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Measure B - Listen online

Yes on Measure B / KMEC - 04.15.08

Measure B debate / Ukiah City Council - 04.14.08

Measure B / KZYX - 04.10.08

No on Measure B / KMEC - 04.08.08

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Why was Measure B put on the ballot?

Commercial marijuana cultivation in Mendocino County is out of control and the county has been ineffective in dealing with the severe impacts it has caused. The root of the problem is that county officials don’t know if the voters want them to take any action against profit-seeking commercial marijuana growing that masquerades as “medical marijuana.” Measure B provides a voter mandate for reasonable protections, while not interfering with legitimate medical marijuana.

Why is there any doubt about our desire for protection against harmful impacts?

Because eight years ago, an initiative called Measure G told the sheriff and district attorney to make enforcement of all marijuana laws their lowest priority, lower even than jaywalking. Measure G also tried to block law enforcement in any “case” of 25 plants or less. Although it had no binding legal effect because law enforcement puts state law ahead of county ordinances, Measure G had a strong political effect that caused politicians and law enforcement to turn their backs on many marijuana problems. We became a magnet for “no limits” commercial growers who moved here—often into residential neighborhoods like yours.

What does Measure B do?

Two simple things: First, it repeals Measure G. Second, it adopts the state recommended rule of 6 mature or 12 immature plants, plus ½ pound dried marijuana per medical marijuana patient—more if recommended by a physician. This will replace the county’s current 25-plant medical marijuana limit, which is excessive. See the text of Measure B HERE.

Who is against Measure B?

The commercial marijuana lobby—including growers who pretend they’re just growing medical marijuana.. They want to continue using dozens of “caregiver cards”—real or phony—as a cover for growing huge amounts of marijuana, up to 1000 plants in one case. The game is to pretend they’re growing 25 plants of “medical marijuana” for each of the alleged patients, and then sell it on the open market for big profits.

Are medical patients protected under Measure B?

Yes. Six mature plants is plenty for almost anyone, and there is no limit to the amount a medical patient can have if a physician certifies that they need it.

Will Measure B criminalize personal use?

No. State law has always made it a crime to use or grow marijuana, unless you have a physician’s recommendation. Measure G didn’t change that and neither will Measure B. But law enforcement has no time to target personal users. Measure B won’t change that either. In a statement on March 11, 2008, Sheriff Tom Allman said:

“Measure B will not change our focus. Investigating violent crime will remain our top priority. We do not, and will not, target small grows. We will continue to focus on large grows and complaints about growers who create a public nuisance, endanger public safety or trash the environment.”

--Sheriff Tom Allman, 3/11/08

Then why are the opponents saying that Measure B will deny sick patients their medicine and criminalize personal use?

Because they’re trying to trick you into voting against Measure B. Don’t be fooled Vote “Yes” on Measure B to support reasonable limits.

Isn't the answer complete legalization?

Many of us agree the best solution is an end to federal and state prohibition, but that’s beyond our control. The best thing we can do right now is to get in line with the state guidelines so that we aren’t a magnet for commercial growers who care only about profit and care nothing about our neighborhoods, public safety, or the environment.