Legalizing Marijuana Would Raise $1.4 Billion Says CA Tax Board

McClatchy:

California could see a nearly $1.4 billion per year increase in state revenues were it to legalize marijuana, the state Board of Equalization says in an analysis of pending legislation to to do that.

Read the whole story: McClatchy

Comments

[JohnnyKong]

The Governator will take charge:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqep14L2f7k

[juliaizen]

so, what are we waiting for? Legalizing marijuana would probably raise far more than 1.4 billion. It will also provide jobs, stop needless incarcerations, and law enforcement fighting a war that is unwinnable. Besides, why should the Mexican drug cartels be allowed to profit, and not the American people? It doesn't make any sense.

[Tuckerndfw]

I gave marijuana a try over 30 years ago.

I wouldn't waste my time or money.

To each his own.

[caseyasmith]

square.

[Tuckerndfw]

I get hungry, horny & sleepy without choking to death trying to smoke a weed.

[traveler501]

and the relevence to this discussion is??

[me4you]

thats cool just dont, just dont stop others from it. There are some who cant do alcohol, but I wouldnt want to see others not be able to make the choice for themselves.

[pumpkin]

Next time, inhale.

[imsosure]

Bring it on, just don't try stopping people from growing it too. Who cares if it's legalized or not, the government, let's see how the Feds respond to this one?

[pjburns11]

Kentucky would become one of the wealthiest states in the nation.

http://thetruthburns.wordpress.com/2009/04/04/want-new-jobs-legalize-it/

[JessWonderin]

Doubt it . . . it's represented by the STUPIDEST . .

[Adartist777]

NC too!

[loki]

Im not against legalized pot, but not just because it can turn a profit for someone. Thats using Ivy Greed Profit at all cost theory, and Im not for that. Make it legal because its not as dangerous or harmful as alcohol. Make it legal to end the illegal trade, crime, and killings. But just because you can turn a profit on it? Thats the wrong reason.

[Coltrane1234]

Exactly, there's plenty more reasons, for instance, the drug war has failed and is incredibly expensive.

[Cinnamonape]

I think that they should do two things. Decriminalize the non-commercial growing and consumption of marijuana, and tax the hell out of any commercial sale and regulate it by THC content (just as alcohol). Tobacco sales are also taxed, as is alcohol (even soda is).

The taxation is not the only benefit to the State. Those in jail for marijuana related crimes would be released (or sentences reduced) thus reducing jail/prison expenses. Future prosecutions would be reduced, clearing the court system to handle more serious crimes.

Plus it would open up a new agricultural market for those with relatively low (or specialized) skills...those that were formerly petty criminals.

[Coltrane1234]

We could turn so called criminals into specialized farmers in a heart beat.

[traveler501]

who said there was only one reason...just because one is being discussed?

[Hopeington]

But it would take it out of the peoples hands. Especially if they classify it as a drug. You can't make your own aspirin, why does anyone think we would be allowed to grown our own, and who would be able to afford it. Low income folks can't even afford roll your own tobacco because they recently doubled the price. I don't trust these guys. As a CA resident, they're just scrambling to find some $$. I say keep your hands off my pot.

[Tuckerndfw]

Marijuana is a weed that will grow almost anywhere.

The primary reason it hasn't been legalized is because the gov't cannot control it.

Tobacco cannot be as easily grown.

[Nicon]

Yah it can.

step 1. buy both a tobacco growing book.
step 2. follow the instructions.

[lcdbsez]

tucker --

Read your history -- the government has controlled marijuana since 1937, by putting a$100-an-ounce tax on it, and requiring a permit to possess/grow it . . .

Only, no permits have ever been issued -- if you want one, you're arrested . . . b/c it's illegal -- get it??? It's the perfect catch-22!!!!

If Big Pharma was given the monopoly on marketing and distribution today, packs of marijuana cigarettes would be in the 7-11's tomorrow.

[Cinnamonape]

You can brew your own beer.

[Tuckerndfw]

Easier to make wine than beer.

Fruit juice, sugar, yeast and a week later and you have fine wine!!!!

Okay, it's not fine, but it'll do the job.

[Hopeington]

Beers not classified as a drug.

[nellie]

Let's do it. The state is drowning.

[pjburns11]

Kokopelli would be all for it! Nice icon.

http://thetruthburns.wordpress.com/2009/04/04/want-new-jobs-legalize-it/

[quillsinister]

Go for it! Prohibition never works anyway. All you end up with is Al Capone in addition to all the problems you had before.

[Ruh17]

Some how i just think this number is just waaaaaay low. I mean, maybe in the first year they make that much. But as time goes on and different stuff is developed and invented pertaining to this business... the revenues would be in the hundreds of billions.

[Ruh17]

California would become the Amsterdam of this hemisphere.

[Ruh17]

and the indirect revenues... such as snacks for munchies, Businesses like bars, but for smoking,

[Z-Liberator]

I swear I would leave the Arizona to move to California is this goes thru! Make it happen already, who do I have to smoke with to make this happen?

[JakeHanson]

You're in good company. 8)

This is why legalizing pot would not only bring revenue via tax streams, but also through the extra expenditures and contributions the influx of new citizens to Cali will make. If we can do this, save our national landmarks and parks from closing, re-insure the millions of kids who are about to lose their health care, and overturn Prop 8 we'll be a cool state again,

[paulalex]

I'm not a pot, cigarette, crack or opium smoker, but if I had a choice of living in a town with people who smoked any of the above i'd choose pot any day.

[sassafra]

if i had a choice which car to encounter on the road at night coming towards me i'd prefer the car in which driver was smoking pot rather than drinking beer.

[JessWonderin]

'specially if they pull over and offered you a ride . . . .

[tb92]

Do it, already! I'm fairly certain that they are actually underestimating the number of pot smokers in California. The usage is staggering, and there's a fortune to be made.

[TheFobster]

Marijuana should be legalized, taxed, and regulated. Much like the regulation system we already have in place for alcohol. Marijuana prohibition is idiocy.

[paulbikes]

doooooo it.