By ROBERT STARK

With California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger now open to the idea of legalizing marijuana and assemblyman Tom Ammiano (Democrat-San Francisco) sponsoring a bill for its legalization, California may be close to setting a nationwide trend for full legalization. The Assembly Bill 390 would legalize marijuana for adults over 21, despite the fact that it is still outlawed by federal law. It will not just make it legal to consume and possess but also to sell and grow. However, there would be a $5,000 fee followed by a $2,500 annual renewal fee to grow marijuana. The 10th Amendment grants the power to the state, and it can be taken to the federal courts if the DEA decides to interfere.

It is projected to generate $1.3 billion annually in tax revenue to relieve the state’s massive budget deficit. This is not including the revenue it would save in tax dollars used for incarceration, court and law enforcement.  The war on drugs costs the state $9.6 billion annually.  If this bill passes, California will be the first in the nation to legalize marijuana.

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