The 30-second spot calling for legalizing and taxing the drug features a retired state worker from Fair Oaks who says state leaders are ignoring millions of Californians who want to pay taxes. 

“We’re marijuana consumers. Instead of being treated like criminals for using a substance safer than alcohol, we want to pay our fair share.” 

The ad is from the Marijuana Policy Project. 

Earlier this year, state Assemblyman Tom Ammiano introduced a bill to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol. Bill supporters estimate the state's pot industry could bring in more than $1 billion in taxes.
 
Opponents say legalizing pot would trigger a surge in drug use and create more social problems for California.