Could California become the next Amsterdam? That’s the potential plan San Francisco assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco is pushing. The bill (AB 390), which was proposed yesterday, would regulate marijuana like alcohol, with people over 21 years old allowed to grow, buy, sell and possess marijuana. Ammiano argues that by legalizing and taxing the recreational use of marijuana, the move could pump more than a billion dollars a year into the state. The state would collect $50 an ounce from sellers, and growers, too, would be taxed.

“We could in fact have the political will to do something, and certainly in the meantime this is a public policy call and I think it’s worth the discussion,” Ammiano said. “I think the outcome would be very healthy for California and California’s economy.”

However, California governed by Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, will face tough opposition in Sacramento. The bill would ban use near schools and prohibit growing cannabis in public view.

“With the state in the midst of an historic economic crisis, the move towards regulating and taxing marijuana is simply common sense,” Ammiano said. “This legislation would generate much needed revenue for the state, restrict access to only those over 21, end the environmental damage to our public lands from illicit crops, and improve public safety by redirecting law enforcement efforts to more serious crimes.”

Dude – California is like totally going to White Castle.