Quote Originally Posted by Zedleppelin
1284 was not about taxes, It was designed to kill off caregivers and give the big dispensaries a monopoly. Before 1284 was passed I had a few email exchanges with Romer proposing an idea how small growers could supply dispensaries and all transactions would be recorded for tax purposes. His response was it was 'the wrong people making the money' and that dispensaries have a more professional image and the ones that don't would be shutdown.

They could make a hell of a lot more revenue with 10,000 legitimate independent growers than a couple of hundred dispensaries but it was all about the wrong people making money.
You also need to realize, and might be missing, the fact that this guy is a politician, and he's in the business of saving his job. I think the politics of legal marijuana for medicinal use is still a pretty touchy subject, and these politicians have to act accordingly.

I don't think this legislation would have even passed if it weren't for all the scare tactics used by the media in the last year. Those undercover segments of people getting cards for ear aches, etc, all gave evidence that this industry needed reform.

It's unfortunate for you that the dispensaries got together to unify their message, like releaf said. Until you get your homegrow buddies together into some kind of organized group, don't expect anyone to listen to you. Again, the politicians are interested in votes and staying in office, and this legislation helps to minimize the fear mongering going on by anti MMJ people.

Are you suggesting that places like releaf, wellspring and the other large MMC's were in favor of vertical integration and growing on site or in industrial areas?