You may have heard many reasons for the repeal of the 18th amendment, the prohibition of alcohol.  The real reason was that the Federal and local governments needed the tax revenue.  Governments are once again experiencing income shortfalls.  Washington and Colorado approved measures to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana in 2012.  Oregon voters turned it down but the state legislators need money.
Bill to legalize, tax marijuana scheduled for legislative hearing

SALEM — Marijuana would become legal, and the state would regulate and tax it under a bill under consideration in the Oregon Legislature.

House Bill 3371 would allow the production, processing and sale of marijuana and marijuana-infused products. Individuals 21 or older would be allowed to keep up to six mature marijuana plants and 24 ounces of marijuana at a time.

The Oregon Health Authority would be charged with licensing marijuana producers, processors, wholesalers and retailers.

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission would oversee taxation of marijuana, according to the bill. Marijuana producers would be taxed $35 per ounce. The money would go to a “Cannabis Tax Account,” with 40 percent of proceeds going to schools, 20 percent each to Oregon State Police, the general fund, and mental health, alcoholism and drug services.

The bill is scheduled for an April 2 public hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

House Bill 3371 would not prevent employers from prohibiting the manufacture, delivery, possession or use of marijuana in the workplace.

Not unlike the repeal of the Prohibition of alcohol in 1933 it’s all about a much needed revenue stream.