>In my view, the decision to legalize marijuana is a no-brainer: taxing sales of the drug could infuse an estimated $1.3 billion in revenue for the nation's most populous state and would redirect law enforcement's resources toward more serious crimes.

Already 13 states have passed legislation decriminalizing possession of small quantities of pot. A similar bill awaits passage in Washington State's House of Representatives. Legalizing the drug is the next logical step to end the losing war on drugs.

At its simplest, the debate over the legalization of pot is a control issue.

In my town, people of any and all ages are forced to present identification when buying liquor. It always makes me laugh when an aging grandmother gets carded when buying her fifth of generic vodka.

The mayor wants to control underage drinking. He believes that getting people to present their identification cards every time will do this. But if someone wants to drink, he will find access to alcohol, and the same is true of marijuana.

If the government would legalize marijuana -- with obvious restrictions on age, driving and quantity -- maybe America's flailing economy could fly high again from the financial benefits. I'd gladly pay tax to get it.

So fire-up a doobie; I'm ready to head over to California and debate on the affirmative side.

Chicagoland writer Cory Fosco is a graduate of Northwestern University's master's in writing program. He spends his time with his wife, two children, and Rex the dog. You can read his blog at A Year Till 40.