Posted on 09/27/2009 10:11:52 AM PDT by SmithL
That proposed ballot initiative to legalize marijuana in California for people 21 and older - and let local government tax the sales - has a good chance of passing.
People are no longer outraged by the idea of legalization, and truth be told, there is just too much money to be made both by the people who grow marijuana and the cities and counties that would be able to tax it.
Unlike the 1970s, when Mayor George Moscone first moved to decriminalize pot, marijuana is no longer about hippies. Thanks to medical marijuana, pot has moved from the alleyways to Main Street, with pot clubs springing up all over the state.
And let's be honest for a moment. How many of the people going into those clubs do you think are really sick? Anyone who has observed those operations knows that much of the pot is being used recreationally anyway, so we might as well have a discussion about whether to bring it out in the open.
You might think the Legislature would pick up on this, and indeed Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, has made a proposal to legalize and tax pot. But although legalizing marijuana fits both Republicans' libertarian instincts and Democrats' progressivism, they won't touch it with a 10-foot-long pack of rolling papers.
For all our weak-kneed politicians, however, I don't see any organized opposition to legal pot on the horizon. So if the pot growers put their money in the right places, they win in 2010.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
It’s easier to control people who are “high” all the time. It think the chances are “high” too.
Don’t hold your breath.
For too long, dude.
...where you going to smoke it?
California has some of the most strict anti-smoking laws in the country. And all those laws were passed to “protect the children” from second hand smoke.
Ever seen a high 13 year old? You will if this thing passes. Every High School kid with a 21 year old friend will be happily sitting around while the guy lights up.
You are taking a burning substance in to your lungs - it can’t be good for you.
The same stupid libs who are anti-tobacco are pushing for this.
California is SO F**KED.
Good, maybe they will legalize smoking tobacco too.
And why would I pay your miserable tax when I can just grow my own in my closet or on my porch?
Those morons think they will be able to tax it? Who would want to buy it from a commercial grower, when all it takes to grow it yourself is a seed and some soil?
“By this time the soma had begun to work. Eyes shone, cheeks were flushed, the inner light of universal benevolence broke out on every face in happy, friendly smiles. Even Bernard felt himself a little melted.”
— Aldous Huxley, “Brave New World”
Legalize it now! If I have to encounter a drunk or a stoner during my daily activities, I much prefer encountering a stoner.
Yep...what you said. It’s not like making whiskey....Just drop a seed or two and away you go.
Surely you aren’t naive enough to believe that high school kids aren’t sitting around getting high now.
Good, I hope this passes. The government should have no right to tell us what we can do in the privacy of our own homes.
Yes, I agree.
They could fit the deficit with the taxes on that alone.
But they won’t. They’ll spend it.
What about a drunk stoner?
If one polictical party is responsible for eventaually legalizing pot, that party will rightly get credit when crime decreases (and when freedom increases).
Republicans should not yield the moral high ground to the ‘Rats.
...there’s always the exception...now stop bogart’n that stick and pass it over...
So pot will be legal, but smoking will be illegal? Genius!
True. Who would buy it from Walgreen’s when what Wally Green sells is tax free and likely more potent.
Growing GOOD marijuana is not quite that easy. It takes at least as much effort as making a good home brew beer. Takes longer too.
Like with beer, most folk will go the pot store and pay the tax.
I’m guessing the tax on pot will be a tad higher than the tax on tomatoes.
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