CO ALLOWS FOOD STAMPS at POT SHOPS

[ChunkyMonkey]

http://www.chieftain.com/news/breaki...tance-colorado

Use of public assistance cards OK at pot shops



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BY KRISTEN WYATT ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: January 15, 2014; Last modified: January 16, 2014 02:30PM
DENVER — Saying some neighborhoods have more pot shops than banks, Colorado Democrats on Wednesday rejected a proposal to ban the use of public assistance cards to obtain cash at marijuana-shop ATMs.








The Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee voted 3-2 along party lines against a GOP proposal to add marijuana shops to the list of places where recipients of public assistance can’t use their government-issued EBT cards to access cash.
The list already includes casinos, liquor stores and gun shops.
Sen. Vicki Marble, R-Fort Collins, said Colorado’s new legal pot industry needs to make sure not to invite federal scrutiny through improper cash withdrawals at recreational or medical marijuana stores.
“Already we are operating an industry which is not allowed under federal law,” said Marble, one of the chief lawmakers involved with Colorado’s marijuana regulation bills.
If federal authorities notice public benefit card use at marijuana shops, “I have a feeling we’re going to see trouble we’re not ready to deal with,” she said.
Democrats on the committee said some neighborhoods have few ATMs, and the Legislature should address those banking deserts before piling on places where public assistance cards can’t be used.
“I’m not comfortable limiting that access until I’m certain we’ve done that due diligence to make sure people can access their benefits when they need to,” Sen. Irene Aguilar, D-Denver, said.
The bill would also have added strip clubs to the list of off-limits ATMs, something already banned under federal law.
The marijuana industry argued for the ban, saying it could help prevent rumors about people using disability benefits or spending Social Security checks on marijuana.
Jason Warf of the Colorado Springs Medical Cannabis Council argued that Colorado should take any steps possible to head off federal interference in the marijuana businesses.
“That’s not something that anybody in the cannabis industry would welcome, obviously,” Warf said.
On the other side, activists speaking on behalf of people using public assistance cards said the limits aren’t needed.
“We see this legislation as unnecessary regulation that could prevent access to benefits needed by low-income Coloradans,” said Terry Scanlon of the Colorado Center on Law & Policy.
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- See more at: http://www.chieftain.com/news/breaki....p5mjFvnz.dpuf

Why stop here.. EBT should be allowed for alcohol, cigarette, hookers etc.

[blacklabel]

I thought sales were cash only right now?

[ChunkyMonkey]

I thought sales were cash only right now?

Ok, it's a bit of spin. The article details the ATM part.

[Sharpienads]

I wish I could say "unbelievable". But I can't.

[BPTactical]

If this ain't one of those "Whadafukkkk" moments, nothing is.

[jhood001]

It is more than a little spin. In fact, I can't fault these Dems for voting against this.

We currently exempt these EBT people from accessing an ATM from what? Casinos and strip clubs? Nothing stops people from getting cash from an ATM at one location and spending it somewhere else.

If we're going to freely give CASH to people that is 'meant' to be used for food and other necessities, then I agree that they should be able to withdraw that cash from any machine that spits out money. Casino, strip club, or pot shop.

The real issue at hand is that we give people cash in the first place. Our old system of stamps worked just fine. Returning to a system where assistance can only be spent on assistance should be the focus of any sane individual.

Of course the Dem's are going to defend their bread and circus programs. But that has nothing to do with pot shops.

[rbeau30]

Why can CASH be withdrawn from EBT cards anyway?!?!?!?!?

[blacklabel]

Why can CASH be withdrawn from EBT cards anyway?!?!?!?!?

So that beneficiaries are able to freely enter the market place. Ya know like at strip clubs and stuff.

[Scanker19]

Why can CASH be withdrawn from EBT cards anyway?!?!?!?!?

EBT isn't just foodstamps. If you get welfare and foodstamps, you have two accounts on one card. Think savings and checking on the same debit card. So youcan withdrawal cash off the welfare side, just not off the food stamp side.

[Aloha_Shooter]

The real issue at hand is that we give people cash in the first place. Our old system of stamps worked just fine. Returning to a system where assistance can only be spent on assistance should be the focus of any sane individual.

But, but, but ... you're going to make them feel bad! They're going to stand out and be embarrassed by having to use those stamps instead of a card like everyone else. And why shouldn't they be able to save up and splurge a little on that steak lobster bottle of wine marijuana like everyone else?