Oaksterdam, Denver, LA, even Massachusetts are Drinking our Juice

With the latest polls showing 52% of Californians in support of Prop. 19 the Tax and Regulate Marijuana initiative and only 36% against,* Humboldt has got to be proactive or we will not survive economically.  Hank Sims at the North Coast Journal took an in-depth look at Richard Lee and Oakland’s forward looking policy and concluded, “Oaksterdam is drinking our milkshake.” He’s right.  We, as a county, are not thinking far enough into the future.  We are not moving fast enough to evade the tidal wave of change that is bearing down on us.

Some local activists are attempting to build boats in order to pull the rest of us on board when the wave crashes around us.  But at this point, we aren’t doing enough to help them.  Like Noah’s neighbors, we are complacent even as the rumble of change thunders louder and louder.

When  all you growers sitting on your butts see the wave (hopefully before it is too late), there are things you can do.

First, join HuMMAP.**  Swell its ranks so that government can’t ignore you any longer.  Southern Humboldt’s Cliff Clendenen has yet to appear at one of the grower/government meetings that have been held this year in spite of the fact that marijuana is the number one source of Humboldt’s prosperity.

Second, Ellen Komp of NORML in co-sponsorship with HuMMAP has drafted an ordinance that will proactively put Humboldt County growers in the forefront of California’s marijuana growers.  Go here to look at it and comment.

Third, donate to HuMMAP.  They are trying to lobby officials NOW.  They are working to get out concerns of growers to officials and they are working to develop local laws that will respond to legalization in positive ways. (See Komp’s proposal above.)

Fourth, join a collective or form one yourself in order to, right now, make yourself more competitive in the medical marijuana arena.

Below the fold is one of my favorite local funny folks strips about the initiative just to make you smile. Check out more of their stuff by clicking on the photos.

States everywhere are getting on the bandwagon. Arizona has just voted to tax medical marijuana–this before it is legal. Humboldt exports a great deal of its weed.  As other states legalize or semi legalize cannabis, our market is going to be affected.

* There are large discrepancies in polls regarding Prop. 19; some think that this is the result of a reverse Bradley effect. See this excellent article for more information on why automated surveys may allow people to be more honest about their opinions when talking about a subject that has been stigmatized for generations such as marijuana.

**I’m a member.  I want to see this county prosper.  I remember the 60’s and the environmental and social devastation that we saw in the aftermath of the timber economy crash.

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suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago

The very best marijuana can be grown in many places throughout the state, nation, and world. But in spite of this truth, a main thrust of the energy that is promoting preparation for selling our local herb, when it’s legal, is the propagation of the lie that Humboldt Co marijuana is superior because it’s grown here, IE promoting the Humboldt Co “name”. But the truth is that geography has nothing to do with Humboldt Co having grown and continuing to grow such good pot. The real reason is that a great majority of the best strains were grown here in the last 40 years. This happened because genetically superior seeds were smuggled here from overseas in the 70s, and the social climate of the time allowed for pot production. Those genetically superior strains were developed here and the Humboldt reputation for some of the best bud available gained recognition throughout the world in the 80s, 90s, til the present … But times have changed, an increasing amount of the best strains will be and are now being grown in other areas of the state and other states too. Our geography does NOT make our marijuana better than that of other localities, but take a glimpse at a few of the many pot forums, radio shows, newspaper articles, magazines, blog posts, etc. sprouting up around the county and one sees that many are on board with the theme of geographical superiority, a lie that the proponents of the “Humboldt name” continue to reiterate with an insistence and vulgarity appropriate, perhaps, to an advertising campaign.

pat cash
Guest
pat cash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

girl its about the water springs and divde parecls that simply it seeds always every wear old guy from the 70s

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  pat cash

uh huh … dude, did you ever smoke any herb that was watered by Humboldt spring water –WOW!

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago

The very best marijuana can be grown in many places throughout the state, nation, and world. But in spite of this truth, a main thrust of the energy that is promoting preparation for selling our local herb, when it’s legal, is the propagation of the lie that Humboldt Co marijuana is superior because it’s grown here, IE promoting the Humboldt Co “name”. But the truth is that geography has nothing to do with Humboldt Co having grown and continuing to grow such good pot. The real reason is that a great majority of the best strains were grown here in the last 40 years. This happened because genetically superior seeds were smuggled here from overseas in the 70s, and the social climate of the time allowed for pot production. Those genetically superior strains were developed here and the Humboldt reputation for some of the best bud available gained recognition throughout the world in the 80s, 90s, til the present … But times have changed, an increasing amount of the best strains will be and are now being grown in other areas of the state and other states too. Our geography does NOT make our marijuana better than that of other localities, but take a glimpse at a few of the many pot forums, radio shows, newspaper articles, magazines, blog posts, etc. sprouting up around the county and one sees that many are on board with the theme of geographical superiority, a lie that the proponents of the “Humboldt name” continue to reiterate with an insistence and vulgarity appropriate, perhaps, to an advertising campaign.

pat cash
Guest
pat cash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

girl its about the water springs and divde parecls that simply it seeds always every wear old guy from the 70s

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  pat cash

uh huh … dude, did you ever smoke any herb that was watered by Humboldt spring water –WOW!

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago

Fiance here: Suzy your the best!

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

-thanks. it’s likely you already know this but –what i meant by ‘superior’ seed strains from overseas, was that they (seeds rare in the states, many from in and around Afghanistan, and some from over around Thailand), in the 70s, produced ‘superior’ quality pot to the seeds found in abundance in the usa of that era which came mainly from Mexico and South America.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago

Fiance here: Suzy your the best!

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

-thanks. it’s likely you already know this but –what i meant by ‘superior’ seed strains from overseas, was that they (seeds rare in the states, many from in and around Afghanistan, and some from over around Thailand), in the 70s, produced ‘superior’ quality pot to the seeds found in abundance in the usa of that era which came mainly from Mexico and South America.

j2bad
Guest
13 years ago

Wow, Suzy. So right. How sad that Humboldt is the beneficiary of such an enormously successful advertising campaign that’s come along all just because of what people have actually done here over the years, has spread across the globe, and has cost us all nothing. By all means, though, do all you can to combat that free advertising. Brilliant. Because it would be so great if the money that’s been propping up the economy here went to people in Vegas and Tucson and Los Angeles instead of staying here.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  j2bad

Fiance here:

I hope you were being sarcastic about the money staying there. I can speak from the experience of watching people I know there doing all of their major shopping anywhere but SoHum. They do 90% of their shopping anywhere else because according to them they can’t get the “good stuff” in Humboldt. They spend 1000’s of dollars on line and across the country shopping in LV, SF, Portland, LA, New York and anywhere else they go. Then we prolly shouldn’t discuss the money taken to Costa RIca, Mexico, Belieze etc…to buy land and stash in banks there. I mean just exactly where did the fiance of J and or J that just got busted last year buy that $76,000 engagement ring she lost down the drain in a restaurant in Texas? Do you really think they bought it in Eureka or Arcata…how about Garberville or Redway? Of course I could start talking about fact that South Fork is falling down around those kids heads…………

j2bad
Guest
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

If your question is – “Do I think people with money buy more than people without?” I say yes.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  j2bad

Fiance: Actually I think I misunderstood your post (been a little sick lately.) But what I was trying to say is that the growers there spend the bulk of thier money elsewhere and was wondering if you realized that.

j2bad
Guest
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

I’m okay with people spending their money wherever they damn well please. I thought that was pretty well agreed upon here in the US, no?

