Taxing pot could become a political toking point

[babylonsister]

Taxing pot could become a political toking point

An Assemblyman from San Francisco argues that it's time to tax and regulate the state's biggest cash crop in the same manner as alcohol. Opponents say it would create new costs for society.
By Eric Bailey
February 24, 2009

snip//

Ammiano's measure, AB 390, would essentially replicate the regulatory structure used for beer, wine and hard liquor, with taxed sales barred to anyone under 21.

He said it would actually boost public safety, keeping law enforcement focused on more serious crimes while keeping marijuana away from teenagers who can readily purchase black-market pot from peers.

The natural world would benefit, too, from the uprooting of environmentally destructive backcountry pot plantations that denude fragile ecosystems, Ammiano said.

But the biggest boon might be to the bottom line. By some estimates, California's pot crop is a $14-billion industry, putting it above vegetables ($5.7 billion) and grapes ($2.6 billion). If so, that could mean upward of $1 billion in tax revenue for the state each year.

"Having just closed a $42-billion budget deficit, generating new revenue is crucial to the state's long-term fiscal health," said Betty Yee, the state Board of Equalization chairwoman who appeared with Ammiano at a San Francisco news conference.

Also in support of opening debate on the issue are San Francisco Sheriff Mike Hennessey and retired Orange County Superior Court Judge James Gray, a longtime legalization proponent.

"I'm a martini guy myself," Ammiano said. "But I think it's time for California to . . . look at this in a truly deliberative fashion."

more...

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-pottax24-2009feb24,0,7534269.story

[tekisui]

1. I hope this is successful and it is credited as saving CA's economy.

And, then spread nationwide.

[lunatica]

6. commercial uses of hemp create jobs and save the planet

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. I think we all knew it would come down to money in the end.

[tavalon]

4. And this is the exploitable moment,

just like scaling back the unworkable drug war. Actually, the drug war is being played by our side on both sides, so it's actually been very lucrative to some and they will likely fight.

[nebenaube]

3. this 'costs' to society nonsense is bullshit...

Like prohibition hasn't destroyed families, made our science a joke and cost us our IV & V amendment rights while greasing the path to a fascist police state.

[MichellesBFF]

5. I can't wait to see this crop

At the Farmer's Market!