Today, California state Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) introduced Assembly Bill 390, titled "The Marijuana Control Regulation and Education Act".
The bill's language is not yet available on the Assembly's bill retrieval system, but according to reporters who were at the press conference, the bill enables the state to tax and regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol.
Legislation like this is long overdue. (See my recent drug policy piece for more extensive reasoning.)
Yes, there are federal issues to contend with, but I remain optimistic about bills such as HR 5843 - co-sponsored by Representatives Barney Frank and Ron Paul - which would decriminalize adult personal possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Eventually either common sense, new leadership, reality or some combination of the three are going to constrain the Feds' ability - and desire - to meddle in the personal lives of responsible adults, and these bills are all steps (however small) in the right direction.
Bills like this make our streets safer by reducing the money, power, and influence of the illegal drug trade.
They also help restore basic civil rights for responsible marijuana users.
And finally, they could help states raise significant revenue to help support the essential public services that are so gravely threatened in these bleak economic times.
California residents interested in expressing support for the bill may do so here.
Pot should be treated as alcohol, regulated, taxed, and legal for those of legal age. The idea that pumping law enforcement dollars into this "war" will work is ludicrous. All it has done is to enrich drug cartels, just like Prohibition made the mob super-rich.
When Prohibition was reversed, a lot of people who were making out like bandits had to find other 'work'. Our own 'royalty', the Kennedy's, made their fortune with bootleg booze. So maybe if we get rid of the stupid pot laws, some of those making fortunes today will have to go out and find other jobs...maybe in politics.
It's a perfect fit...cause these folks are definitely smoking something.
As a resident of one of California's major pot-growing counties, I want it legalized and regulated to cut down on crime and make it safe to walk in our national forests.
I also have always felt pot should be bonded, taxed and controlled like alcohol.
THINK OF THE BUDGET!!!!!!!!