California Lawmakers Eye Legalizing Pot

SACRAMENTO -The state’s public safety committee is set to vote on a historic bill on Tuesday that would legalize, regulate and even tax marijuana.

Some legislators say that taxing what many people smoke would be a major moneymaker for California.

“I think it’s a good idea to regulate it, you know, generate income for the state and possibly put an ease on the budget crisis that they have now. People are going to smoke it anyway,” said Los Angeles resident Steve Ferra.

Assembly Bill 390 would treat the now illegal substance in a manner similar to alcohol. Once you turn 21, you could legally possess, cultivate or sell marijuana.

Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-Sacramento), who authored the bill, says it’s time California reaped some of the revenue from a crop that by some estimates, is a $14 billion industry in the Golden State. The state board of equalization estimates marijuana retail sales would rake in $1.4 billion if AB390 passes.

Some local residents saw the bill as opening Pandora’s box.

“I think that’s not good for society because they cannot control the alcohol, and now they’re giving another weapon for the juveniles to go the wrong way,” said Los Angeles resident Arturo Acevedo.

This is the first time any state legislative committee has taken up a vote like this. A hearing on the bill begins at 9 a.m.