California: Oakland First to Allow Large Scale Marijuana Farming

Oakland has become the first city to legalize large-scale industrial cultivation of marijuana. The City council voted in favor of a plan to license some factories where marijuana would be grown and packed for medical use.

There is no limit on the size of the facilities, however they will be heavily taxed and regulated. Under the plan the factories would have to pay $211,000 in annual permit fees, carry $2 million in liability insurance, and devote 8 percent of gross sales to taxes. The bidders will also be required to meet certain environmental, labor, and safety standards.

Opponents of the measure claim this plan will put small growers out of business. Meanwhile, supporters of the plan claim the measure would create jobs and bring millions of dollars to Oakland. Finally, with California voting on the legalization of recreational marijuana in November, supporters claim that if recreational use of marijuana is legalized Oakland would have an advantage over other cities.

Sources:
New York Times
Associated Press