Kalistani Major History

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Marijuana Growers Union ramps up productionODEN's Readoption expected to Revitalize Industry
Dahriel, Ananto
March 30, 4691


Sweetleaf Plantation in Dahriel expected to sell more than 1 ton of marijuana following ODEN's return

The Marijuana Industry in Kalistan which has lagged for decades following the abolition of ODEN in Kalistan, is expected to make a dramatic recovery following the readoption of the treaty.  ODEN is one of Kalistan's oldest institutions, but was allowed to lapse following a commitment to redraft which was never followed through on.  As a result, marijuana and other drug sales experienced a sharp decline in revenues, and an even sharper drop in production.

This collapse of the floor in the drug market in Kalistan did not go unnoticed, however, as it allowed those who had previously worked the land to form a new co-operative, known as the Kalistani Marijuana Growers Association, which bought all the lands previously under cultivation, and preserved the productive capacity of the land.  The workers operated the land socially, and shared the profits, while independent growers were invited to buy in to the co-operative on an equal footing.  Over the decades, the Growers Association, which replaced the long defunct Growers' Union, gradually expanded their farms to ODEN levels, and maintained the high standards of Kalistani marijuana which had been held to under ODEN.  Ten years ago, the MGA worked with the re-established Socialist Party of Kalistan to launch the push for ODEN, which now finally appears to be about to become a Reality.

Sister Rebecca Bennots, of the SP has been an ardent public supporter of the Growers' Association's aims to re-establish ODEN.  Said the Speaker, "The Marijuana Growers Associations in our Districts have continued many of the best traditions of Kalistan.  They have maintained a commitment to equality in their membership, and promoted work at a decent wage for all those who want work and can't find it elsewhere in the Republic.  They have also established a high standard of quality for their product which, even without ODEN, serves as the world standard.  As more and more countries begin adopting a more permissive stance toward drug consumption, the Growers' Association will be at the forefront in expanding our drug industry and returning Kalistan to its rightful place as the world's greatest producer of mind expanding substances.  We welcome their efforts, and are happy to work with them as we take the policy steps needed to ensure the vision of the MGA in Kalistan is realized in full."

The Marijuana Growers' Association is currently the largest 100% employee-owned syndicate in the Republic, and their members tend to provide important support for both SP and RSP elections.  In all, the Growers' Association profits allow all members to receive a generous living wage, as well as medical and dental benefits, and a very lucrative pension beginning at age 55.  Their training program is built on the model of the National Service Program, and they operate many important poor relief charities across the Republic.  The Association's President, Terrence Carrangus, says he looks forward to the re-establishment of ODEN in Kalistan.  "The guaranteed market will help us fill in the gaps that the government, which is still operated largely on liberal principles, fails to fill, especially in regard to social welfare and public service.  Our mission, at the end of the day, is as much to provide the highest quality product, as it is to perform social good, and built as we are on ethical socialism, we consider it a moral obligation to do what the state has thus far demonstrated that it is unwilling to do.  It is my obligation, as a member of society.  When ODEN returns, my job will be made that much easier."

Passage of ODEN will be initiated by October of this year, with its final adoption expected in in 4693.