Pubdate: Sat, 22 Jan 2005
Source: Oakland Tribune, The (CA)
Copyright: 2005 MediaNews Group, Inc. and ANG Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.oaklandtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/314
Author: Mikki Norris
Cited: Measure Z http://www.yesonz.org

REGULATE, TAX POT

OAKLAND VOTERS got it right when they passed Measure Z by 65 percent in 
November -- making private, adult marijuana offenses law enforcement's 
lowest priority and asking the city to tax and regulate adult sales of 
cannabis as soon as possible.

When this policy is adopted at the state level, it will enable local law 
enforcement agencies to concentrate their limited funds against violent and 
serious crime at an annual savings of $150 million.

When we finally begin to tax and regulate the market for marijuana like 
alcohol, it will drastically cut street dealing and generate about $2 
billion of new tax revenue.

Oakland voters are smart, and they deserve smart policies and leadership in 
Sacramento. It's time to put the taxation and regulation of marijuana on 
the table in this state budget debate.

Mikki Norris

El Cerrito
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake