SCC eBulletin - Join us for a Debate of Ballot Measure 80

The Oregon Cannabis Tax Act - Measure 80

     This November, voters will decide whether they wish the State of Oregon to legalize the cultivation, sale and use of cannabis. Join us on Friday, September 28, when we learn about Measure 80 (The Oregon Cannabis Tax Act). If passed, Measure 80 will establish an Oregon Cannabis Commission (OCC). The Commission will be responsible for regulating the cultivation and sale of cannabis, and ensuring product quality control. The Commission will sell cannabis through OCC stores. Production and sale of hemp products (fiber, protein or oil) will not be regulated, licensed, or subject to Commission fees.
     The legislation seeks to minimize the misuse and abuse of cannabis; prevent the illicit sale or provision of cannabis to minors, and “to protect the peace, safety, and happiness of Oregonians.” Similarly, it seeks to preserve “the largest measure of liberty consistent with the above purposes.” Adults will be permitted to cultivate and possess cannabis free of licensing or regulation for their personal, noncommercial use.
     Revenue from the licensing and the sale of cannabis will be transmitted into an account supervised by the State Treasurer and apportioned to these purposes:

funding Commission and contractor expenses;
funding Department of Attorney General litigation in defense of the legislation and against prosecution of individuals operating within legislation against prosecution;
supporting drug abuse treatment programs;
creating two agricultural state committees that promote hemp fiber, protein and oil crops through one, and the production of biodiesel fuel from hemp seeds through the second; and,
fostering a drug education program within Oregon schools.

     Ninety percent of money remaining after Commission and Attorney General expenses will be credited to the state’s general fund to finance state programs; the 10 percent residual will be reserved for the abovementioned programs and committees.
     If passed, the legislation will mark a significant change from current law. The legislation does not alter federal legislation, which is a matter of potential jurisdictional conflict.
     Our guest speakers on Friday, September 28, will be:
D. Paul Stanford is an entrepreneur with expertise in hemp

and cannabis, and is the primary author of, and chief petitioner for, Measure 80 (The Oregon Cannabis Tax Act). Stanford founded and manages the nation’s largest medical marijuana clinic and operates an import/export business in hemp products. He serves as an expert court witness on marijuana and medicinal cannabis, has authored numerous published articles in his area of expertise, and has produced and hosted over 650 live television shows. Stanford lives in Portland.

     Josh Marquis has been District Attorney of Clatsop County (Astoria) Oregon, since1994. He is a former president of the Oregon District Attorney’s Association, and is Oregon’s delegate to the National District Attorney’s Association (NDAA). He has served on the Board of Directors of the NDAA since 1997, is co-chair of NDAA's Media and Communications Committee, and is the association's representative to the International Association of Prosecutors. In 2012 he was re-elected to the Leadership Council of the American Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section and was named Vice-Chair.
     Marquis is an active Democrat. He is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs discussing the criminal justice system and the nature of the relationship between popular culture, the media and the law. Marquis is a graduate of the University of Oregon's Honors College and Law School.
     Please join us Friday, September 28, 2012, as we host the pros and cons of Measure 80 (The Oregon Cannabis Tax Act), at Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill in the Dye House. For lunch reservations email rsvp@salemcityclub.com before noon Wednesday, September 26, 2012. Parking is free. Doors open at 11:30 AM. For more information on this program please go to www.salemcityclub.com.