Earlier this week, the Obama administration issued new guidelines to the prosecution of medical marijuana. The new policy says that the government will not pursue or prosecute cases involving low level medical marijuana cases. This is a change in policy from that of the Bush administation,where all cases would be pursued. During the Bush tenure, many medical marijuana shops across California were raided by the Drug Enforment Agency. Medical marijuana was taken very seriously.

Since the new administration has taken office, many changes have taken place. The raids on the marijuana dispensaries have stopped and medical marijuana prosecutions are being halted. So what is the next step?

Obviously, it would be the legalization of marijuana.

Already in the state, petitions for the 2010 elections are being circulated that would legalize marijuana. Even if marijuana was legalized in the state of California, it would still be illegal federally. So in the long run, it would be illegal overall. If we follow the current trends though, once the state legalizes marijuana, the feds will follow.

On Monday Assemblyman Tom Ammiano introduced a bill that would legalize marijuana. The purpose of legalization would be no other than taxation. With the state still being pushed towards the deficit cliff, any new source of funds seems like a good one.

Marijuana is reported to be California's cash crop raking in over $10 billion a year. That puts it above all other crops raised in the state. So of course the politicians see a new revenue stream and their eyes light up.

Of course a Republican would never propose the legislation. So it came down to Tom Ammiano, a Democrat, and guess where he's from. San Francisco of course.

So will the legislation pass? I really don't think so. Of course new revenue is what the state really needs but at what cost is it willing to go to get it. Legalizing marijuana will change the whole dynamics of the drug war and issues surrounding drug use. MJ is still illegal nationwide and with the DEA raiding medical marijuana dispensaries at will, how will their policy change once the whole state is full of MJ. Concerning drug use, there might be a spike, there might not. MJ is already the most widely used drug. If someone wants to smoke it, they will. So if its available in stores, what is to say there will even be a spike. Those who want it, already have it. The fact that it is illegal really does not seem to be detering anyone.

If the legislation does pass though, I would not be surprised. California loves to take the lead and leave it up to the Democrats to want to tax it.

California Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Legalize Pot [AP]