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  j2bad

Fiance here:

I’m ok with them spending it where they want too, but I get so sick of hearing how they are “propping up the Humdecino economy” with the money they make. They spend a major portion of it somewhere else and the counties suffer for it. We got letters from every school my stepdaughter has attended (thats 4 in 6 years) wanting money to help them out for everything from lunches to tools for shop classes. Humboldt needs another judge, can’t afford it, all the social services departments in both counties are suffering and most programs are being cut, if not cut they are losing large portions of their funding. Every week there are articles in the papers talking about it. They spend very little there then claim that they are taking care of their own.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

A lot less money is donated to community organizations since 215 legalization put a dent in the local economy. The dent grows larger every year as 215 weed floods the market. For instance, the community radio station didn’t make their quota this time around. That never used to happen in the days when pot growers had more money and were better able to support it. The schools, clinics, and other community organizations are in the same situation. Communication, health and education is suffering. The difference is legalization. It caused the local economy to decline. If nineteen passes the economy will get even worse. The only businesses that are booming are the grower supply stores. Since legalization people are forced to buy more supplies to grow more pot for less money. More indoor grows are set up to make up for the low prices, more diesel spills, more fires etc. Legalization causes the negative aspects to grow and the positive aspects to shrink. Now we have prop. nineteen to consider, if it passes growers will have to grow even more weed to compete with the increase in dropping prices. Expect more illegal growing, larger grows, indoor and outdoor, more fires, more oil spills etc. More animals will be poisoned, more streams and land polluted, more people jailed, due to legalization.

j2bad
Guest
13 years ago

Wow, Suzy. So right. How sad that Humboldt is the beneficiary of such an enormously successful advertising campaign that’s come along all just because of what people have actually done here over the years, has spread across the globe, and has cost us all nothing. By all means, though, do all you can to combat that free advertising. Brilliant. Because it would be so great if the money that’s been propping up the economy here went to people in Vegas and Tucson and Los Angeles instead of staying here.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  j2bad

Fiance here:

I hope you were being sarcastic about the money staying there. I can speak from the experience of watching people I know there doing all of their major shopping anywhere but SoHum. They do 90% of their shopping anywhere else because according to them they can’t get the “good stuff” in Humboldt. They spend 1000’s of dollars on line and across the country shopping in LV, SF, Portland, LA, New York and anywhere else they go. Then we prolly shouldn’t discuss the money taken to Costa RIca, Mexico, Belieze etc…to buy land and stash in banks there. I mean just exactly where did the fiance of J and or J that just got busted last year buy that $76,000 engagement ring she lost down the drain in a restaurant in Texas? Do you really think they bought it in Eureka or Arcata…how about Garberville or Redway? Of course I could start talking about fact that South Fork is falling down around those kids heads…………

j2bad
Guest
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

If your question is – “Do I think people with money buy more than people without?” I say yes.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  j2bad

Fiance: Actually I think I misunderstood your post (been a little sick lately.) But what I was trying to say is that the growers there spend the bulk of thier money elsewhere and was wondering if you realized that.

j2bad
Guest
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

I’m okay with people spending their money wherever they damn well please. I thought that was pretty well agreed upon here in the US, no?

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  j2bad

Fiance here:

I’m ok with them spending it where they want too, but I get so sick of hearing how they are “propping up the Humdecino economy” with the money they make. They spend a major portion of it somewhere else and the counties suffer for it. We got letters from every school my stepdaughter has attended (thats 4 in 6 years) wanting money to help them out for everything from lunches to tools for shop classes. Humboldt needs another judge, can’t afford it, all the social services departments in both counties are suffering and most programs are being cut, if not cut they are losing large portions of their funding. Every week there are articles in the papers talking about it. They spend very little there then claim that they are taking care of their own.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

A lot less money is donated to community organizations since 215 legalization put a dent in the local economy. The dent grows larger every year as 215 weed floods the market. For instance, the community radio station didn’t make their quota this time around. That never used to happen in the days when pot growers had more money and were better able to support it. The schools, clinics, and other community organizations are in the same situation. Communication, health and education is suffering. The difference is legalization. It caused the local economy to decline. If nineteen passes the economy will get even worse. The only businesses that are booming are the grower supply stores. Since legalization people are forced to buy more supplies to grow more pot for less money. More indoor grows are set up to make up for the low prices, more diesel spills, more fires etc. Legalization causes the negative aspects to grow and the positive aspects to shrink. Now we have prop. nineteen to consider, if it passes growers will have to grow even more weed to compete with the increase in dropping prices. Expect more illegal growing, larger grows, indoor and outdoor, more fires, more oil spills etc. More animals will be poisoned, more streams and land polluted, more people jailed, due to legalization.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago

Fiance here: The latest news from the Feds.

Thursday, July 29, 2010
(07-29) 13:25 PDT Fresno, Calif.(AP)–

Nearly 100 people have been arrested in an ongoing sweep of marijuana-growing operations that has netted more than $1.7 billion worth of pot in California’s Sierra Nevada range, federal and state agents said Thursday.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said several Mexican drug cartels were involved in the grow operations and that most of the 97 people arrested are Mexican nationals. Agents were combing tracts of public land in the remote stretches of Fresno, Madera and Tulare counties.

“Tremendous devastation has been done and continues to be done by these industrial-sized grows,” said Gil Kerlikowske, who directs the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy and was in Fresno on Thursday to support the raid. “I think when people see what these marijuana grows do to their land, it makes a huge difference.”

About 450 agents have destroyed more than 432,000 marijuana plants during the three-week sweep, which ends Friday, Kerlikowske said.

Eastern District of California U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner said federal prosecutors were taking a more aggressive enforcement tack this year and charging those arrested in the bust with everything from immigration crimes to conspiracy to distribute marijuana to depredation to public lands.

Officials would not clarify which Mexican cartels were involved.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago

Fiance here: The latest news from the Feds.

Thursday, July 29, 2010
(07-29) 13:25 PDT Fresno, Calif.(AP)–

Nearly 100 people have been arrested in an ongoing sweep of marijuana-growing operations that has netted more than $1.7 billion worth of pot in California’s Sierra Nevada range, federal and state agents said Thursday.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims said several Mexican drug cartels were involved in the grow operations and that most of the 97 people arrested are Mexican nationals. Agents were combing tracts of public land in the remote stretches of Fresno, Madera and Tulare counties.

