That's a real bummer I have to say, and in friggin Cali. Aren't they supposed to go with state level regulations for the whole territory? How is it gonna look if you legalize it in November?
The way it looks right now, there are statewide regulations that go into place in 2017. The way it is written at the state level, municipalities and counties can enact their own "regulations" prior to March 1st, 2016, which will be honored by the State.
Our county is full of right-wing, drug addicted imbeciles. They believe "regulation" and "prohibition" are synonymous. While the possession and consumption of medical cannabis is still legal, the city and county currently have the power to "regulate" cultivation and sales. Several cities have opted for total bans on cultivation, delivery and sales of any kind. These cities are going to have to retreat and regroup when the litigation begins. They'll get their asses handed to them.
However, they still retain the right to regulate where and how much can be grown and are so damn vindictive and short-sided they'll do what they've done so many times before and come down hard on growers, only to lose in court, or in a pre-court settlement. Why? How can they be so stupid? Like I said, they are drug addicted imbeciles. (legal prescription drugs)
So, while in the medium term things look great for Cannabis, in the short term I stand to lose EVERYTHING should such a ban be enacted, even if it's only for a few months. I think that's what they're counting on...a few quick raids and strikes, asset seizure and the like....one last time before the hippies win and it becomes legalized everywhere.
At this point, I do not want to be one of those who gets arrested and then fights back. I know there are others who are itching to do this, and I'm willing to support them, but it's not a good move for me to take that position.
The police and sheriff have grown so fat and lazy on the drug war, especially the low hanging fruit that is the growing community....they also can get a ton of federal military hardware if they take a certain stance on "drugs" and I think they're also eyeing that.
Bottom line: in the short term, they can seize assets and please the Fox News crowd. In the medium term, they can angle to get commercial licenses for their friends and relatives. In the long term Cannabis will become legal.
But they don't want a bunch of people growing it themselves! They'd rather grow it and profit, hence the current trend.
It doesn't make a lot of sense, looking at the big picture. But our local government has a long history of being absolutely, stunningly stupid!