by Carlhole » Tue 24 Feb 2009, 17:01:32
LA Times$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'A')n Assemblyman from San Francisco argues that it's time to tax and regulate the state's biggest cash crop in the same manner as alcohol. Opponents say it would create new costs for society.
...Buoyed by the widely held belief that cannabis is California's biggest cash crop, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano contends it is time to reap some state revenue from that harvest while putting a damper on drug use by teens, cutting police costs and even helping Mother Nature.
...Anti-drug groups are anything but amused by the idea of California collecting a windfall from the leafy herb that remains illegal under federal law....
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'B')ut the biggest boon might be to the bottom line. By some estimates, California's pot crop is a $14-billion industry, putting it above vegetables ($5.7 billion) and grapes ($2.6 billion). If so, that could mean upward of $1 billion in tax revenue for the state each year.
"Having just closed a $42-billion budget deficit, generating new revenue is crucial to the state's long-term fiscal health," said Betty Yee, the state Board of Equalization chairwoman who appeared with Ammiano at a San Francisco news conference.
Also in support of opening debate on the issue are San Francisco Sheriff Mike Hennessey and retired Orange County Superior Court Judge James Gray, a longtime legalization proponent.
I'm just wondering if there is anyone who posts regularly on these boards who thinks that marijuana should remain illegal?
Seems like during times of great stress - financial stress - such as the country is experiencing now - that big changes, such drug legalization, become more probable.