and another article that quotes me:
Read the Full Article here
One collective owner tipped off the Oakland-based East Bay Express to the intimidating letters, according to an article last month.
Haag threatened the landlord with property forfeiture, 40 years in prison, and asset seizure, among other penalties, the article states.
San Jose, for one, finds itself in a sticky position when it comes to endorsing Haags efforts, as the city now collects more than $3 million a year in tax revenue while consistently experiencing budget shortfalls. Liccardos office says a public meeting is scheduled for May 21, when the city will discuss raising the cannabis sales tax to 10 percent. On June 4, the City Council could consider passing the new rate.
Dave Hodges, founder of the San Jose Cannabis Buyers Collective, says the local marijuana business tax is pointless until the city recognizes its dispensaries as legally legitimately zoned businesses. Hes not opposed to paying taxes, he says, but he will sue the city over the legality of the current tax until the city comes up with a legit zoning category for local pot clubs.
We are opposed to paying a tax when doing so is illegal under San Jose law, he wrote to the city on Monday. If the city implemented a registration or permit process legally allowing cannabis clubs, we would be more than willing to pay the current tax and drop our lawsuit.