Economics

Cannabis is in the Town

Published

9 years ago

December 30, 2017

From left to right: Richard Valle, Alameda County Supervisor, District 2, Dr. Asif Maan, Chief of the Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch (MCSB) within California Department of Public Health, Lori Ajax, Chief of Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation, Richard Parrott, Director of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Division, Alameda County District 4 Supervisor Nate Miley serve on a panel discussion at the Alameda County Winter Cannabis Summit 2017. Photo by Carla Thomas.

Cannabis is now in the town. Like it or not the sale and taxation of pot will be legal in California beginning January 1, 2018.

In preparation for the new industry, Alameda County has been actively involved in helping shape the landscape of cannabis cultivation, retail sale, manufacturing, and distribution in California. By hosting a Winter Cannabis Summit at the Alameda County Board of Supervisors Chambers in downtown Oakland, the County wanted to educate the public on a legal, taxed and tightly-regulated system for medical and adult use cannabis.

About 100 stakeholders attended three forums throughout the day. With Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley serving as moderator, attendees heard from Lori Ajax, Chief Bureau of Cannabis Control, Richard Parrott, Director, CalCannabis Cultivation Safety, California Department of Public Health, and Dr. Asif Mann Chief of Office of Manufactured Cannabis Safety, California Department of Public Health who provided an overview slide presentation.

“The cannabis industry is emerging as a major force,” said Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley. “We have a great opportunity for a new source of untapped tax revenue to strengthen our public infrastructure.”

“As we move forward issuing the first state licenses for commercial cannabis activity, the state’s three licensing authorities are grateful for the opportunity to interact with our key local government partners,“ said Ajax. “A tremendous amount of work has gone into this process and we wouldn’ be in the position we are today without the feedback received at events like this summit.”

An afternoon panel discussion featured Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley, prevention specialists, and community partners focused on what legalization brings and cannabis education for youth.

The session also included information about how schools and community groups can prevent access to cannabis.

The changes society can expect from the legalization of marijuana was another panel that featured O’Malley along with Susan Fanelli, Assistant Director, California Department of Public Health and attorneys specializing in Cannabis law, Chris Halor and Robert Reich.

Judy Appel, Drug Policy Alliance, Dr. Dale Gieringer State Coordinator California NORMAL, Ralph Cantore, Educator, Jennifer Ellis, Prevention Specialist served in an afternoon session on (CEYAA), Cannabis Education Youth & Adult Awareness.
Elsa Casanova, a Prevention Specialist and Project Manager for Ashland Cherryland Together said that her organization is working closely with Supervisor Nate Miley to develop a campaign targeting youth.

“We focus on environmental strategies to prevent the use of cannabis by youth,” she said.

Casanova also shared that the campaign’s development will be patterned similar to the state campaign called “Let’s Talk About Cannabis.” Youth and educators will also be involved in the process.

Handouts were also provided detailing how to obtain a temporary license application, the breakdown of licensing authorities and frequently asked questions regarding medicinal and adult use cannabis cultivation licensing.

The handouts also explained that the rules and regulations for commercial cannabis activity include the cultivation, possession, manufacture, distribution, processing, storing, laboratory testing, packaging, labeling, transportation delivery, or sale of cannabis and cannabis products.

However, this does not include personal use cultivation that is done at a private residence in accordance with health and safety code sections 1136 2.1 and 1136 2.2, or by a patient or primary caregiver pursuant to health and safety code section 11362.77.

For more information, visit CalCannabis.cdfa.ca.gov

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Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

Published

3 days ago

July 5, 2026

Oakland Post

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NPRC Joins National Grand Jury Proceedings Seeking Accountability, Constitutional Restoration

Organizers state that testimony will explore historical and political developments that they believe have contributed to the expansion of corporate influence over public institutions and governmental decision-making. Participants are expected to discuss concerns regarding constitutional governance, individual liberties, property rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Photo by Billie Powers.

Special to The Post

The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) has joined Toll and Roll and a growing coalition of advocacy organizations, victims, whistleblowers, and citizen groups in support of a nationally broadcast People’s Grand Jury proceeding scheduled for July 1 and July 7.

Organizers describe the event as a public forum designed to examine allegations of government abuse, judicial misconduct, legislative failures, and the erosion of constitutional protections affecting millions of Americans.

The proceedings will feature testimony from victims, families, advocates, and organizations from across the country who contend they have experienced harm through government actions, institutional neglect, and failures of oversight.

According to organizers, the People’s Grand Jury will focus on concerns involving probate courts, guardianships, conservatorships, child welfare systems, property rights, civil liberties, and what participants view as a growing disconnect between government institutions and the constitutional rights of the people they are sworn to serve.

NPRC is participating because many of the issues being examined mirror the concerns raised by advocates, victims, and families who have participated in its monthly town halls. For years, families have reported cases involving exploitation of elders, questionable guardianships, estate depletion, denial of due process, and a lack of meaningful oversight within probate court systems.

“This proceeding gives victims and advocates an opportunity to place their experiences on the public record,” said Tanya Dennis, lead facilitator of NPRC. “For too long, families have struggled to have their voices heard regarding elder abuse, probate exploitation, and government inaction. This forum allows those stories to be shared before a national audience.”

In keeping with principles of transparency and fairness, invitations have been extended to legislators, members of the judiciary, law enforcement representatives, and other public officials who may wish to respond to concerns raised during the proceedings or defend actions taken by their respective institutions.

One of the primary outcomes sought by organizers is public consideration and support for the People’s Remedy and Restoration Act, a proposed legislative framework that advocates believe would strengthen oversight, increase accountability, provide remedies for victims of governmental abuse, and restore constitutional protections.

The proceedings are expected to be broadcast nationally, providing citizens throughout the United States an opportunity to observe testimony, review evidence presented, and participate in an ongoing conversation regarding government accountability and the protection of individual rights.

Advocates hope the hearings will encourage meaningful dialogue, legislative reform, and renewed public engagement in the democratic process.

Individuals, organizations, public officials, and members of the media interested in attending or obtaining access information may contact the organizers at tollandroll2025@gmail.com.

As Americans continue to debate the future of constitutional governance, judicial accountability, and the protection of vulnerable citizens, the July proceedings are expected to serve as a significant forum for public testimony and civic engagement. For more information, go to https://tollandroll.com