California’s Push To Legalize Marijuana

Oct. 27, 2009 — Jesse McKingley from the New York Times reviews California’s recent push to legalize marijuana.

Push to Legalize Marijuana Gains Ground in California
By JESSE McKINLEY

SAN FRANCISCO — These are heady times for advocates of legalized marijuana in California — and only in small part because of the newly relaxed approach of the federal government toward medical marijuana.

State lawmakers are holding a hearing on Wednesday on the effects of a bill that would legalize, tax and regulate the drug — in what would be the first such law in the United States. Tax officials estimate the legislation could bring the struggling state about $1.4 billion a year, and though the bill’s fate in the Legislature is uncertain, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, has indicated he would be open to a “robust debate” on the issue.

Read the full story at NYTimes.com.