Can Marijuana Help Rescue California's Economy?
 

Could marijuana be the answer to the economic misery facing California? Democratic State Assembly member Tom Ammiano thinks so. Ammiano introduced legislation last month that would legalize pot and allow the state to regulate and tax its sale - a move that could mean billions for the cash-strapped state. Pot is, after all, California's biggest cash crop, responsible for $14 billion in annual sales, dwarfing the state's second largest agricultural commodity - milk and cream - which brings in $7.3 billion annually, according to the most recent USDA statistics. The state's tax collectors estimate the bill would bring in about $1.3 billion in much-needed revenue a year, offsetting some of the billions in service cuts and spending reductions outlined in the recently approved state budget.


"The state of California is in a very, very precipitous economic plight. It's in the toilet," says Ammiano. "It looks very, very bleak, with layoffs and foreclosures and schools closing or trying to operate four days a week. We have one of the highest rates of unemployment we've ever had. With any revenue ideas people say you have to think outside of the box, you have to be creative, and I feel that the issue of the decriminalization, regulation and taxation of marijuana fits that bill. It's not new, the idea has been around, and the political will may in fact be there to make something happen."

For full article;

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/2009031...08599188495600

It's really only a matter of time at this point. Makes sense to me.

Would be nice if NY followed.

Not gonna happen anytime soon. You can take that to the bank.

marijuana was decrimmed ijn ccali the year i was born, 1976, in that time it has tremendously helped California, not sure on the figure but its in the BILLIONS that the state has saved not jailing people for joints.

Even In New orleans 60% of all arrests are drug related, the amount of funds spent on arreesting pot smokers is enough to reduce state cost.

whats not gonna happen?

california is already taxing marijuana, so youre wrong lol

medical marijuana and that barely passed, keep dreaming pothead.

It will surely help in terms of sales tax income on merchandise like

1. Snickers
2. Pork rinds
3. Hot pockets

ROFL! :1orglaugh

What kind of Republican are you? You're supposed to be against government meddling in people's affairs, and arresting people for smoking pot (which I don't personally approve of but is less destructive than alcohol consumption) sounds like the government meddling to me :winkwink:

Who the fuck said I was Republican?

the good thing is gfy trolls cant really stop what is bound to happen
when judges write books on why pot should be legal, you know things are going to change, more and more judges disagree with pot laws. I would take a judges opinion over some gfy troll

Hope.

Hey it worked for Obama, it might work for you stoner.

few people who call themselves republican have any idea about the princicples of the party they profess their allegiance to. libertarians are more true to wanting smaller government, and freedom of citizens.

it will make everyone sleepy.

As a member of SAN and ardent activist i say dont just smoke., donate if you want to help.

http://www.safeaccessnow.org

We've sued the FDA and continue to stand with doctors and push for patient rights, stand with us

smoke that shit!

edited because it is obvious some people will never get it