“Tremendous devastation has been done and continues to be done by these industrial-sized grows,” said Gil Kerlikowske, who directs the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy and was in Fresno on Thursday to support the raid. “I think when people see what these marijuana grows do to their land, it makes a huge difference.”

About 450 agents have destroyed more than 432,000 marijuana plants during the three-week sweep, which ends Friday, Kerlikowske said.

Eastern District of California U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner said federal prosecutors were taking a more aggressive enforcement tack this year and charging those arrested in the bust with everything from immigration crimes to conspiracy to distribute marijuana to depredation to public lands.

Officials would not clarify which Mexican cartels were involved.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Susy,

I’m not sure I agree with you about the pot of Humboldt. People who are very into taste/flavor/smoke have claimed that Humboldt produces some of the best pot anywhere. I don’t smoke so I can’t speak to the subject fairly. Much of that may be as you say that Humboldt merely got superior strains in the past.

The reality of Silicon Valley seems to show that when lots of people with good ideas gather together around a common subject then they create a climate where a product/products become superior to other areas.

This seems to me to have happened here in Humboldt. Why else does our reputation endure if our pot is no better than anywhere else?

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

People who are very into taste/flavor/smoke have claimed that Humboldt produces some of the best pot anywhere.

Yes it does. But it is not a geographical determination. Humboldt became a place where people gathered to grow pot because of the social tolerance of the outlaw culture. The knowledge spread of the superiority of the marijuana that our area produced. The superiority was due to the genetics.

The reality of Silicon Valley seems to show that when lots of people with good ideas gather together around a common subject then they create a climate where a product/products become superior to other areas.

That’s what happened here. The marijuana became superior because of the strains obtained and maintained. Legality will make these strains widely available for anyone to grow anywhere.

Why else does our reputation endure if our pot is no better than anywhere else?

The reputation for good marijuana has endured because such great bud has come from this local outlaw culture which grows these potent strains. Along with legalization will come widespread growing, and the toleration of an outlaw culture will be irrelevant as concerns ideal conditions for producing pot. The false idea that it is the geographical environment that created the Humboldt reputation for good bud will be seen for the untruth that it is.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Susy,

I’m not sure I agree with you about the pot of Humboldt. People who are very into taste/flavor/smoke have claimed that Humboldt produces some of the best pot anywhere. I don’t smoke so I can’t speak to the subject fairly. Much of that may be as you say that Humboldt merely got superior strains in the past.

The reality of Silicon Valley seems to show that when lots of people with good ideas gather together around a common subject then they create a climate where a product/products become superior to other areas.

This seems to me to have happened here in Humboldt. Why else does our reputation endure if our pot is no better than anywhere else?

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

People who are very into taste/flavor/smoke have claimed that Humboldt produces some of the best pot anywhere.

Yes it does. But it is not a geographical determination. Humboldt became a place where people gathered to grow pot because of the social tolerance of the outlaw culture. The knowledge spread of the superiority of the marijuana that our area produced. The superiority was due to the genetics.

The reality of Silicon Valley seems to show that when lots of people with good ideas gather together around a common subject then they create a climate where a product/products become superior to other areas.

That’s what happened here. The marijuana became superior because of the strains obtained and maintained. Legality will make these strains widely available for anyone to grow anywhere.

Why else does our reputation endure if our pot is no better than anywhere else?

The reputation for good marijuana has endured because such great bud has come from this local outlaw culture which grows these potent strains. Along with legalization will come widespread growing, and the toleration of an outlaw culture will be irrelevant as concerns ideal conditions for producing pot. The false idea that it is the geographical environment that created the Humboldt reputation for good bud will be seen for the untruth that it is.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Some claim that the hot summer days and cool nights create an optimum bud. I take it that you don’t agree?

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Many other localities in the state also have adequate temperatures for growing ‘an optimum bud’. Same goes for other states.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

But do many other localities have appropriate temperatures, skilled workers, a base of good strains, and brand name appeal?

I wouldn’t say Humboldt was the only place to grow weed that is an obvious fallacy. But is it a great place to grow beautiful buds? Yes!

Can we translate that into it is the best place? I think so if we work for local and state legislation that is responsive to our needs. Humboldt residents whether growers or not, just can’t sit around hoping that luck will bless them though. They need to work at making that happen. Otherwise, other areas will become the best place with the best weed. They’ll drink the milkshake we prepared but left sitting on the table.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

I’m saying that there are many many other localities where one can grow equally desirable marijuana.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

But do many other localities have appropriate temperatures,
yes

skilled workers,
yes

a base of good strains,
yes

and brand name appeal?
Claiming that the name “Humboldt” signifies the best marijuana is false, ignorant, a lie, and morally objectionable. (that was my original point)

But is it a great place to grow beautiful buds?
whatever.

…it is the best place?
no

Otherwise, other areas will become the best place with the best weed
That’s an ignorant statement because the best marijuana comes from genetics NOT geography.

Staff
Member
13 years ago

Some claim that the hot summer days and cool nights create an optimum bud. I take it that you don’t agree?

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Many other localities in the state also have adequate temperatures for growing ‘an optimum bud’. Same goes for other states.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

But do many other localities have appropriate temperatures, skilled workers, a base of good strains, and brand name appeal?

I wouldn’t say Humboldt was the only place to grow weed that is an obvious fallacy. But is it a great place to grow beautiful buds? Yes!

Can we translate that into it is the best place? I think so if we work for local and state legislation that is responsive to our needs. Humboldt residents whether growers or not, just can’t sit around hoping that luck will bless them though. They need to work at making that happen. Otherwise, other areas will become the best place with the best weed. They’ll drink the milkshake we prepared but left sitting on the table.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

I’m saying that there are many many other localities where one can grow equally desirable marijuana.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

But do many other localities have appropriate temperatures,
yes

skilled workers,
yes

a base of good strains,
yes

and brand name appeal?
Claiming that the name “Humboldt” signifies the best marijuana is false, ignorant, a lie, and morally objectionable. (that was my original point)

But is it a great place to grow beautiful buds?
whatever.

…it is the best place?
no

Otherwise, other areas will become the best place with the best weed
That’s an ignorant statement because the best marijuana comes from genetics NOT geography.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago

Humboldt will never have marijuana that’s better than can be produced elsewhere, but hey, it’s not even legal yet, in the meantime enjoy the beautiful day. Here’s some wisdom about what’s true and what’s not true that’s bound to lift everyone’s spirits up, up, up … it was first manifested before the manifestors were well known — i hope this link works, because if it doesn’t i can’t correct myself by myself here, i’m diving into the irretrievable unknown,
sis boom bah

crossing my fingers, maybe luck will bless me through …
s

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Maybe you’re right. Many areas brag about their weed. Maybe it is all about the genetics and there are no other factors here worth adding into the discussion about whether Humboldt is a great place to grow. Maybe those of us working to promote the area are just cheerleaders for “our school.”

But just as Oaklanders will work for their area’s economics so to must Humboldt folks. I think that is healthy.

