One of the most exciting items on the November ballot isn’t the blue wave. It’s a voter initiative in Kern County, California called Measure K. Political pundits across America are watching Kern County because Measure K is the first marijuana initiative to gain the super conservatives vote.
“Measure K is a mythical unicorn,” says Louis Ennas, CEO of Green Partners, Inc, “Measure K appeals to conservatives because it bring all the benefits of cannabis to a community without any of the hassles and drawbacks. Before Measure K, most initiatives were crafted by stoners. Measure K is absolutely the opposite – it’s written by professionals and it’s a traditional marriage between community and industry.”
Measure K does two things simultaneously. This genius measure strictly regulates marijuana yet encourages job creation and prosperity for the County. It punishes the law breakers and rewards the job creators.
The social conservatives of Kern County want their veterans and disabled to have safe access to cannabis – but they want it tightly regulated and controlled. The fiscal conservatives want the taxation to be bullet proof. No loopholes or bogus deductions.
Progressives are thrilled the County is modernizing their thinking about medical marijuana.
You’re telling me that conservatives and progressives are voting in unison for the same initiative?
Yes, it’s true. Folks on both sides of the aisles are coming together over cannabis. Fat ladies are singing and pigs are flying in Kern County.
Why the kumbaya over Measure K?
First, Measure K is highly restrictive of dispensaries. Only 35 are allowed in the County. The measure directly funds law enforcement and first responders. It gives police the tools they need to enforce the laws and punish the bad actors who aren’t following the rules.
Second, Measure K gives farmers and manufacturers responsible regulations – without headaches – so they can quickly create jobs and industry. Kern County needs good jobs and the cannabis industry remains committed to a $20/hour minimum wage.
Third, Measure K pushes all the cannabis farms and processing far away from where people live and go to school. As other communities have learned, cannabis farms, like other types of agriculture, often have strong odors.
Law makers from all around the US are eagerly waiting to see how voters in conservative Kern County react to Measure K.
“If a red county like Kern can embrace medical marijuana laws like Measure K, there is hope for our country to come together and tackle the bigger issues,” says one California State Representative.
Amen.
