Posts Tagged ‘alleries’

California sprouts marijuana ‘green rush’ amid calls for legalization, taxation – Los Angeles Times

California sprouts marijuana ‘green rush’ amid calls for legalization, taxation

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Jeff Chiu, AP

In this May 20, 2009 photo, Erick Alvaro, left, delivers medical marijuana from The Green Door dispensary to a man who wished be identified only as David, at his home in San Francisco. Since California became the first state to legalize the drug for medicinal use, the weed that the federal government puts in the same category as heroin and cocaine has become a major economic force. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

LISA LEFF, MARCUS WOHLSEN, Associated Press Writers
6:00 PM PDT, July 18, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A drug deal plays out, California-style: A conservatively dressed courier drives a company-leased Smart Car to an apartment on a weekday afternoon. Erick Alvaro hands over a white paper bag to his 58-year-old customer, who inspects the bag to ensure everything he ordered over the phone is there.

An eighth-ounce of organic marijuana buds for treating his seasonal allergies? Check. An eighth of a different pot strain for insomnia? Check. THC-infused lozenges and tea bags? Check and check, with a free herb-laced cookie thrown in as a thank-you gift.

It’s a $102 credit card transaction carried out with the practiced efficiency of a home-delivered pizza — and with just about as much legal scrutiny. Read the rest of this entry »