This is a quote from an editorial on Marijuana.net:
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There is even more disturbing news coming out of a new proposed system in Illinois. Most of us expected the venture capitalists to try and seize control of this new industry. However, while faith in government is not exactly at an all time high, it is extremely disheartening to see lawmakers try and bleed patients and collective operators dry. Before the businessmen can even try to take advantage, they may have to wait until the government has had their own fill. Illinois regulators are considering rules that would require $500,000 to open a dispensary. This would come in the form of $5,000 for an application (which cannot be refunded), a yearly permit of $25,000, a one time $30,000 permit fee, and proof of $400,000 in assets.
This could have catastrophic results for those who are seeking relief. First off, collectives will likely have to abandon any notion of “not for profit” in order to generate enough to stay afloat. The higher costs will no doubt fall to the patient. Second, it opens the door and paves the way for corporate interests to come into a tailor made profit system. If Illinois moved forward with this current proposal, then corporations will already have consumers and lawmakers accustomed to the inflated and unnecessary costs. Lastly, this will almost all but assure that those who have the patients interest first will not be able to afford to even considering opening up shop."
Tell me who this setup benefits other than corporations with the deep pockets to take control of the potential of the cannabis market? Think this was sponsored by and for Big Business? I think we need a new organization, patterned after NORML, a Right To Grow organization that will fight for the right for private growing of cannabis!
"
There is even more disturbing news coming out of a new proposed system in Illinois. Most of us expected the venture capitalists to try and seize control of this new industry. However, while faith in government is not exactly at an all time high, it is extremely disheartening to see lawmakers try and bleed patients and collective operators dry. Before the businessmen can even try to take advantage, they may have to wait until the government has had their own fill. Illinois regulators are considering rules that would require $500,000 to open a dispensary. This would come in the form of $5,000 for an application (which cannot be refunded), a yearly permit of $25,000, a one time $30,000 permit fee, and proof of $400,000 in assets.
This could have catastrophic results for those who are seeking relief. First off, collectives will likely have to abandon any notion of “not for profit” in order to generate enough to stay afloat. The higher costs will no doubt fall to the patient. Second, it opens the door and paves the way for corporate interests to come into a tailor made profit system. If Illinois moved forward with this current proposal, then corporations will already have consumers and lawmakers accustomed to the inflated and unnecessary costs. Lastly, this will almost all but assure that those who have the patients interest first will not be able to afford to even considering opening up shop."
Tell me who this setup benefits other than corporations with the deep pockets to take control of the potential of the cannabis market? Think this was sponsored by and for Big Business? I think we need a new organization, patterned after NORML, a Right To Grow organization that will fight for the right for private growing of cannabis!
