Calif. Pot Bill Sparks Row Over Weed

But activists say legalization would only add to state's problems
By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 14, 2009 4:29 PM CDT
Calif. Pot Bill Sparks Row Over Weed
Democratic state assemblyman Tom Ammiano if California introduced legislation last month that would legalize pot and allow the state to regulate and tax its sale.   (Getty Images)

With California’s economy going to pot, one state assemblyman says the state should legalize and tax marijuana—but anti-drug advocates aren't buying it, Time reports. Proposed legislation would raise about $1.3 billion annually, but "We have enough problems with alcohol and abuse of pharmaceutical products," said one lobbyist. "Do we really need to add another mind-altering substance to the array?"

Washington is signaling a softer stance on the use of medicinal pot and even the prosecution of offenders. Opponents contend decriminalizing pot would increase its availability, but a retired judge countered, “We couldn't make this drug any more available if we tried.” One lawmaker said the Golden State could become a model for others: “How California goes, the country goes.”
(More marijuana stories.)

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