Pubdate: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 Source: New Times (San Luis Obispo, CA) Copyright: 2009 New Times Contact: http://www.newtimesslo.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1277 Author: Tyler Madson REGULATE MARIJUANA LIKE ALCOHOL I want to voice my support for Assembly Bill 390 as introduced by San Francisco assemblyman Tom Ammiano, which would tax and regulate marijuana in the same manner as alcohol, limiting its sale to adults age 21 and older. During these tough economic times, extra income is very important for our state. Marijuana brings in $14 billion a year, dwarfing our second largest agricultural commodity, milk and cream, by more than $7 billion. A portion of those earnings would also be put toward drug rehabilitation centers and drug education programs to inform our youth about the dangers of drugs. Assembly Bill 390 would increase the penalty for using marijuana near schools. The dealers now don't ask for identification; they sell to anyone at any age. Isn't it time the government lets us do what we want with our own lives and saves our economy at the same time? Tyler Madson Atascadero - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom