Time to Debate California Sales Tax for Recreational Marijuana

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) says he is not necessarily in favor of decriminalizing marijuana, but if California allows the sale of marijuana for recreational use, the sales tax revenue (at $50-an-ounce) could raise $1.3 billion and that why it's "time to debate" the issue. This follows Assemblyman Tom Ammiano's (D-San Francisco) introduction of AB390, a bill that would make California the first state to legalize personal use of marijuana by repealing California's criminal penalties for personal cultivation and possession of up to 10 marijuana plants. AB390, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, does not, however, include retail sales and tax provisions.

Aren't Republicans supposed to be against taxes? Remember the good old days when the street price was $20 for a three-finger bag? [JH]