Our View: Wondering about weed? Attend Bee’s forum to learn more
What happens to our community when marijuana is legalized? What happens if it isn’t?
These questions are just the start of an enormous conversation every community in California is likely having. In November, voters are likely to consider at least one initiative, and maybe more, to legalize recreational marijuana. An initiative to make it illegal could be on the same ballot.
Before we get to that point, The Bee is inviting the community to the Gallo Center for the Arts on March 22 to engage in what will likely be a lively discussion. As part of our Bee Amplified community conversation series, we’ll look at issues ranging from taxation, abuse, to growing it. Helping us examine these issues, will be:
▪ Jason Kinney, a principal with California Strategies, the powerful Sacramento firm helping Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom with his Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Kinney is an expert on the political landscape surrounding this issue.
▪ Sheriff Adam Christianson, who believes legalizing a narcotic can do very little good for his county. He worries about the number of psychiatric beds and our ability to cover the costs of caring for those unable to cope with easy access to cannabis.
▪ Supervisor Vito Chiesa, who is heading one of two committees exploring what rules the county and its cities should require for those wanting to sell cannabis – if it comes to that. He also chairs a statewide committee examining the topic.
▪ Hezekiah Allen, the executive director of the California Growers Association, wants California to “regulate the cultivation of cannabis as agriculture.” A native of the Emerald Triangle, he says “weed” is not easy to grow on a commercial scale.
Opinion Page Editor Mike Dunbar will moderate; and we could add other experts. The Bee wants help formulating questions. Send yours to mdunbar@modbee.com or call 209-578-2325.
Marijuana forum
- What: Bee Amplified community conversation about legalization of recreational marijuana use
- When: March 22, 7 p.m. (doors open 6:30 p.m.)
- Where: Gallo Center for the Arts, Foster Family Theater
- Tickets: Free, but seating is limited. Go to www.modbee.com/events or call 209-578-2392.
- Questions for panel: The Bee is soliciting questions from our community. Send them to mdunbar@modbee.com.
This story was originally published March 4, 2016 at 5:07 AM with the headline "Our View: Wondering about weed? Attend Bee’s forum to learn more."