Forget the Bailout -- California Says Let's Legalize Pot
Analysts in California say their state could raise $1.3 billion per year in additional revenues by legailizing marijuana. It's been a hotly debated issue for many years now, and like Elizabeth, I'm curious about what you think. Is it time to end "prohibition of marijuana?"
Buy some pot, fix the state budget deficit, say lawmakers in California. Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, a democrat from San Francisco, introduced Monday Assembly Bill 390. The bill would allow the sale of marijuana to anyone 21 and over and tax those sales, generating much needed revenue for the state of California's coffers.
Of course, medical use of marijuana is already allowed in California, even though our federal law prohibits it. The same thing would happen if AB 390 passed. California would need to petition the federal government for a policy change. But President Obama has said in the past that he is in favor of decriminalization of marijuana, so maybe changing federal policy wouldn't be as hard as some predict.
The proposed law prohibts smoking pot in public places, growing it in public view or promoting its use near public schools. Analyists say sales of pot could raise $1.3 billion per year. Since the fine at present for possessing less than 28.5 grams of pot is $100 ($350 with penalties), the state isn't getting rich off prosecuting offenders and collecting fines.
What do you think? Is it high time to legalize marijuana or will doing so jeopardize the very fabric of society and destroy our moral fortitude?
The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, coming June 2009.
Photo: Big Stock Photo
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