ABC 7 brings us this report about how Oakland may try to solve its budget crisis, in part, by becoming the first city in the nation to directly tax marijuana dispensaries. The city would impose a 1.8% levy, which would mean that the four official pot clubs would have to pay $18 for every $1,000 sold -- currently, through standard business taxes, the city collects $1.20 for every $1,000 sold -- and would potentially raise $400,000 for the coming fiscal year. This measure goes onto a special election ballot being voted on this month.

For their part, the recession-proof pot clubs are all for it. Says dispensary owner Richard Lee, "The market for cannabis is so strong that we'll be able to absorb the cost." Now if only SF would do this instead of installing parking meters in Golden Gate Park.

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