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Pol's 'Toke Tax' Not Just Blowing Smoke

Time to tax big business clearly here to stay, says California lawmaker

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 3, 2009 3:58 AM CST

(Newser) – What is San Francisco State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano smoking? He's not backing off his proposed legislation to legalize state pot—and charging a $1-a-joint tax to beef up California's depleted coffers. It's not such a stoner idea, insists the politician, who also works as a stand-up comedian (no, this is not one of his routines). The $14 billion industry is no longer "hippy-dippy" dabbling but big business here to stay, he explains to Salon.

"There's gold in them thar hills" both in taxes and money the state could save on law enforcement and prison costs if the ubiquitous weed is legalized for Californian age 21 and over, said Ammiano, who emphasizes that driving under the influence would remain illegal. Asked if he has ever indulged, Ammiano conceded: " I've certainly experimented. But I'm more of a martini guy."

Bud (©jasonawhite)

Imbiber from the past in Amsterdam's Hash, Marihuana and Hemp Museum. (©Jeremy Burgin)

Smokin' a fatty. (©holisticmonkey)

State Assemlbyman Tom Ammiano has proposed a bill legalizing and taxing California's $14 billion pot industry. (©Torben H.)

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Pol's 'Toke Tax' Not Just Blowing Smoke

Time to tax big business clearly here to stay, says California lawmaker

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Calif. Legislator Wants to Tax, Legalize Pot

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

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Physicians want pot brought into the light

Feds Take Aim at Medical Marijuana Ads

Newspapers, radio stations could face Justice Department's wrath

3 Seniors Accidentally Eat Pot Brownies ... at Funeral

Trio heads to hospital after dose of 'medical marijuana' at memorial

Feds to California Pot Shops: Shut or Be Shut Down

At least 16 received letters this week threatening just that

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Pol's 'Toke Tax' Not Just Blowing Smoke

Time to tax big business clearly here to stay, says California lawmaker

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

California • medical marijuana • marijuana • sales tax • Tom Ammiano • Bill Maher Grid

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Calif. Legislator Wants to Tax, Legalize Pot

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

Calif. Medical Association Backs Legalizing Pot

Physicians want pot brought into the light

Feds Take Aim at Medical Marijuana Ads

Newspapers, radio stations could face Justice Department's wrath

3 Seniors Accidentally Eat Pot Brownies ... at Funeral

Trio heads to hospital after dose of 'medical marijuana' at memorial

Feds to California Pot Shops: Shut or Be Shut Down

At least 16 received letters this week threatening just that

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?