While California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is not going so far as to say that marijuana should be legalized, he has stated that he is open to debating the issue. That's a lot more thought than these other pro-War on Drugs Republican politicians will give. The driving factor to legalizing pot is not based on the moral ramifications of the drug, but rather -- you guessed it -- how much money it will bring to the state. California's budget is feeling the effects of the recession and the head honcho is ready to consider any alternate source of revenue short of printing up a stack of Benjamins and betting it on red.
If legalized, marijuana would be treated like alcohol. The age limit would be 21 and weed will be regulated and taxed. One study estimates that a $50/ounce levy would generate $1.3 billion annually for the state.