I keep hearing people talk about the problem with legalization being that big companies will make it like tobacco and take over the industry and add all sorts of chemicals. So the question I really have is; If it were legalized tomorrow and there are stipulations on growing, like there almost certainly will be, would you even buy from big companies? I am asking because I personally doubt I will ever buy MJ from a company that also produces tobacco. Not that I dislike smokers, I actually used to smoke, I just don't like the idea that there even could be nicotine in the MJ I would be smoking. I also doubt that, other than a couple of tobacco companies trying to dominate the market, there will not be many big companies that want to get into the market. I think most companies with an image to uphold will stay away from it at least until it loses the hype that legalization will create. This will give many small companies more than enough time to start up and create their own "brands." I personally see the post legalization industry being much more like alcohol than like tobacco, with a couple of big players and then a large variety of micobrew like companies. And to put it simply I think that the culture that surrounds MJ now will support that sort of system so much more than one where big companies run everything, that it will force the market to move that way. I think that the culture around Cannibus is important as well and that it will not just disappear, as I have heard a few people say. I think the reality is that, those of us who consider ourselves stoners will be the ones that are still in the market after the hype dies down and we will be the ones driving the market.
You can grow your own tobacco and brew your own beer so I don't see why there would be growing stipulations. To answer your question: my backyard would be turned into a forest.
While you can brew your own beer in most places, it is illegal to distill alcohol and most of the bills I have read have treated it more like hard alcohol than tobacco. Most of the bills I have seen require a license or set some other stipulations on growing. On the same note, while you can grow tobacco for personal use, you cannot sell it so do keep that in mind. Although on that same note, if they require a license, as the bills I have read do, then you could sell to stores to recover any costs I guess. I have more to post but need to go to class, will post more later
Well if it ever comes to the point where we can walk into a store and purchase marijuana, which I'm certain will happen in my lifetime, then I think the last thing I'll be worried about is how to obtain it. Whether it's buying a pack of joints (with of course the choice to go organic ) or grow it myself, or buy some from Costco in the nice bulk amount we love from that place.
As much as I'd like to avoid buying from big businesses, it would be hard to pass up on perfectly pre-rolled Js at the gas station. I rarely smoke joints now, because I find loading a bowl easier than rolling a J. Then again, who's to say that smaller companies wouldn't offer similar products. I would also worry about the use of pesticides by these companies and other additives they might use.
It is illegal to distill spirits because of safety reasons. Growing a plant is significantly less hazardous than using intense heat to concentrate highly flammable alcohol. It is illegal to produce and sell anything without the proper licenses and paperwork. Moreover, I don't have any intention of selling my forest. The only "growing licenses" I've read about are for commercial growers. Personal growing is unregulated. Here is the text right out of CA AB390:
I'd love to buy marajuna from Phillip Morris. It's not like you're going to be smoking a pack of joints a day or anything. At least I don't think I'd ever do that.
I wouldn't think to much into this poll though. This is a major grow forum. I'm sure there will be plenty of no-growers around to fund the companies and give them a reason to keep it legal.
I wouldn't mind big companies selling it, just imagine GMO weed with 50% THC "smoke" they would have the money to do that and to invest in stronger weeds with new smoking methods.
Yeah, I live in WA and the bill I have seen here would regulate it like hard alcohol. It would be sold in liquor stores and would require a permit that varies in price to grow. I just find it a little hard to believe that we will go from it being completely illegal to having complete freedom with it in one bill. Not to mention, a lot of the people that are for legalizing see it as an increase in revenue for the state and that is better accomplished if growing is regulated as it forces people to buy from stores where it is taxed. Of course if CA legalizes with freedom to grow your own and there are no problems from it then I would bet that within a decade there model would be the one most legislation would be based off of.
Growing weed is slightly more involved than growing tomatoes and lemons, I really don't think there will be a mass rush to set up gardens. Very few people can grow product that's better than the top shelf medical bud, so it makes more sense (for most people) just to buy it. Similar situation with tobacco, it's difficult to grow and process the leaves as well as Captain Black does, so it's easier to buy it.