PACK A BOWL TO EASE CALIFORNIA'S ECONOMIC WOES

S.F. Assemblyman Proposes Measure To Legalize Marijuana

"Toke out to bail out" is the California congress' new economic
stimulus plan. It is a measure to legalize, regulate and tax
marijuana waits, and is waiting to be approved. San Francisco's
Assemblyman Tom Ammiano proposed measure AB 390 last Monday to
legalize and tax marijuana.

This proposal will make marijuana, like alcohol, regulated to prevent
the purchase of it by anyone under 21, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The Los Angeles Times states that Ammiano's main argument for the
legislation is that it would bring about a billion dollars a year in
tax revenue, helping the state close its unprecedented budget deficit.

But will this bill ever become a reality for Californians?

Honestly, I don't think it will pass," Dixie Koo, a political science
professor at Cal State Fullerton, specializing in drug legislation,
said. "California isn't progressive enough to take this big of a step."

Marijuana is a Schedule I drug, according to Koo. Schedule I is a
category created by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Schedule I drugs
hold the greatest potential for abuse and inability for medical
use. In this system, marijuana is on the same level as heroin, Koo said.

Because the DEA and federal government have this view of marijuana,
it is unlikely it will be legalized at the state level, even with the
economic pressure being as heavy as it is, Koo said.

Politically the measure hits many barriers.

Lieutenant Don Launders of the CSUF Police Department said it is up
to the people and the people's representatives.

He admits it would create more responsibilities for police departments.

Just like any other controlled substance, there will be some that
abuse it," Launders said.

The police are involved when people abuse other legal substances,
such as overdoses and driving under the influence.

The measure itself seemed to come out of nowhere. "A stab in the
dark," Koo said. "It is a bold move and a creative way to raise funds."

Taxing the people, especially with unemployment rates where they are,
cannot be the solution to close the budget deficit, Koo said.

Koo said that while this measure may not go further than the house,
it shows that political minds are looking for new ways to raise
revenue for the state, and are thinking outside the box to generate funds.

Even though this legislation promises so much, Koo said the majority
of people are not ready for legislation of this degree. However, the
younger generation seems more than willing.

I've never even done it (marijuana) before," Jeanette Cho, a
22-year-old kinesiology major, said. "But I think it should (be
legalized) because so many people are being convicted of drug
possession, and it could reduce tax payers' dollars."