Top California official ‘favors’ taxing and regulating marijuana as revenue generator
For decades, advocates of marijuana policy reform have argued that a regulated and taxed marijuana market would generate revenue for government on the local, state and federal levels. There have even been studies projecting tax revenues from marijuana sales at $6.2 billion and even $31 billion annually.
Occasionally – although far too rarely – we have even seen elected officials reference the possible revenue-generating benefits of a legal marijuana market. But today we read something that we can’t recall seeing before. A notable elected official actually cited a legal and taxed marijuana market as the best means of generating revenue for her state.
Betty Yee, chairwoman of the five-member California State Board of Equalization, made her feelings clear after a gloomy speech about the state’s current fiscal situation. Here is how the article conveyed her position:
As for new revenues, Yee is favoring Assemblyman Tom Ammiano’s marijuana legalization approach, which will likely appear in some form on the November ballot and would allow the state to regulate and tax marijuana growing to the tune of about $1.4 billion a year.
Will she be ignored or will she be joined by other elected officials finally willing to accept this most logical position? We are hoping – and advocating for – the latter.
16 comments
WooHoo! Com’on Cali lets pass the Cannibis Bill in November!
I may sound like a fortune cookie, but good things are to come just around the corner.
In this day we find ourselves at a cross roads. After years of oppression by the people placed on high we finally see our dreams at eye level. This is not something that should go with out a turn of the head. This is not something that we should be complacent with. This stand is one that we should all embrace everywhere. This stand is one FOR THE PEOPLE. Tell everyone this news, tell them of when the propaganda finally stopped, tell them when privatized police agencies lost there power, lost there pride. This is not their country and we intend to take it back. The day is approaching what difference will you tell your children you made.
millions of lives ruined by the D.E.A. for making a harmless choice to both ourselves and others. A freedom we should all have the right to do.
We would like to exchange links with you. We have an information center in Orange County for all things Medical Marijuana related.
Please visit us at http://www.othersidefarms.com or contact us for a link exchange.
Many thanks for your support in the Medical Marijuana community.
It’s About Damn Time! Social Acceptance is on the rise.
When it happens, legal in Cali, we should have a block party statewide that lasts for at least two months just to celebrate the FREEDOM from the OPPRESSION.
PEace Bruddahs and Sistas
free the weed I love ganja. it makes me so happy. I want to live where its legal. NOT decriminilized I want LEGAL. Life libertyand the pursuit of happiness… the tree of life…cannabis
YAY!
hopefully this will inspire others to step forward. methinks people are waiting for someone else to make the first move.
So who in Cali is leading the get-out-the-vote process? You can bet the prohibs will hammer on this ballot measure, and during a non-Presidential election, the turnout at the polls is usually a LOT less than during a Presidential election.
It will be CRUCIAL that voters are encouraged to register well in advance and then go to the polls on election day. Don’t let the prohibs win at the polls just because they get their people motivated.
So again, some Cali groups step up and start organizing that Get Out the Vote grassroots action!
And while this is happening in California, a fellow citizen gets 35 years for possession of pot. Please, help, tell Texas legislators that this is too insane to continue.
Thanks.
Start a Petition »
change_setup(’300′, ’27865′, ‘#1A3563′);
And while this is happening in California, a fellow citizen gets 35 years for possession of pot. Please, help, tell Texas legislators that this is too insane to continue.
Thanks.
http://war.change.org/actions/view/free_henry_walter_wooten
Go here and vote; the clock is ticking down, with only 4 hours to go!
http://www.change.org/ideas/view/legalize_the_medicinal_and_recreational_use_of_marijuana
I would encourage all of you to donate to the organization that is putting the message out there about the November Ballot intiative in California, they think to get the media and votes they need it will cost around 10 million. Out of state people can donate! Because of this there is not a reason why this should not pass. Donate!
https://secure.taxcannabis.org/page/contribute
Money talks… even if it is only 5 or 10 dollars it will help!
https://secure.taxcannabis.org/page/contribute
Alex is right, donate if you’re able.
Remember there was a another state that gave money to California and killed the gay marriage bill there.
It all may sound good and hopeful however, we need to stay on top of this and prevent any outside inference.
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