The problem with taxing something you don't like is the government quickly becomes dependent on the revenue and ends up having a perverse incentive to promote it.

My guess is the medical prescription nature of marijuana in California probably inflates its price 10x.

We just deregulated alcohol last year -- meaning the WA liquor control board stores shut down and we can purchase from grocery stores, with a $2.85 tax per 750ml, on top of the 10% sales tax.

The justification is that this will funnel more money into the state's general fund.

And the nickname "weed" is apparently appropriate -- growers tell me it's a hearty crop.

In WA, the Sales tax on liquor is 20.5% (plus the per-liter tax)

I was about to say, having lived there over the summer and headed back shortly, I wish I paid a 10% sales tax on alcohol.