Posted on 02/23/2009 10:50:40 AM PST by SmithL
California may be going to pot - literally.
Marijuana would be grown and sold openly to adults 21 and older under legislation introduced this morning by a San Francisco lawmaker.
Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, said the cash-starved state could generate more than a billion dollars by taxing pot growers and sellers.
Ammiano predicted that the public would support loosening marijuana laws that require substantial public funds to enforce.
"I think there's a mentality throughout the state and the country that this isn't the highest priority," he said. "And that maybe we should start to reassess."
Before California could legalize marijuana, however, it also might have to persuade the federal government to alter its prohibition on cannabis.
Ammiano said federal officials may be receptive to such changes under the administration of President Barack Obama.
"We may be on a parallel track here," said Ammiano, a freshman legislator who was sworn into office less than three months ago.
The Drug Policy Alliance, an advocate of loosening pot laws, applauded Ammiano's proposal.
"Marijuana already plays a huge role in the California economy," said Stephen Gutwillig, the group's California state director. "It's a revenue opportunity we literally can't afford to ignore any longer."
Ammiano's bill, Assembly Bill 390, would allow marijuana to be sold openly - like alcohol - in retail outlets statewide.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
While I agree 100% with what you said, I’m afraid the response will some up exactly why the Reefer Madness types prefer to maintain the status quo regarding Marijuana.
They simply don’t see a difference between the pot smoker and the axe murderer/child molester/rapist.
I hope like hell I’m wrong about that, but I fear that I’m not.
Please explain just how the hell you tax something that anyone can grow in a tiny garden plot or flower box?
Fine, make it legal, but don't try to blow smoke up everyones a$$ by saying that you could tax something that easy to grow at home.
In 1932 one could have asked "Are people seriously going to be buying government taxed alcohol" Who even thinks about it now?
I'll call your bluff. Produce your source for that assertion.
[crickets]
The same way they tax tobacco that anyone can grow in a tiny garden plot or flower box.
new California State Motto:
“Dave’s not here man...”
seems like a no brainer. I was wonder how long it would take.
We have real criminals getting getting out of prison early and we worry about stupid drug pushers? I don’t get it.
Please! Yes, there will be people who will grow it on their own, and not pay taxes on it.
That’s just the way it is.
However, when was the last time you made Beer or Wine at home?
Those are taxed, aren’t they?
But face reality, if it’s legal, and you can buy it at a Liquor store, which approach are you gonna use?
Are you gonna “make your own”, including the planning, preparation, time to completion, etc, OR are you gonna just go and buy it, taxes included, without all the hassle?
Sure, some will, but those will be the exception, and not the rule.
Good. Pot shouldn’t be illegal.
“The same way they tax tobacco that anyone can grow in a tiny garden plot or flower box.”
Huh? There is no tax on tobacco grown for personal use.
“Libertarians” cheering on a government plan to tax a plant to save its own sorry hide.
The word has no meaning anymore.
There will be starting April 1.
The equipment and technology to make beer is readily available, the process is relatively straightforward, and costs pennies to the bottle.
Most people buy their beer at the liquor store/grocery store (depending on your state). It’s called convenience.
If government produced and taxed reefer was reasonably priced for the consumer, I believe most would purchase their stash from the govt, as growing is not just as easy as planting and smoking.
If it were legal, the risk factor would fall out of the price. Corporations would swoop in and grow it on the cheap. The price would drop like a rock and the gangs would be out of the pot business.
People could not grow the quality they would be able to buy more cheaply.
And, I would buy some. Its been 25 years since I smoked pot. I do believe in the rule of law. But I used to like it a lot more than drinking.
So, how much can I get for ten bucks?
Pesky old facts.
Boy, you do have a long term memory; I knew a Dave or two, myself back then.
The United States from 1787-1937. It was only after the marijuana tax and the New Deal that we were rescued from the Dark Ages.
Those are taxed, aren’t they?”
Gee, which is harder, brewing beer or sticking a freaking seed in the ground?
Just don't say it will bring in any tax money, it wont!
How much of our Tax Dollars go into keeping it illegal?
Including, enforcement, incarceration, rehabilitation, etc.
Just asking
And the cheap California pot would flow into other states.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.