At this point we don’t have any tests that allow us to determine whether the same genetics grown indoors in Oakland and outdoors in Humboldt produce a total better product. We can’t compare Salmon Creek Big Bud grown outdoors in Sac with Salmon Creek Big Bud outdoors in Redway. Maybe someday, if it goes legal, we can.

Until then, I’m working to protect the community I love and believe is one of the best producers of high quality marijuana around.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

–where there’s a will, there’s not always a way.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

but without trying, there never is a way;>

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men,
Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promis’d joy!

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

How small do you think the market for marijuana is? Yeah, there will be more competition but even then I don’t think demand will ever be met.

Sure, other areas in the state (and eventually country) can produce the same/better quality, but many more can not, or will not. There will be opportunities out there. The sky will not fall.

Growers are going to have to think outside the box and work a little harder to get their product out there. People won’t make a killing anymore, but many will still find a way to make a living.

Having a legitimate marijuana industry in Humboldt County will have a greater impact on keeping money in the county. Legitimate money creates new business and industries, where as illegal cash buys brand new trucks and shiny new toys.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

The flow of illegal cash coming here created more business and industry than this place ever dreamed of. And in case you didn’t notice, trucks and toys are bought by legal as well as illegal money.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Yeah you’re right, Humboldt’s economy is thriving right now. Nothing but jobs and opportunity out there.

It takes legitimate income to get the loans, to create the businesses, to hire the people, to pay them the wages, to allow them to buy more goods and services, and expand the tax base, to allow more growth and prosperity. Leading to a multiplier effect of more businesses, more jobs, more money.

Large amounts of illegal cash can not do that to that degree. It takes legitimate industry built off legitimate money.

Sitting on a lot of cash does no good in terms of building something that could benefit the economy as a whole in the long run. It sure does a lot of good berried underground, or hidden away out of fear of prosecution.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

It sure does a lot of good berried

hey, i got an idea, a person could start an organic self sustaining berry farm.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Wow! You pointed out a typo as a counterargument. My opinion must be invalid now.

blah blah blah is very fitting of you.

I’m trying to provide a positive contribution to this serious discussion. And I respect people’s right to disagree, in fact constructive debate can lead to positive things. However, you just seem like one of those jaded types that likes to shit on everyone’s parades just for the hell of it.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

Your argument is with a straw dog.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

Fiance:

I can name you a couple of people up there that have had no problem getting major credit cards with major balances while on welfare. They have also managed to buy houses and cars……………………splain that.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

Are you advocating such a thing? That is what prohibition fosters, greed and abuse. How does that in anyway benefit the area as a whole? And you say you can name a couple people, is that the same as the majority of the people?

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

Fiance here: (In case your wondering, I am HK’s fiance when it says fiance, not HK…there are two of us with slightly different takes on just about any given subject)

No, I am in no way advocating such a thing and I never would. It is one of my biggest sore spots. I can only name a couple for certain because I don’t know more than a couple. I am sure If I knew a broader spectrum of people there that I would be able to name more than a couple. They are the same kind of people that are making plenty of tax free dollars and using Medi-Cal, Welfare To Work and AFDC like a government subsidy.

I wasn’t raised to believe that that type of thing was ok in any way shape or form. I was raised that there was a code of honor that people should live by no matter what they are doing and the people that I am closest too (not by choice) up there violate that code and every other moral code on a regular basis. They are teaching their children that this is the best way to be and I don’t approve……..Luckily for them I am a firm believer in Karma and know that at some point all of their bs will come back and bite them in the #**. It might not be this week, month or year…maybe not even this decade but at some point…….

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

Sorry, I wasn’t taking a shot at you. I agree with you fully.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago

Humboldt will never have marijuana that’s better than can be produced elsewhere, but hey, it’s not even legal yet, in the meantime enjoy the beautiful day. Here’s some wisdom about what’s true and what’s not true that’s bound to lift everyone’s spirits up, up, up … it was first manifested before the manifestors were well known — i hope this link works, because if it doesn’t i can’t correct myself by myself here, i’m diving into the irretrievable unknown,
sis boom bah

crossing my fingers, maybe luck will bless me through …
s

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Maybe you’re right. Many areas brag about their weed. Maybe it is all about the genetics and there are no other factors here worth adding into the discussion about whether Humboldt is a great place to grow. Maybe those of us working to promote the area are just cheerleaders for “our school.”

But just as Oaklanders will work for their area’s economics so to must Humboldt folks. I think that is healthy.

At this point we don’t have any tests that allow us to determine whether the same genetics grown indoors in Oakland and outdoors in Humboldt produce a total better product. We can’t compare Salmon Creek Big Bud grown outdoors in Sac with Salmon Creek Big Bud outdoors in Redway. Maybe someday, if it goes legal, we can.

Until then, I’m working to protect the community I love and believe is one of the best producers of high quality marijuana around.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

–where there’s a will, there’s not always a way.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

but without trying, there never is a way;>

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men,
Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promis’d joy!

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

How small do you think the market for marijuana is? Yeah, there will be more competition but even then I don’t think demand will ever be met.

Sure, other areas in the state (and eventually country) can produce the same/better quality, but many more can not, or will not. There will be opportunities out there. The sky will not fall.

Growers are going to have to think outside the box and work a little harder to get their product out there. People won’t make a killing anymore, but many will still find a way to make a living.

Having a legitimate marijuana industry in Humboldt County will have a greater impact on keeping money in the county. Legitimate money creates new business and industries, where as illegal cash buys brand new trucks and shiny new toys.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

The flow of illegal cash coming here created more business and industry than this place ever dreamed of. And in case you didn’t notice, trucks and toys are bought by legal as well as illegal money.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Yeah you’re right, Humboldt’s economy is thriving right now. Nothing but jobs and opportunity out there.

It takes legitimate income to get the loans, to create the businesses, to hire the people, to pay them the wages, to allow them to buy more goods and services, and expand the tax base, to allow more growth and prosperity. Leading to a multiplier effect of more businesses, more jobs, more money.

Large amounts of illegal cash can not do that to that degree. It takes legitimate industry built off legitimate money.

Sitting on a lot of cash does no good in terms of building something that could benefit the economy as a whole in the long run. It sure does a lot of good berried underground, or hidden away out of fear of prosecution.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

It sure does a lot of good berried

hey, i got an idea, a person could start an organic self sustaining berry farm.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Wow! You pointed out a typo as a counterargument. My opinion must be invalid now.

blah blah blah is very fitting of you.

I’m trying to provide a positive contribution to this serious discussion. And I respect people’s right to disagree, in fact constructive debate can lead to positive things. However, you just seem like one of those jaded types that likes to shit on everyone’s parades just for the hell of it.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

Your argument is with a straw dog.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

sorry, what i meant was ‘straw man’

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

Fiance:

I can name you a couple of people up there that have had no problem getting major credit cards with major balances while on welfare. They have also managed to buy houses and cars……………………splain that.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

Are you advocating such a thing? That is what prohibition fosters, greed and abuse. How does that in anyway benefit the area as a whole? And you say you can name a couple people, is that the same as the majority of the people?

