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Assembly Committee Approves Bill Legalizing Marijuana
Photo by vanz via Flickr
Another huge step was taken this morning in the effort to legalize marijuana beyond the current medical-use constraints. The California Assembly's Public Safety Committee voted 4 to 3 to approve A.B. 390, the Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Education Act, which is the legislation that would tax and regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol.
Part of the opposition was former CHP Commander Assemblyman Danny Gilmore (R-Hanford), who was less than thrilled. "We're going to legalize marijuana, we're going to tax it and then we're going to educate our kids about the harm of drugs. You've got to be kidding me,'' he said. "What's next? Are we going to legalize methamphetamines, cocaine?''
The legislation now moves to the state's Health Committee, but as LAist reported yesterday, a bill has a certain lifecycle before it dies and must be reintroduced again. That deadline is Friday and the committee is not meeting between now and then. However, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, who introduced the bill, has vowed to reintroduce legislation similar to A.B. 390 during the next legislative session.
"It's just the way things work in Sacramento," explained Aaron Smith of the Marijuana Policy Project. He said when it's brought back to the table, though, it will move out of the Public Safety committee much faster, putting it into Health Committee.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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