TV ad has CA government "up in smoke"

(CNN) - A new ad is airing on San Diego cable stations that is so controversial, two LA television stations are refusing to run it.

"Even parks could close due to California's budget crisis," said one commercial. "But the Governor and legislature are ignoring millions of Californians who want to pay taxes. We're marijuana consumers."

That ad, featuring a 58-year old former state worker, is now airing statewide, paid for by the Marijuana Policy Project.

"What we have done is hand this very large market, its the largest cash crop in California to unregulated criminals," said Bruce Mirkin, of the Marijuana Policy Project.

The group believes pot would yield at least a billion dollars in new tax revenue each year.

"Taxes from California's marijuana industry could pay the salary of 20,000 teachers," said the CA Tax And Regulate A on YouTube.

The other side does not agree.

"Let's say it bring in a billion which is doubtful, the social cost is much higher than anything we bring in," said Steve Francis, a former mayoral candidate.

Francis recently launched a Web site called Keep Coming Back, which focuses on addiction.

"We also have people who are addicts," said Francis.

Their recent poll showed that 45 percent of Californians have smoked pot before.

"Most people who are drug users today, that have problems, that are doing things beyond marijuana started with marijuana," said Francis.

People in Pacific Beach disagree and say the state needs the cash.

"If you look at the economics in Amsterdam, its a windfall for them," said Mike Weil, a Pacific Beach resident.

"I'm a person who has smoked many years and at this point in my life, it hasn't done any harm," said Robert Mcpherson, a regular pot smoker.

View the full ad below: