Hydrolife Magazine August/September 2017 [USA Edition]
One of the best parts about a budding industry like the marijuana industry is the personalities that emerge. For more than a year in these pages, we’ve worked hard to bring you the latest information, history, how-to methods, and products surrounding cannabis. In this issue, we’re focusing a little more on people, including Jim McAlpine, founder of the 420 Games and Power Plant Fitness. He graces our cover after working with San Francisco-based photographer Mark Rutherford.
One of the best parts about a budding industry like the marijuana industry is the personalities that emerge. For more than a year in these pages, we’ve worked hard to bring you the latest information, history, how-to methods, and products surrounding cannabis. In this issue, we’re focusing a little more on people, including Jim McAlpine, founder of the 420 Games and Power Plant Fitness. He graces our cover after working with San Francisco-based photographer Mark Rutherford.
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consultant's corner<br />
Due Diligence Despite Christie in Office<br />
While Scutari’s original 2014 bill to legalize recreational<br />
marijuana didn’t get off the ground, he and other supporters<br />
have been busy with Christie in office.<br />
A 2016 report by the New Jersey Policy Perspective<br />
and New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform found that<br />
legalization would generate approximately $1.2 billion in<br />
direct sales and $300 million each year once a graduated<br />
tax increase was fully implemented.<br />
“Legalizing, taxing, and regulating marijuana will<br />
increase public safety, improve our criminal justice<br />
system, enhance racial justice, protect young people, save<br />
resources, bolster public health, and generate revenue,”<br />
the report also stated.<br />
Later in the year, Scutari led a group of legislators from<br />
both parties on a Colorado fact-finding mission to see how<br />
the cannabis industry is currently operating in the state.<br />
During their visit, the delegation met with Medicine Man<br />
Technologies’ senior consultants Carrie Roberts and Matt<br />
Best for a tour of our facility and discussion of both the<br />
benefits we’ve achieved and challenges we still face.<br />
“I was on board before we went, but I am absolutely sold<br />
that this industry can be regulated. It’s safe, it’s wellmanaged.<br />
Colorado has done an amazing job,” Sweeney<br />
commented after the trip.<br />
Even attendee Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth), who<br />
has yet to decide on which way he would vote, said,<br />
“There’s very little downside.”<br />
The New Garden State Recreational<br />
Marijuana Bill<br />
With Christie’s term ending and the numerous benefits<br />
of legalizing adult-use marijuana being brought to light,<br />
things are looking up for Scutari’s bill, and we’re hopeful<br />
that it will be passed, despite a few flaws.<br />
Let’s look at what the measure would entail for New Jersey:<br />
• Possession of up to 50 grams would first be<br />
decriminalized (with a maximum fine of $100) while the<br />
full program gets up and running.<br />
• Legalization of recreational marijuana for<br />
adults 21 and over in the following forms and<br />
quantities: one ounce of marijuana, seven grams of<br />
concentrate, 16 ounces of infused products in solid<br />
form, and 72 ounces in liquid form.<br />
• Establishment of the Division of Marijuana Enforcement<br />
within the state Department of Law and Public Safety.<br />
Within a year, the group will be responsible for<br />
implementing new regulations, as well as helming<br />
licensing programs for growers and distributors.<br />
• Gradually increased taxation on sales: seven per cent in<br />
year one, 10 per cent the next, followed by five per cent<br />
increases until a final rate of 25 per cent is reached.<br />
• Flexibility for local governments to forbid or strictly<br />
regulate marijuana businesses.<br />
• Prohibition of growing marijuana in your own home.<br />
As you can see, the last two are a bit troubling and out<br />
of step with other states where adult use is legal, but<br />
we’ll see how this develops once the bill progresses<br />
through the legislature.<br />
40<br />
grow. heal. learn. enjoy.<br />
myhydrolife.com