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

Fiance here: (In case your wondering, I am HK’s fiance when it says fiance, not HK…there are two of us with slightly different takes on just about any given subject)

No, I am in no way advocating such a thing and I never would. It is one of my biggest sore spots. I can only name a couple for certain because I don’t know more than a couple. I am sure If I knew a broader spectrum of people there that I would be able to name more than a couple. They are the same kind of people that are making plenty of tax free dollars and using Medi-Cal, Welfare To Work and AFDC like a government subsidy.

I wasn’t raised to believe that that type of thing was ok in any way shape or form. I was raised that there was a code of honor that people should live by no matter what they are doing and the people that I am closest too (not by choice) up there violate that code and every other moral code on a regular basis. They are teaching their children that this is the best way to be and I don’t approve……..Luckily for them I am a firm believer in Karma and know that at some point all of their bs will come back and bite them in the #**. It might not be this week, month or year…maybe not even this decade but at some point…….

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

Sorry, I wasn’t taking a shot at you. I agree with you fully.

Mr. Nice
Guest
Mr. Nice
13 years ago

L.A. has better genetics these days. Last time I went there (recently), they had whole shops dedicated to clones and small mother plants. Humboldt’s clone hoarding hasn’t stopped entrepreneurs from acquiring elite cuts and pitching them for ten bucks.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  Mr. Nice

They are $25 – $35 in Las Vegas………still a small market and limited on what can be had…but it’s starting to grow. (Pardon the pun) I’ve seen severl different varities of Kush, NY Diesel, Kona Gold, Alaskan Thunder F*&( and quite a few more. It’ll be interesting to see whtat they produce in this climate.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

–who knows, you might end up with the kind that a kid from Humboldt would walk a thousand miles for 🙂 Hey i heard they were planning on constructing a giant 100 story stainless steel and colored glass mega marijuana leaf with a laser beam light show on it in one of the casino courtyards or someplace over there. Maybe that’s what Redway should do.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Fiance:
LOL…dang Suzy, you did it again……I almost fell off of my chair I was laughing so hard. I can just see it now…….a mega pot leaf lit for all the world to see. Of course you never know in Vegas……with our mayor anything can happen. In a recent news story he was the ONLY politician that would talk on camera. He’s all for it, the cafe type thing. Anything that will bring another tourist. We have had a couple of “marijuana” conventions that I know of. I didn’t attend but I know they were fairly large from what I hear.

The kids from Humboldt would only have to walk about 800 miles to here……836 from my front door to the court house in Eureka to be exact.

And as far as places that grow the good stuff……Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky grow some killer up in those hills.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

You guys in Vegas have way more experienced conventioneers.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Fiance:

Yep…that’s what we do. Conventions……..work em all the time.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

I expect in the future that Suzy will be tuning in to the local media one day and finding a fresh report from some local journalist who just got back from Las Vegas telling me what happened at the latest Convention of Marijuana Experts there, which included growers, sellers and lawyers from all around the globe and was hosted by the Mayor himself at his outdoor pot garden.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Fiance:

I’ll probably be here telling you all about working it…lol.

Mr. Nice
Guest
Mr. Nice
13 years ago

L.A. has better genetics these days. Last time I went there (recently), they had whole shops dedicated to clones and small mother plants. Humboldt’s clone hoarding hasn’t stopped entrepreneurs from acquiring elite cuts and pitching them for ten bucks.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  Mr. Nice

They are $25 – $35 in Las Vegas………still a small market and limited on what can be had…but it’s starting to grow. (Pardon the pun) I’ve seen severl different varities of Kush, NY Diesel, Kona Gold, Alaskan Thunder F*&( and quite a few more. It’ll be interesting to see whtat they produce in this climate.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

–who knows, you might end up with the kind that a kid from Humboldt would walk a thousand miles for 🙂 Hey i heard they were planning on constructing a giant 100 story stainless steel and colored glass mega marijuana leaf with a laser beam light show on it in one of the casino courtyards or someplace over there. Maybe that’s what Redway should do.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Fiance:
LOL…dang Suzy, you did it again……I almost fell off of my chair I was laughing so hard. I can just see it now…….a mega pot leaf lit for all the world to see. Of course you never know in Vegas……with our mayor anything can happen. In a recent news story he was the ONLY politician that would talk on camera. He’s all for it, the cafe type thing. Anything that will bring another tourist. We have had a couple of “marijuana” conventions that I know of. I didn’t attend but I know they were fairly large from what I hear.

The kids from Humboldt would only have to walk about 800 miles to here……836 from my front door to the court house in Eureka to be exact.

And as far as places that grow the good stuff……Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky grow some killer up in those hills.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

You guys in Vegas have way more experienced conventioneers.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Fiance:

Yep…that’s what we do. Conventions……..work em all the time.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

I expect in the future that Suzy will be tuning in to the local media one day and finding a fresh report from some local journalist who just got back from Las Vegas telling me what happened at the latest Convention of Marijuana Experts there, which included growers, sellers and lawyers from all around the globe and was hosted by the Mayor himself at his outdoor pot garden.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Fiance:

I’ll probably be here telling you all about working it…lol.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago

Fiance:

And don’t forget Hawaii and Jamaica.

Aash
Guest
Aash
13 years ago

Quality genetics can be found just about everywhere. Quality pot can be grown just about everywhere. At the same token, Humboldt marijuana is also well known just about everywhere, and it has nothing to do with actual quality.

Whats the difference between a pair of $150 Nike shoes and pair of $20 off brand pair of sneakers in terms of quality?…

The answer: Absoluetly nothing.

The difference is the perception that Nike shoes are better and more desireable. That perception is created through a lot of money, hard work, and iginuety in buliding a strong brand image.

Humbolldt already has world wide recgonition and with organization and hard work can continue to do so in a legalized framework. Marketing and branding will play a large part in future sucess.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Aash

AAsh,

For some reason this comment ended up in spam. I rescued you when I found you this morning. Sorry!

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Aash

I see what you mean, Humbloldt is the Nike of the pot world. I am soooo proud.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Aash

Ever notice that Nike lifted the Newport swirl logo and turned it upside down.
Maybe Humboldt will turn it sideways and color it green. That’ll be sure to turn some heads around.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Aash

We’re in luck. The Humboldt name is already is recognized world wide. So when we patent our name and add the sideways swirl to our logo we will be rolling (no pun intended hahahahahahaha). Just like Nike. Equal quality of weed grown in various locations tells us that the Humboldt brand weed can be grown anywhere. We may want to locate our main offices in S.F. or L.A. but we should outsource the farming department to China, and use child slave labor like the successful tennis shoe corporations do. It’s called low overhead, it’ll be good for our economy. And all those fools out there will buy our product because they will perceive the Humboldt brand weed as being the one that everyone wants because they heard of the name Humboldt. Just like Nike. I can see Snoop Dogg now, toking a big fatty on TV in a Humboldt Weed commercial telling everyone it’s the killa shit. And there won’t be any doubt about it in the consumer’s mind because once the ignorant masses see his red eyes and the sideways swirl on his hoody, they’ll be hooked.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

I used Nike’s strong brand as an example. Not talking about their labor practices.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

And how is anything you’ve mentioned above any worse than home invasions, robberies, arrest and prosecution, house fires, diesel spills, environmental damage? All of which are a part of this illegal industry.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

The difference is the perception that Nike shoes are better and more desireable.

