SC: The Legal Marijuana Act of 2016 (Statute)

[Anna Komnene]

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Sponsors: dfwlibertylover and Peebs

The floor is open for debate for a minimum of 24 hours.

[Anna Komnene]

So are all of those amendments considered friendly and now part of the bill?

I don't understand why license applicants need to be 25 years old.  That seems arbitrary to me, and I don't support it.  We already have enough confusing age requirements as it is.

I'm generally supportive of the bill though, especially with the excise tax clause added.  Maybe we could define that tax in this bill?  In doing some research on the four states that legalized recreational marijuana, it seems like the best way is to tax it based on a percentage of the retail sale but not so high that it encourages black market activities.  I think something around 20% with an exemption (or decrease) for medical marijuana seems fair.

[Anna Komnene]

Okay, from what I can tell this is currently the bill as proposed and with sponsor accepted amendments.

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Here are amendments I suggest.

12. Establishes that all license applicants for commercial marijuana growing and distribution activities shall be adult citizens of Atlasia and the South, of at least 25 21 years of age, and free of felony, drug, alcohol, tobacco, and customs convictions.
16. Establishes a 20% excise tax based on the retail value of recreational marijuana purchases, with an exemption for medical marijuana purchases.
17. Allows that individuals may apply to have prior marijuana convictions treated as if they were convicted under the law’s new sentencing structure.

[Anna Komnene]

We won't always be able to move at such a rapid pace (if only for my sake ).  Still, it's an important piece of legislation and deserves time to think things over.  Golfman and PiT might still want to weigh in the next day or so too.

[Anna Komnene]

I am prepared to vote in favor of the version of the bill suggested by Siren in Post #13.

Very well then, I propose the version posted by Siren move forth to a vote, unless there are any further amendments proposed, this is the final bill I would like to see.

You're sure you don't want the amendment you proposed?

[Anna Komnene]

Seeing no further debate, we'll take this to a final vote.  Members will vote AYE, NAY, or ABSTAIN.  This will be a 48 hour vote.

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[Anna Komnene]

Aye

[Anna Komnene]

Voting is now closed.  The AYEs are 4, and the NAYs are 0, with 1 not voting.  The AYEs have it, and the bill has passed.  The bill is now passed onto the Governor for his signature or veto.