Can Marijuana Save California From Economic Hardship

Marijuana has been becoming more and more socially acceptable through the ages. Today more than 45% of American adults are open to legalizing pot, which is nearly double the support that this issue had a decade ago.
As we progressed through the still early stages of the 21st century arguments for the legalization of marijuana have been increasing.

• Marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco

• Marijuana has medical uses

• The money spent of prosecuting marijuana crimes could be put towards better things.

• Marijuana can become a lucrative industry and provide government with revenue.

Thirteen US states already permit the limited sale of marijuana for medical uses, and polls show an increasing numbers of Americans supporting the legalization of marijuana. Even with the medical uses, the Feds still refer to marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, meaning there is no accepted medical use in the United States.

Luckily for marijuana advocates, they have been given a very strong and convincing reason for the legalization for pot: the recession. California has the highest estimated state debt of more than 26 billion and largest supply of domestically grown marijuana (worth an estimated $14 billion a year). Advocates argue that pot can save states in dire economic need like California.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California legislative leaders proposed a tentative budget agreement to help erase some of the California’s debt, but it would involve making cuts in education and health services, and taking billions from county governments.

Tom Ammiano, Democratic state assemblyman has introduced legislation that would let the state of California regulate and tax the sale of marijuana. The legislations propose $50 an ounce pot tax would bring in about $1.3 billion a year in additional revenue. Ammiano”s bill was turned down this session though he does plan to introduce a restructured bill early next year.

This decision may not come down to the state government in the end, as voters may have to decide. A group called TaxCannabis2010.org is preparing to place marijuana legalization on a November 2010 ballot that would regulate and tax the sale of marijuana for Californians 21 years or older. The group hopes to get the 650,000 voter signatures by January to place the measure on the November 2010 ballot.

With 56% of registered Californians supporting the legalization of marijuana it will be interesting to see how these advocate groups and the government collectively make a decision. Pot or no pot, the state of California is going through an extremely troubled economic situation and drastic measures may have to taken in order for California to erase its debt.

What do you think about the legalization of marijuana in California? Please leave a comment below.