California analysts urge marijuana tax based on potency

California analysts are recommending the state change its often-criticized system for taxing legal marijuana.  The report by the state Legislative Analyst's Office says California should drop existing taxes for one hitched to the potency of pot products. In other words, the stronger the smoke, the more you pay. The proposal comes as legal businesses have been pleading with the Legislature for a tax cut, blaming hefty tax rates for driving consumers into the illegal market. Existing taxes that would be cut include an across-the-board 15% levy paid by consumers at the retail counter.