine]

4. Don't bet the farm (Pun intentional)

On CA legalizing.

[TeamPooka]

5. The professional growers up north didn't support the last effort in any way.

They like the MMJ system as is it because it's making them rich.
Convince those asshats to legalize and we win.

[ghostsinthemachine]

6. NO grower, dealer, ganja cookie guy from anywhere will vote for legalization

They will ALL be out of business immediately.

I don't think they can do it via ballot box.

[TeamPooka]

8. That assumption is false. Business starts w/ legalization. Not the grey area that is MMJ.

All the growers in CO. are doing very well.

[ghostsinthemachine]

9. Actually no...

The underground market is thriving in CO because the growers CANNOT abide the regulations. So the well heeled people are starting to grow and will eventually put the underground growers out of business and will persuade the FEDS to go after the underground growers for tax evasion.

I've read the CO bill, every page of it and I know NOT ONE SINGLE grower that would or could abide to the regulations. or even some of them..

[ghostsinthemachine]

10. The press is making a big deal of CO but the truth is

that the legal market is still a teeny weeny slice of the actual market, 80% of the market remains underground, witht he same distribution systems etc that have always existed.

Next time they do one fo the CO makes XXX dollars on pot stories, do the math. It works out to nothing really in regards to the actual market there.

[padfun]

7. Yes I know

They like it just as it is. Legal but not quite legal. I am in Sacramento and I know a lot of growers (one is my nephew) and none of them wanted their cash cow taken away.

If we are going to legalize it, we are going to have to do it without some of Northern Cal's support.

[TeamPooka]

3. Since this is the 1st I've heard about Harris supporting any legalization efforts I'll say Sanchez

for now.
I've heard Harris waffle on this subject for years like a scared Bluedog.

[antiquie]

11. Currently holding my nose in support of Kamala Harris.

I have more than one issue. I am afraid of Sanchez' or Harris' type of regulation -- haven't liked any of the bills proposed so far.

Loretta Sánchez (born January 7, 1960) is the U.S. Representative for California's 46th congressional district, serving in Congress since 1997. Sanchez has represented California's 47th congressional district from 2003 to 2013 and the 46th district from 1997 to 2003. She is a member of the Democratic Party, and a member of the Blue Dog Coalition. The district lies in central Orange County.

Emphasis is mine.

[TeamPooka]

12. I fear either way we will wind up with another Dianne Fienstein here. nt

[antiquie]

13. Me, too.

I suspect Sanchez is running for statewide name recognition so she can make a serious run for Feinstein's seat.