Well, we like to keep everyone up to date!  Here's the latest buzz around Oaksterdam.  It's the radio ad playing on 107.7 THE BONE.

Click here to download the short audio piece...OaksterdamUniv.mp3 ...I know, I know, the ad does talk about the 4/20 event which has passed, but if you missed hearing it on the radio, you're probably glad to be able to hear it now!  Have you heard about the new movie called Super High Me?  It's listed on the home page.

Justin Berton, Chronicle Staff Writer

Monday, April 21, 2008

It's time... Come on down to the Bulldog Coffeeshop.  This Sunday, 11a-5p at 1739 Broadway, the Bulldog Coffeeshop, join us for the festivities, events, and prizes.  Please see the news post below with more details.

4/20/08 IS HERE!

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

....going to the Bulldog Coffeeshop, of course!!!

More details in the 420 party post below...  A producer will be looking to speak with students of Oaksterdam University, for the possibility of being cast in a reality TV series with cannabis as it's focus.  Come find out more.

If you haven't heard of Measure Z, it's time to get in the know.  Please read the downloadable meeting agenda packet in a post below and please come to this meeting:

4/17/08 @ 6:00pm

Oakland City Hall (14th and Broadway, in downtown Oakland, CA)

City Council Chambers

1 Frank Ogawa Plaza

Oakland, CA

AFTERPARTY:  Join us after the meeting for discussion, refreshments, and party favors at the Bulldog Coffeeshop (1739 Broadway Ave, Oakland, CA).

Wow!  This video is amazing.  The first good piece of news and art put together by any group about Oaksterdam University. Wow!

Sam Whiting

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Legitimacy of Pot Tax Revenue Remains Hazy

by Richard Gonzales

All Things Considered, April 3, 2008 · California's potential $16 billion budget shortfall has led state officials to an unusual source for tax revenue -- medical marijuana storefronts. In a state where it's legal to buy prescription pot, those shops generate millions of dollars each year. But there's just one problem -- buying and selling marijuana is still a federal crime.

Richard Lee, owner of a coffee shop and marijuana dispensary in Oakland, says he's proud of the more than $200,000 a year he pays in sales tax. His store sells marijuana buds in one-eighth ounce bags.

"We have one medium grade on our menu, that's $30 an eighth plus tax," Lee says. "And three high grades, that's $40 an eighth plus tax, so it comes to $44 with tax, sales tax included."

Medical marijuana advocates estimate that the aggregate annual sales tax revenue that's paid by the approximately 400 dispensaries in California is $100 million. Kris Hermes, a spokesman for Americans for Safe Access, says the state actually makes it easy for pot venders to do business without revealing their product by issuing generic "sellers permits."

"This goes a few steps forward in legitimizing medical marijuana at the state level," he says. "And you would expect that the state would like to protect that revenue source."

California's Board of Equalization, the agency that collects sales taxes, wants to protect that revenue stream.

"We view medical marijuana dispensaries as law-abiding businesses," board member Betty Yee says. "Many of them have complied with state tax laws. And when there's aggressive federal action to shut these businesses down, it's awfully difficult for a state tax agency like the Board of Equalization to work to ensure compliance with state tax laws."