Quote Originally Posted by greenworks
And without sick people there would be no need for medicine, hospitals or doctors. But there are, and we do. I will tell you one thing too, every time my chronic pain flares up the last thing I think about is how lucky the producers are.

Ahhhh, but we totally differ philosophically here, which is fine. I always avoid land wars in Asia anyway.

But I will address 2 points you made Pepurr to help you out.

The way the state has structured the use of â??non-profitâ?ť is much different than your classic non-for-profit model. NM producers must incorporate as a NP but are not required to file as a 501(c) 3 with the federal government to gain tax-exempt status. The reason for this is 2-fold. The first, being the most obvious, is to keep the feds out of the picture. Even the state realizes the value in keeping a low profile.

The 2nd less obvious reason is MMJ NPâ??s are not raising money through donations. Salaries are not paid for by donations, relinquishing NM MMJ producers from adhering to the same rules. â??Non-profitâ?ť in the classic sense is not having any profits on the books at the end of the fiscal year. A producer can project what they think the NP will net and base their salaries upon that figure. Year-end profits can either be donated or reinvested back into the business. No bonuses

As far as a 25% state sales tax being levied on MMJ, I suggest you read this article.

The Real Roundhouse: A firsthand look at the 2010 legislative session
I feel your pain greenworks. I wouldn't even be here if I didn't need support from a like minded crowd. I can testify to the pain relieving quality marijuana has on my chronic pain. It is truly unfortunate so many people suffer, and are deigned access to something that could bring them comfort.

I think access would be better facilitated by the commercialization of marijuana. I see the way California handles thing and see people getting the drugs they need, and at lower cost. Even though cannabis is taxed there it is still cheaper there. The way things are set up here, the supply is sporadic and costly.

I have no problem with taxing MMJ. I do have a problem with opportunistic money grubbers trying to milk MMJ like a cow. Sure the state government is hurting for money. Part of it is the lousy economy. Part of it is because of tax payer money being lost on a bad bet made by state government; KOB.com - NM tab for bad investments rises.

The government here in New Mexico is moving cautious and carefully in this experiment. For good reason too. The stigma around marijuana has been built up and strengthened for years. States rights -v- Federal authority. The list goes on. On the other hand we need to bring this out of the closet. Hell! I didn't even know MMJ was an option until I got ill.

Commercializing marijuana would be good for the state, the patients and the over all economy of New Mexico.