DAVIS, Calif. (May 6) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says it's time for a debate on whether to legalize marijuana, though he says he's not supporting the idea.
Schwarzenegger spoke Tuesday in Davis during an event to promote wildfire safety. The Republican governor, whose term in office expires at the end of next year, was asked about the idea of treating pot like alcohol.
Skip over this content
"No, I don't think it's time for that, but I think it's time for a debate," he said. "And I think we ought to study very carefully what other countries are doing that have legalized marijuana and other drugs, what effect it had on those countries, and are they happy with that decision."
The governor's comments came days after a statewide Field Poll found that 56 percent of California voters support the idea of legalizing marijuana for recreational use and taxing its proceeds.
Democratic state Assemblyman Tom Ammiano says legalizing marijuana for adults over age 21 and taxing it at $50 per ounce would bring the state more than $1 billion a year. He has a bill in the Legislature but has delayed seeking approval until next year.
Schwarzenegger warned against making potentially harmful decisions just to raise money and said some countries that have decriminalized pot have had negative experiences.
California became the first state to legalize the medical use of marijuana in 1996. A dozen other states now have similar laws.
Skip over this content
