|
New police chief supports Measure Z |
|
|
|
|
Written by Richard Lee
|
The Oakland Cannabis Regulation and Revenue Ordinance Oversight Committee heard from police Chief Wayne Tucker at their April 20 meeting. The Chief answered questions about cannabis arrest statistics and Measure Z implementation issues.
Measure Z was the 2004 voter mandate that made private adult cannabis sales, cultivation and use the city law enforcement’s lowest priority and put the city on record in favor of taxing and regulating cannabis as soon as possible under state law.
Data show, however, that the Oakland Coliseum is not a friendly place for cannabis consumers while alcohol, a more dangerous recreational drug, is sold and heavily used there.
{quotes}The Chief said that he saw taxing and regulating cannabis as workable{/quotes}, and agreed with the committee that a change in state law was urgently needed.
Lt. Peter Sarna said that the OPD had already made cannabis offences the lowest priority before Measure Z became law because of limited resources and more serious crime problems.
At its May meeting the committee voted to issue a report on the meaning of “private” as it applies to cannabis sales, cultivation, and use in the regulation and revenue ordinance. Vice Chair James Anthony suggested using alcohol laws as a model, noting the difference between public and private alcohol use and sales.
A subcommittee will draft a report for the June 15 meeting. The Oversight Committee meets the third Thursday every month at 6 pm in Oakland City Hall.
|
Volume Two 