You are talking of using of the Humboldt name to sell herb, knowing that the name recognition will deceive people into the perception that Humboldt herb is better and more desirable … like people are deceived by Nike into wasting $130 on a pair of shoes. I didn’t say if legal or illegal was worse or better. I said that my opinion is that intentionally deceiving the consumer is a morally objectionable practice.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Can’t say I completely agree with that practice either, but thats what companies have to do to stay competitive. And at the end of the day people still have a choice in what they believe or buy. People may see through it, but why haven’t they for just about any other product? (Nike as my example.)

There is the good and the bad with everything, I just feel legalization has more good consequences than bad, and prohibition causes more harm.

I also see more opportunities with legalization. However, there is the harsh reality that legalization can be devastating to Humboldt County if nothing is done about it. But why can’t Humboldt still be a major player? Especially with the decades of knowledge and experience, and the strong name behind it. And with a social climate that is willing to embrace it. Not all areas are going to be as open and willing to allow large scale commercial cultivation. Just looking at other cities/counties resistance towards medical marijuana, I think the majority will not be as open to it.

And sorry for my swipe I took at you yesterday, I really am.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

There is the good and the bad with everything, I just feel legalization has more good consequences than bad, and prohibition causes more harm.

Please correct me if I’m wrong but the way I understand it is, if Nineteen is passed in November the law for possession for 18-20 year olds will be increased from a misdemeanor with a maximum of a $100 fine, to a felony which can bring up to six months in jail. A person 21 and up will be able to legally possess one ounce, and grow a 5x5ft patch. So when you harvest the crop which was legal to grow, you are now illegally possessing it and risk jail time like a 20year old who gets caught with a joint. Sorry I don’t have a link for this info, maybe someone else does.

And sorry for my swipe I took at you yesterday, I really am.

Aww that’s okay, maybe it was my karma 😉

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

I’m familiar with Prop 215. I don’t think Prop 215 is perfect either . But its a start. Its a chance to make a crack in the dam to make the whole thing finally break. It has been a tough fight for legal Marijuana, and the battle will remain tough.

As far as the harsher penalties on selling to 18-20 year olds… I don’t agree with it at all. But I think had to be included to win over more support (“The oh please! Think of the Children!” crowd). However there should be strict penalties for selling to minors.

I don’t like the less than an ounce limit at all. But once legalized, I don’t think will be enforced. Enforcing the semantics of marijuana law may become to difficult of an endeavor (but who knows, the police industry may become more desperate for business).

The limit of a 5X5 space for personal sounds random and unnecessary. But probably was included to convey the message of controlling marijuana and allowing for the creation of a taxable industry. I don’t think there should be limit there either.

They have to try to sell Prop 215 to a huge group of people that have been brainwashed for many many years into thinking that marijuana is evil. Its not perfect, but I feel it is better than the status quo.

What I do like about Prop 215 is allowing for local governments to set the laws on how to deal with marijuana. That could be a huge win for Humboldt County if they work it right.

And I feel like Ricard Lee and Oakland have their own motivations in Prop 215 passing. But, sadly thats how the world works. And I don’t think they can take over it all. They simply can’t.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

Aash, I think you had a disgraphic moment ( I have them all the time). You meant Prop 19 and I agree with your concerns.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Thanks Kym! 19 is what I meant. I’ve been doing that alot lately. I think my mind is slipping..

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Aash

Whats the difference between a pair of $150 Nike shoes and pair of $20 off brand pair of sneakers in terms of quality?…

The answer: Absoluetly nothing.

I disagree. I find Nike’s to be great shoes. I wear them and they are more supportive and comfortable than any of the many other brands of tennis shoes I’ve worn. I can see why people like them. I wouldn’t buy a pair though, I got mine free. I’ve had them for several years and they’re still holding up fine. They feel really really really great! I love them. My feet love them. They’re worth a lot … to me. But the Nike Corporation is atrocious. I had to smudge my Nikes with sage and do a ceremony over them before I walked in them.
But on the other hand, a brand called Humboldt Herb actually will NOT be any better than bud which can be grown elsewhere. People will find that out fast. The Humboldt logo really will not stand for better quality, even if that’s the illusion attempted by association.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

I don’t live in Humboldt County. I live in Minnesota. Anything that comes around here that is claimed to be from Humboldt automatically goes for $25 to $50 more an oz. And you’re right its not any better (and I doubt most of the time even actually from Humboldt), but there still remains a lot of hype around it.

The only reason I found this blog is because of the name Humboldt… and my strong passion in winning the legalization battle.

Aash
Guest
Aash
13 years ago

Quality genetics can be found just about everywhere. Quality pot can be grown just about everywhere. At the same token, Humboldt marijuana is also well known just about everywhere, and it has nothing to do with actual quality.

Whats the difference between a pair of $150 Nike shoes and pair of $20 off brand pair of sneakers in terms of quality?…

The answer: Absoluetly nothing.

The difference is the perception that Nike shoes are better and more desireable. That perception is created through a lot of money, hard work, and iginuety in buliding a strong brand image.

Humbolldt already has world wide recgonition and with organization and hard work can continue to do so in a legalized framework. Marketing and branding will play a large part in future sucess.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  Aash

AAsh,

For some reason this comment ended up in spam. I rescued you when I found you this morning. Sorry!

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Aash

I see what you mean, Humbloldt is the Nike of the pot world. I am soooo proud.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Aash

Ever notice that Nike lifted the Newport swirl logo and turned it upside down.
Maybe Humboldt will turn it sideways and color it green. That’ll be sure to turn some heads around.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Aash

We’re in luck. The Humboldt name is already is recognized world wide. So when we patent our name and add the sideways swirl to our logo we will be rolling (no pun intended hahahahahahaha). Just like Nike. Equal quality of weed grown in various locations tells us that the Humboldt brand weed can be grown anywhere. We may want to locate our main offices in S.F. or L.A. but we should outsource the farming department to China, and use child slave labor like the successful tennis shoe corporations do. It’s called low overhead, it’ll be good for our economy. And all those fools out there will buy our product because they will perceive the Humboldt brand weed as being the one that everyone wants because they heard of the name Humboldt. Just like Nike. I can see Snoop Dogg now, toking a big fatty on TV in a Humboldt Weed commercial telling everyone it’s the killa shit. And there won’t be any doubt about it in the consumer’s mind because once the ignorant masses see his red eyes and the sideways swirl on his hoody, they’ll be hooked.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

I used Nike’s strong brand as an example. Not talking about their labor practices.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

And how is anything you’ve mentioned above any worse than home invasions, robberies, arrest and prosecution, house fires, diesel spills, environmental damage? All of which are a part of this illegal industry.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

The difference is the perception that Nike shoes are better and more desireable.

