Could legalizing marijuana be the answer to saving our economy? We all know that the war on drugs is an expensive battle. A great deal of time, money and resources go into catching those who buy or sell illegal drugs, prosecuting and incarcerating them. There is no way to effectively measure the amount of revenue marijuana brings in, but legalization would eliminate the risk buyers and sellers take now, causing the demand to rise. Increased demand could bring in more revenue for the government, if marijuana was being taxed similarly to alcohol and tobacco.
California State Assembly member Tom Ammiano introduced legislation last month, that would legalize marijuana and allow California to regulate and tax its sale. Marijuana is already California's biggest cash crop, bringing in $14 billion in annual sales. California's tax collectors estimate the new bill would bring in $1.3 billion in additional revenue each year.
California was one of the first states to legalize marijuana in 1996. US Attorney General Eric Holder recently announced that states should be able to make their own rules on medical marijuana. However, despite the fact that legalizing marijuana may bring a much needed revenue, opponents say legalizing pot will only add to social woes; increasing crime, drug addiction, mental health disorders, and driving up insurance rates.
So my question to you this week is "Should the United States legalize marijuana, medicinally or otherwise?" Answers are due by Saturday, March 21st, 2009.
YES, the United States should legalize Marijuana, ESPECIALLY for medicinal purposes. It is rediculous that drugs such as adderall and ritalin are legal and marijuana is not. How is it okay to pump the children of America with amphetamines that cause countless health problems and sometimes even death, but marijuana, something that grows straight from mother earth, is illegal? It does not make sense. I do believe that legalizing marijuana would have a hugely positive impact on our economy. However, I do not believe the crime rates will increase and if it does it is only because worthy criminals (such as rapists, murderers, etc.) will be the ones that are imprisoned, not nineteen year old kids with a sack of weed.
ReplyDeleteI think that we should legalize marijuana for medical and partying purposes as well.I think the government is too forcused on the wrong thing and have to blame the crime and economy failure on something.It's ashame that rapist and murderers can get out of jail and still claim taxes and drug dealers can't.I'd rather the whole world smoke weed and take a load off! I actually think the world would be better if everyone had something to take their mind off their problems and put them to sleep right away.People will forget what they were mad about in an hour.In case they forgot weed is a downer,and I don't think anyone will have the energy to commit robberies and muder.They will simply be too lazy!!!lol And these crapy pot commercials are a joke! Marijuana seems safer than injections that are suppose to cure MS while causing brain annurisms,stroke,heatattack,fever or Happy,Hungry,sleepy?lol I was gonna finish this blog but then I got high!Just kidding see ya Sat.
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