It might not have felt like a “hay day” (to borrow an old country saying)… But our economy in Lake County has been boosted for years by (dare I day it) marijuana farming. That”s right… I said it. In fact, it operates under the radar but is undoubtedly the number one export of Lake County. Each year, responsible citizens with families grow about 30 plants and sell them to dispensaries in cities (completely legal under California state law).
Say what you will, there are problems associated with marijuana. But the county has “thrown out the baby with the bathwater” (to borrow another country phrase.) In attempting to get rid of problem grows in neighborhoods and outlaw grows in rural areas, we”ve thrown out the single, most positive force in our economy. Experienced economists will tell you, it”s the top 10 percent of an economy that makes or breaks it. We were anything but healthy, before, so we should all brace for the bad times to come.
Whenever the sheriff”s task force goes out for a day, it removes between $250,000 and $500,000 from our economy – money that would have been spent largely in Lake County. A quarter million to a half million. Every day. Not only are they violating civil rights, ignoring the fourth amendment and treating us like we are under martial law, they are robbing us of a healthy economy (read as quality of life), as well.
My point is simple. We should re-think this now. We have an opportunity to turn the $120 million cash influx (a rare gift for an economy as bad as this) into a regulated, growth industry that parallels the wine business. We have an opportunity to be at the front of the curve. We can establish reasonable guidelines and charge millions in fees immediately.
Reel in the beast, cuts its hair, provide the necessary leadership to create an environment that will grow this little economic gift into a bigger economic gift – $200 million within five years, and enough fee income to clean up the lake, improve schools, etc.
Are we going to create an inviting environment or one of harassment? Do we want the result to be $20 million or $200 million? It”s up to us.
Yes, it”s up to us. Our supervisors are not getting that the economy is important. If so, they wouldn”t have summarily cast aside this economic gift. Citizens and business owners – it”s time to re-think where you stand on this matter. Can you vote yes for environmentally responsible, registered and fee-paying farmers on rural lands? It”s time to make your voice heard. Call or email your supervisor now. Talk to others. And vote yes on Measure O in November.
Otherwise, you can kiss our economy goodbye.
Tino Gamber, Lakeport