You are talking of using of the Humboldt name to sell herb, knowing that the name recognition will deceive people into the perception that Humboldt herb is better and more desirable … like people are deceived by Nike into wasting $130 on a pair of shoes. I didn’t say if legal or illegal was worse or better. I said that my opinion is that intentionally deceiving the consumer is a morally objectionable practice.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

Can’t say I completely agree with that practice either, but thats what companies have to do to stay competitive. And at the end of the day people still have a choice in what they believe or buy. People may see through it, but why haven’t they for just about any other product? (Nike as my example.)

There is the good and the bad with everything, I just feel legalization has more good consequences than bad, and prohibition causes more harm.

I also see more opportunities with legalization. However, there is the harsh reality that legalization can be devastating to Humboldt County if nothing is done about it. But why can’t Humboldt still be a major player? Especially with the decades of knowledge and experience, and the strong name behind it. And with a social climate that is willing to embrace it. Not all areas are going to be as open and willing to allow large scale commercial cultivation. Just looking at other cities/counties resistance towards medical marijuana, I think the majority will not be as open to it.

And sorry for my swipe I took at you yesterday, I really am.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

There is the good and the bad with everything, I just feel legalization has more good consequences than bad, and prohibition causes more harm.

Please correct me if I’m wrong but the way I understand it is, if Nineteen is passed in November the law for possession for 18-20 year olds will be increased from a misdemeanor with a maximum of a $100 fine, to a felony which can bring up to six months in jail. A person 21 and up will be able to legally possess one ounce, and grow a 5x5ft patch. So when you harvest the crop which was legal to grow, you are now illegally possessing it and risk jail time like a 20year old who gets caught with a joint. Sorry I don’t have a link for this info, maybe someone else does.

And sorry for my swipe I took at you yesterday, I really am.

Aww that’s okay, maybe it was my karma 😉

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

I’m familiar with Prop 215. I don’t think Prop 215 is perfect either . But its a start. Its a chance to make a crack in the dam to make the whole thing finally break. It has been a tough fight for legal Marijuana, and the battle will remain tough.

As far as the harsher penalties on selling to 18-20 year olds… I don’t agree with it at all. But I think had to be included to win over more support (“The oh please! Think of the Children!” crowd). However there should be strict penalties for selling to minors.

I don’t like the less than an ounce limit at all. But once legalized, I don’t think will be enforced. Enforcing the semantics of marijuana law may become to difficult of an endeavor (but who knows, the police industry may become more desperate for business).

The limit of a 5X5 space for personal sounds random and unnecessary. But probably was included to convey the message of controlling marijuana and allowing for the creation of a taxable industry. I don’t think there should be limit there either.

They have to try to sell Prop 215 to a huge group of people that have been brainwashed for many many years into thinking that marijuana is evil. Its not perfect, but I feel it is better than the status quo.

What I do like about Prop 215 is allowing for local governments to set the laws on how to deal with marijuana. That could be a huge win for Humboldt County if they work it right.

And I feel like Ricard Lee and Oakland have their own motivations in Prop 215 passing. But, sadly thats how the world works. And I don’t think they can take over it all. They simply can’t.

Staff
Member
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

Aash, I think you had a disgraphic moment ( I have them all the time). You meant Prop 19 and I agree with your concerns.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  Staff

Thanks Kym! 19 is what I meant. I’ve been doing that alot lately. I think my mind is slipping..

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago
Reply to  Aash

Whats the difference between a pair of $150 Nike shoes and pair of $20 off brand pair of sneakers in terms of quality?…

The answer: Absoluetly nothing.

I disagree. I find Nike’s to be great shoes. I wear them and they are more supportive and comfortable than any of the many other brands of tennis shoes I’ve worn. I can see why people like them. I wouldn’t buy a pair though, I got mine free. I’ve had them for several years and they’re still holding up fine. They feel really really really great! I love them. My feet love them. They’re worth a lot … to me. But the Nike Corporation is atrocious. I had to smudge my Nikes with sage and do a ceremony over them before I walked in them.
But on the other hand, a brand called Humboldt Herb actually will NOT be any better than bud which can be grown elsewhere. People will find that out fast. The Humboldt logo really will not stand for better quality, even if that’s the illusion attempted by association.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  suzy blah blah

I don’t live in Humboldt County. I live in Minnesota. Anything that comes around here that is claimed to be from Humboldt automatically goes for $25 to $50 more an oz. And you’re right its not any better (and I doubt most of the time even actually from Humboldt), but there still remains a lot of hype around it.

The only reason I found this blog is because of the name Humboldt… and my strong passion in winning the legalization battle.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago

When it comes to marijuana, the pie is much too big with too many slices for any one area to take the while thing. The people that are willing to work hard enough will get their piece.

It won’t come easy like it does now, but the harm and negative aspects of prohibition will be greatly reduced if not totally eliminated. And I see more opportunity to benefit the area as a whole with the jobs an above ground industry can provide.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago

When it comes to marijuana, the pie is much too big with too many slices for any one area to take the while thing. The people that are willing to work hard enough will get their piece.

It won’t come easy like it does now, but the harm and negative aspects of prohibition will be greatly reduced if not totally eliminated. And I see more opportunity to benefit the area as a whole with the jobs an above ground industry can provide.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago

Here are some random thoughts. Just putting the scrambled mess inside my head in writing. Feel free to blast any holes through my backward ass logic…

As far as any ordinance goes, the more I think about it, the more I find myself scratching my head. There is so much uncertainty with the passing of Prop 19. It’s defiantly important to start thinking about an ordinance now, but it would be dangerous to set anything in stone without seeing some of the outcome.

A part of me thinks, keep it simple. Set the tax rates and the price of licenses and let the market figure everything else out. But I don’t know if I necessarily believe in the whole theory that free markets are efficient markets.

No one knows what the feds are going to do. Will they sit on the sidelines, or will they try to come in and fight? One thing leads me to believe that they won’t battle the state of California on this: Since it is a voter initiative, and if it does actually pass, I don’t think Obama can afford to go to war with the people of the biggest blue state of California. Not with his upcoming re-election (don’t get me started on how angry that kind of politics makes me). But that is what it is, and we also don’t know if down the line other administrations will do the same. But for now:

If the feds are actively arresting and prosecuting, then limits for cultivation need to be set at 99 or whatever helps keep people off their radar. There needs to be an army of small-scale operations that are too large in number for the feds to completely eliminate. There still would be major risks of arrest, but hopefully the same price support would still be there and prices would remain inflated enough to where growers can still do well for themselves with a small limit.

