AB 390 considers legalizing marijuana

If AB 390, proposed by Assembly Member Tom Ammiano on February 20 passes, marijuana could be legally sold and taxed in the state of California.

The use of marijuana for medical purposes has been legal in California since Proposition 215 passed in 1996, but AB 390 would extend that rule and permit recreational use as well. Some restrictions would still exist, however.

Marijuana would only be sold to adults 21 years or older. Users would be prohibited to grow marijuana in public view or smoke in public places, especially near schools. Marijuana sellers would be charged $5,000 for the right to sell for the first year and $2,500 for every year after that. The retail price would be $50 per ounce. AB 390 would also not allow police officers to enforce any former marijuana prohibition laws, including arresting people for the growing, selling, possessing, and/or smoking cannabis.

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law (NORML), a nationwide organization that has been campaigning for the legalization of marijuana since 1970, is optimistic that President Barack Obama will support the bill. NORML's website now has a pre-written letter that anyone can use to encourage state representatives to vote in favor of AB 390. Anyone who supports the bill can send a copy to their representative.

Suupoters like Stephen Gutwillig, the state director of the Drug Policy Alliance, are arguing for AB 390 on behalf of the economy. "It's a revenue opportunity we literally can't afford to ignore any longer." They argue that the legalization and taxation of marijuana would generate $1.3 billion annually from sales alone. $990 million could be generated from retailer fees and $349 million in sales taxes.

AB 390 would also create hundreds if not thousands of jobs. Workers would be needed for planting, harvesting, and shipping the crops. Jobs would also be created in the hemp industry. Supporters also say that if the police don't have to worry about enforcing marijuana prohibition laws then they can focus on preventing much more serious crimes and prisons wouldn't have to be overcrowded with minor drug offenders. There were 16,124 felony arrests and 57,995 misdemeanor arrests in California in 2007. Ammiano himself said, "I think there's a mentality throughout the state and the country that this isn't the highest priority - and that maybe we should start to reassess." Conservative author William F. Buckley Jr. is also supportive of AB 390, as is economist William Friedman.

Of course, as with any major political issue, there are people and groups who are opposed to AB 390. Assemblyman Paul Cook says that marijuana is, "ruining our society." Some parents, especially of young children, are afraid that the bill could send the message that drugs are okay. Others maintain the argument that marijuana is a gateway drug and by legalizing it, the government would be making easier for people to become interested in much harder drugs like cocaine and heroin. The Office of National Drug Control Policy sticks by the findings that marijuana use increases risk of cancer, lowers sperm count, and slows reaction time and motor skills.

Even Fresno City College Students remain divided on the issue of marijuana. A survey conducted by Rampage revealed that every student has a slightly unique view of the subject and reasons for believing that marijuana should or should not be legalized. Very little grey area existed. Gabriela Anaya says it should be legalized "but only for medical reasons."

AB 390 stands literally no chance unless the federal government lifts the ban on marijuana, but it will undoubtedly cause quite an uproar from both sides of the issue when it comes down to the vote.