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Calif. Legislator Wants to Tax, Legalize Pot

Knows 'jokes coming,' but says his broke state could net $1B

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 24, 2009 10:36 AM CST

(Newser) – A California lawmaker thinks he has a solution for the state’s fiscal woes: Tax marijuana. Assemblyman Tom Ammiano has introduced a bill that would legalize, regulate, and tax pot, treating the drug like alcohol or tobacco, the Los Angeles Times reports. “I know the jokes are going to be coming,” Ammiano says, “but this is not a frivolous issue.”

By some estimates, California’s pot industry rakes in $14 billion each year, which would make it by far the state’s biggest cash crop. If that’s accurate, the state—struggling to close a $42 billion deficit—could make upward of $1 billion in taxes. But opponents say it “would create a whole new set of costs for society,” making pot easier to obtain and increasing incidences of driving under the influence.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Some believe marijuana is California's biggest cash crop. (Shutterstock)

Marijuana may be California's biggest cash crop. (Shutterstock)

Marijuana plants being grown are seen in a house in this file photo. (AP Photo)

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I'm a martini guy myself. But I think it's time for California to look at this in a truly deliberative fashion. - Tom Ammiano, the California assemblyman proposing legalizing,
and taxing, marijuana

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 16 comments

Guest

Jun 11, 2009 12:33 AM CDT

I don't find myself impaired smoking pot. a little distracted maybe. Cause i have so many new ideas and things i want to get done. Now booze that's bad.

Guest

Feb 28, 2009 2:03 AM CST

smoke on!

scottaco

Feb 27, 2009 10:36 PM CST

Most of those that would smoke it, do already. There may be an increase of those that were afraid to try it, but I doubt we'd see pandemonium in the streets. Even if legalizing for the use in manufacturing would be a huge boon to any economy.

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Calif. Legislator Wants to Tax, Legalize Pot