LOCALS PRAISE POT LEGALIZATION PROPOSAL

Legislator Wants To Legalize Marijuana To Generate Tax Revenue.

A state legislator wants to make marijuana legal and charge consumers
taxes for it, similar to what is now done with alcohol.

This move has sparked praise from marijuana advocates who for years
have sought to ease restrictions, and wariness from law enforcement.

"It's a long time coming," said Kandice Hawes with the Orange County
chapter of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of
Marijuana Laws. "Maybe the circumstances are just right now, that
this might happen."

Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, introduced the bill this
week. If it becomes law, the bill would make it legal for marijuana
to be sold to adults 21 and over, and affirms that it would be
illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana.

The bill also would tax marijuana by $50 per ounce. Analysis by the
state's Board of Equalization shows that could raise nearly $1.3
billion a year in tax revenue, according to Ammiano's office, though
the study also notes the marijuana taxes could come at the expense of
taxes that would otherwise be generated by alcohol and cigarette consumption.

"This legislation would generate much needed revenue for the state
.. and improve public safety by redirecting law enforcement efforts
to more serious crimes", Ammiano said.

Hawes said of the $50 an ounce tax: "People would think that's
reasonable if they won't face prosecution."

"Ammiano is to be applauded in addressing this critical issue
honestly and directly," retired Orange County Superior Court Judge
James P. Gray said in a statement announcing the proposal.

Modesto Police Chief Roy W. Wasden eyes the proposal more critically.

"It seems sort of a crazy way to solve the budget crisis," he said.
Wasden is a vice president of the California Police Chiefs
Association and has helped state Attorney General Jerry Brown write
guidelines for law enforcement on how to handle medicinal marijuana issues.

Even if approved, Wasden said, Ammiano's legislation would bump heads
with federal law, which currently bans any use of marijuana.

"As peace officers, we've sworn to uphold the Constitution and all
laws," Wasden said.

In addition, the chief doubted the new tax revenue would offset the
cost of problems caused by more widespread marijuana use.

"Any study you look at says the cost of alcohol (consumption) is a
lot more than what you raise in taxes," Wasden said. From fights to
car wrecks, he added, "We have plenty of issues in law enforcement
related to alcohol ... marijuana would be similar."

Ammiano spokesman Quintin Mecke acknowledged the conflict with federal law.

But, he said, "We're hoping this will be the beginning of a rational
conversation about the regulation of marijuana."