If the feds stay out of the mix, then I do see prices falling. To what level I don’t know. I don’t see it being as drastic as what the Rand study is claiming (how can the price drop by 80% with a 100-200 percent increase in use?). If the price drop is relatively small, than once again, I think small limits need to be set so that more people can earn a living.

Say the price does drop so much that people can’t make a decent wage from growing, then any limits on plant numbers need to be thrown out. There needs to be a few large-scale operations that can employ as many people as possible, but still make money. Similar to the large-scale operations that Oakland has considered, only outdoor and more environmentally sound. Once again, this is all contingent on what the feds do. I have a theory that Oakland would not go ahead with what they are planning and sink the amount of money that they will, if they didn’t have some kind of certainty that the feds would not get involved. But that’s just a theory.

If prices do bottom out completely, it still may not mean the end of Humboldt County. Other opportunities may still exist:

For one, there is the chance of breeding new genetics and selling seeds. I went to Amsterdam two years ago for the Cannabis Cup (complete waste of time by the way, but Amsterdam is a truly amazing experience). I visited many shops and tried to talk to as many locals as possible to try and pick the brains of anyone who was willing to give me the time of day. One thing I kept hearing was that the actually sales of pot / hash for consumption in the coffee shops was just a small fraction of the marijuana industry in Holland. Their biggest business was selling seeds. They have many companies such as Green House Seed Co, DNA Genetics, Barney’s Seed Farm, and some others. All of which are doing extremely well from selling their seeds worldwide. Do they have the most unique strains or best genetics?… Not by a long shot. Do they have the best climate?… Not really. What they do have is an open forum provided to them through a legal environment and opportunities to work outside the shadows of secrecy and hiding. A bunch of people got together and seized those opportunities.

Another thing that has been touched on is tourism through tasting rooms, tours of grow operations, and coffee shops. There are some great opportunities there. However, I don’t know enough about the area to speak about it too much. And I can see not wanting a bunch of out of town dipshits trampling all over your beautiful area. But it is a viable option none the less.

Also, there exists the possibility of processed marijuana goods. Things like hash, hash oils, kief, THC infused butters, edibles, and the list goes on. All of these require labor and can do a lot to put people to work. And even beyond actual marijuana, I’m sure there are people in Hum Co that have created their own organic nutrient concoctions that produce amazing results. You could market and sell those. Here in Minnesota, our options for organic nutes are very limited. We have Bio-Bizz, Roots Organics, and a few others. There is room in that market.

With a legitimate industry, there will be the need for testing. Testing for mold, pests, and contaminates to ensure quality. Set up testing facilities and try to draw in product from other areas for testing. Try to be the industry leader in testing and quality control.

Finally, there is hemp and hemp products. However, I don’t know what Prop 19 will do in terms of the legalization of Hemp. Anybody else know how Prop 19 will affect hemp?…

To me the criminalization of hemp is an injustice far greater than our atrocious marijuana policy. With all the environmental sound applications of hemp, there needs to be a hemp industry in this country. You can grow hemp, and manufacture thousands of thousands of different hemp products. From hemp seeds/oils, to fibers, to clothing and on and on.

Like I said, these are just ideas that I’m throwing out there. I couldn’t begin to tell you how to actually make these things materialize. But if you put a bunch of people together, with the freedom of a legal environment, incredible things can be accomplished.

And sorry for writing such a long, epic novel. I’m on house arrest (for something Prop 19 would completely allow). I have ALOT of free time on my hands.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago
Reply to  aash

I personally don’t think the Feds are going to back off no matter what California votes for. If you’ve been paying attention they are changing the way they are fighting the “drug” war. Obama didn’t say what many think he said. He said the won’t go after people obeying state and Federal laws. There is no federal law allowing the cultivation and sales of pot. Then he said the drug was was being effective in the way it was being fought. They are changing the way they are fighting it.

1) Google “southern sweep” it was a combined effort of the FBI, DEA, USPS, IRS and serveral state agencies….they went into Humboldt and got nothing but a bunch of information. A couple of guys (3 I think) did recently get indicted connected to it but all are being very quite about it so I don’t think they are done yet. (Computers and records) I think 450 law enforcement agents involved.

2) A couple of different guys up there just went down J&J…….they were pretty big and the feds got a bunch of information connected to them.

3) Google “Project Deliverance” Not too long ago 3500 law enforcement agents arrested 2266 people in 16 (I think) states and Mexico…….confiscated 69 TONS of pot and 17 + tons of cocaine, heroin and speed.

4) A few months ago they busted the guy that has the diesel place in Garberville…..they got his grows and what else? More records.

5) The USA is in the process of sending 46 warships and 7000 marines to Costa RIca to help fight the drug war. They are not only fighting the cartel people there they are looking for Americans laundering money through real estate deals and the like.

6) Last Friday was the last day of a three week operation in the Sierra Nevada’s based out of Fresno. They destroyed 430,000 plants and arrested about 100 people, moslty illegals. They had 450 agents involved with that one too. The new drug czar (forgot his name) was in Fresno and said that they were going to be more aggressive in California this year.

A lot of what they are doing in Cali. is to fight the cartels but there are going to be locals going down in the mix.

I just don’t see them backing off, too much illegal money, no one paying taxes and lots of folks in bed with cartels and gangs.

Prop 19 only allows for small amounts and has no wording about hemp. I think those in Oakland with their mega-grows are way putting the cart before the horse and I doubt the feds are going to go for it. They might let them get set up and start producing but I think they’ll take them down.

Just my opinion…….but I do a lot of research on the subject and I don’t see them just walking away anymore than I see them being through in Humdocino.

aash
Guest
aash
13 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

Wow. That’s some scary shit.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago

Oooops…I forgot to let y’all know that it was the fiance not HK that made that last post. I guess what I was trying to say is that the feds have gotten better organized and are taking down more people in these big operations.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
13 years ago

Oooops…I forgot to let y’all know that it was the fiance not HK that made that last post. I guess what I was trying to say is that the feds have gotten better organized and are taking down more people in these big operations.

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago

Maybe somebody should copyright “our” name. Then people will have to pay “us” to drink “our” juice. Isn’t that what Noah did when the rest of that circus, the whole three rings, sank? Maybe that leaf you always see in the dove’s beak who’s flying, ever so determinedly, back to Noah’s sturdy boat, is a copyritten marijuana leaf symbol this time. LOL. Just think of how nice and fresh and new and clean things will be when all those sinners (you know who i’m talkin about) are washed away.

peace,
s

suzy blah blah
Guest
suzy blah blah
13 years ago

Maybe somebody should copyright “our” name. Then people will have to pay “us” to drink “our” juice. Isn’t that what Noah did when the rest of that circus, the whole three rings, sank? Maybe that leaf you always see in the dove’s beak who’s flying, ever so determinedly, back to Noah’s sturdy boat, is a copyritten marijuana leaf symbol this time. LOL. Just think of how nice and fresh and new and clean things will be when all those sinners (you know who i’m talkin about) are washed away.

peace,
s