Pubdate: Thu, 01 Oct 2015
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2015 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Jim Wood
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n528/a06.html

SOLUTIONS FOR THE MARIJUANA MESS

Re "Cleaning up after pot farmers," Editorial, Sept. 23

As the Assembly member representing California's "Emerald Triangle," 
and the author of one of the recently passed medical marijuana' 
bills, I appreciate your editorial drawing attention to the 
devastating environmental impact of large marijuana farms in our state.

My measure contained an excise tax on marijuana that would have 
produced desperately needed resources. Unfortunately, due to extended 
negotiations with the governor's office on the complete package of 
bills regulating the marijuana industry from cultivation to sale, 
there wasn't time to address the details needed for an excise tax this year.

I remain committed to this issue and have already introduced a new 
bill that is designed to raise more than $60 million for 
environmental and enforcement programs. The governor's office has 
indicated a willingness to continue working with me on this critical need.

Jim Wood

Sacramento The writer is the Democratic assemblyman from Healdsburg.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom