6 votes

What commercialization is doing to cannabis | Ben Cort

7 comments

  1. [4]
    Rocket_Man
    Link
    The problems he brings up are just inherent in capitalism. Commercialization of weed leads to exploitation of whoever is vulnerable. I'm glad he brings up how THC disproportionately impacts the...

    The problems he brings up are just inherent in capitalism. Commercialization of weed leads to exploitation of whoever is vulnerable. I'm glad he brings up how THC disproportionately impacts the poor and I hope however unlikely that it can be regulated appropriately.

    I'd also like to mention that like @EscReality I also voted for Amendment 64. I did so precisely because things like this would happen. I hoped that with many states dealing with the problems it would bring and the sole responsibility of the states themselves to regulate it, that we can be more informed when federal legalization happens.

    5 votes
    1. CALICO
      Link Parent
      That's pretty much what I took from it as well. It's predatory, and that's resultant from our economic environment. I wasn't very surprised by that. But I was however, horrified, about the vastly...

      That's pretty much what I took from it as well. It's predatory, and that's resultant from our economic environment. I wasn't very surprised by that. But I was however, horrified, about the vastly increased arrest rates among minorities for cannabis-related causes in his example. That wasn't supposed to be the goal. That's sick.

      2 votes
    2. [2]
      EscReality
      Link Parent
      I don't think the problems being inherent in capitalism excuses them, it just means that they are something we should be used to correcting. I agree with the idea that states dealing with problems...

      that we can be more informed when federal legalization happens.

      I don't think the problems being inherent in capitalism excuses them, it just means that they are something we should be used to correcting.

      I agree with the idea that states dealing with problems in the industry will pave the way when federal legalization happens and it is a big reason I voted for it as well (that, tax revenue and incarceration rates).

      I think when federal legalization happens, as long as they look to the states that have structured the industry well (mainly CO), it will go very smoothly. If national legalization ever happens.

      Personally I think that more regulation needs to be done here in Colorado by the CDA now. Issues like pesticides and manipulation of the plant's cycle need to be addressed.

      1 vote
      1. Rocket_Man
        Link Parent
        I agree that more regulation is needed at the state level. Although the problems with pesticides seem like they need to be fleshed out a bit. What exactly is the concern? The only argument in the...

        I agree that more regulation is needed at the state level. Although the problems with pesticides seem like they need to be fleshed out a bit. What exactly is the concern? The only argument in the talk was that they are toxic and employees were encouraged to wear protection. Which is very typical in agriculture. But considering people smoke it, we might want see if any risks are present.

        Also I don't think focusing on the plant cycle is the correct thing to do. That's just a means to an end to get more THC out of the plants. But we definitely need to look at regulation from the perspective of THC concentrations like Alcoholic drinks do with Ethanol.

  2. [3]
    EscReality
    Link
    He kind of jumps around more than some other TED speakers, but the basic points Ben is making is something that really needs to be addressed in the Cannabis Industry here in Colorado (and I assume...

    He kind of jumps around more than some other TED speakers, but the basic points Ben is making is something that really needs to be addressed in the Cannabis Industry here in Colorado (and I assume other states).

    Honestly, for things to remain safe it really needs to be nationally legalized and regulated. I love that my state (along with Alaska, California, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington) have paved the way for this industry, but the reality of the situation seems to be that it is an industry that may be too big to just regulate at the state level. The FDA and USDA really should be involved.

    EDIT: just in case anyone is interested, I did vote for Amendment 64 back in 2012 and I do not smoke.

    2 votes
    1. [2]
      Comment deleted by author
      Link Parent
      1. EscReality
        Link Parent
        Wait just a second, under WA law you can't grow plants for personal use? Coloradans can grow in their homes for personal use. Up to six plants are allowed per Colorado resident over age 21, with...

        Taxation of a product like cannabis is a lot harder when you let every joe blow grow it in their back yard

        Wait just a second, under WA law you can't grow plants for personal use?

        Coloradans can grow in their homes for personal use. Up to six plants are allowed per Colorado resident over age 21, with as many as three plants flowering at one time, with a maximum of 12 plants per household.

        That is asinine. I am a big gardener and I have experimented with growing weed in my garden a few times (planted alongside my corn rows) even though I do not ever smoke, but was interested in the plant. I honestly should have gone into horticulture.

        The great irony of WA's aggressive stance on home growing is that Colorado legalized at the same time and we have made almost double what you have in tax revenue. People having the ability to grow at home in their gardens doesn't effect the commercial industry at all. Like you said we can easily grow hops but home brewers are not hurting the beer industry (if anything they help it).

    2. [2]
      Comment deleted by author
      Link Parent
      1. EscReality
        Link Parent
        No, it's really not. Having the industry actually regulated at a national level would do wonders for consumers not just by keeping the product safe, but by maintaining consistency across the board.

        No, it's really not. Having the industry actually regulated at a national level would do wonders for consumers not just by keeping the product safe, but by maintaining consistency across the board.