Arnie in favour of legalising cannabis sale in California to raise revenue
6 May 2009, 1647 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

London, May 6 California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has said it is time to talk about legalising the sale of cannabis to generate much-needed tax revenue for the state to help bridge its burgeoning 60 billion dollar debt, despite President Barack Obama dismissal about the possibility of legalizing marijuana.

Governor Schwarzenegger, who has admitted smoking marijuana in his youth, insisted that any decision would not be based on extra income for California, in spite of it having the dubious honour of the largest budget deficit of any state in the US.

He announced that he welcomes a public debate on the proposal, telling reporters it was time for an open forum on the issue.

"I think we ought to study very carefully what other countries are doing that have legalised marijuana and other drugs, what affect it had on those countries, and are they happy with that decision," he added.

California was the first state to allow its residents to use marijuana for medical purposes, with licensed dispensaries a common sight since 1996 when the "Compassionate Use" bill was passed, The Telegraph reported.

Twelve other states have since followed suit and decriminalised cannabis use for individuals who meet certain criteria.

Recreational use is still prohibited, although a recent poll of California voters found 56 per cent to be in favour of legalising the drug for non-medicinal use.

Assemblyman Tom Ammiano is proposing a change in state law, allowing all adults over the age of 21 to purchase marijuana, which would become a taxable item. If implemented, Ammiamo claims that 1.3 billion dollars in revenue would be generated for the state. (ANI)

Related Latest

Hitler's birthplace to go on sale with £2m price tag Ex Miss California settles suit with pageant officials 'after sex tape expose' Karnataka to raise money for flood victims Over a million Sikhs participate in California parade Mums favour their largest offspring, claims study on American coots Hepatitis B doesn't raise pancreatic cancer risk Tickets to see Bush speak at 'Get Motivated!' seminar on sale for 3 pounds ! 'China against arms sale to Taiwan by US or any country' Afridi happy to step down as T20 captain in favour of Younis LSD and cannabis less harmful than alcohol, says UK govt's drug expert

Related Latest

US cricket association keen on hosting India, Pakistan one-day games Energy is never the main part of China-Africa cooperation: Chinese Premier Java blacksmith and family shocked to know they were saved by Obama's mum Aston Villa's O'Neill favourite to replace Benitez 'In loss' PCB approves 1.45 billion rupees budget for 2009-10 Stabbed footie star Calum Davenport becomes a dad again Radical Communists hold rally for Maoists in Bhopal Cheryl Cole 'targeted in big money internet sex plot' X-Factor stars John and Edward may become the next Ant and Dec Farhan Akhtar rocks Mumbai with his concert

• Cheryl Cole 'targeted in big money internet sex plot'
• Energy is never the main part of China-Africa cooperation: Chinese Premier
• Java blacksmith and family shocked to know they were saved by Obama's mum
• Radical Communists hold rally for Maoists in Bhopal
• X-Factor stars John and Edward may become the next Ant and Dec

• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights
• Nine tips for nine nights
• need new prevention tech for HIV, other STIs and UP
• "Good health is India's basic need": Easier said than done Mr Prime Minister!