California In the Weeds

Real American Hero and California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano has just introduced a measure (AB 390) that would fully legalize cannabis in California. This is a huge development in the battle for common sense drug policy, and in my view, it is the happy result of a confluence of critical factors.

First, the state of California came in at a whopping $42 billion over budget this year. Schwarzenegger whipped the legislatial goons into action and they have just signed a bill to close the massive deficit (which includes tax hikes, fee increases on cars, etc.) but the state will still have to borrow to fully regain fiscal solvency.

Well, it just so happens that Assemblyman Ammanio's bill would produce over $1 billion in hard cash directly into state coffers from taxes and up to an additional $18 billion in economic side benefits. Pop Quiz: What's California's biggest cash crop? Answer: Cannabis.

Second, California wants to help Mexico reduce the horrendous drug violence that is taking place in its northern states and already beginning to spill over the border. One way, and perhaps the most effective way, is to attack the demand side of the economic drug equation by legalizing marijuana in the states.

Third, California, long a bastion of good, progressive American liberalism, has a history of tolerance and - I'm sure you'll agree if you've been there - even encouragement regarding cannabis. If immediate legalization were to work anywhere in the U.S., it would be on the left coast first. There is no question: Tom Ammiano's bill represents the most encouraging step forward in the legalization movement so far. Rest assured, The Daily Taylor will be following the saga of AB 390 very closely.

P.S. Don't take my word for it: Ask the police chiefs and officers involved in LEAP about legalization of cannabis.