Let me start this blog by saying that I am not writing strictly based off the fact that I am an advocate for legalizing marijuana. I have noticed of late that this has become a national issue, it has been decriminalized in California to certain extents for medical reasons.
In California, marijuana is the largest cash-crop, generating an estimated $14 billion. At a 10% tax that would make California alone $1.4 billion. Now take that number over all 50 states and imagine the money marijuana would generate
In 1919, the 18th amendment was established and alcohol became illegal to manufacture, transport and distribute nationally, thus creating a black market for it. Alcohol was still accessible but it became a violent business to become part of. In 1919 the number of inmates at Sing-Sing was 1,100 and in 1920 that number jumped to 1,500, then 1,600 buy 1922. That was not cheap on the tax payers to cover the cost of the inmates in prison.
In 1933, the 21st amendment was established that lifted the ban on alcohol, the black market disappeared along with the violence. That should have been enough of an example for the American government to realize they should not ban something the American people want. Yet in, 1937 they decided to create the "Marijuana Tax Act", making marijuana illegal and highly punishable.
In America we spend about $150 billion in funding for the courts and police and $68 billion in corrections. 1/3 of these criminals being corrected are locked up for a nonviolent-drug related charge and 47.5% of arrested are marijuana related. Marijuana is not a dangerous drug, it does not create health issues and in some cases even help with health.
So why the hell are we spending so much taxpayers money on fighting against something that is safer than alcohol and tobacco? It seems to me like the economic crunch we are in has opened up the eyes of some of the politicians in America. California's debt sits at at-least $136 billion, I think that instead of pumping money into the locking up the "criminals" who sell and produce marijuana, the government should consider that stats based off of California's profitability off marijuana. If California could generate $1.4 billion off of marijuana alone, imagine how much more money they would have when they stop arresting people for it.
While it appears California is catching on, I hope it can progress on a national level. In America, marijuana produces about $36 billion per year, thats more than corn and wheat combined. There is no evidence of any damage to public health by legalizing marijuana, the penalties for marijuana cause more damage than the drug itself. Think about no one robbing anyone for marijuana, you don't see people robbing anyone for cigarettes!!!
86% if high schoolers say marijuana is easily accessible. Aaron Houston, an American lobbyist for the legalization of marijuana presented a very valid argument to counter that stat. Legalizing marijuana but regulating it just like alcohol, making sure the purchaser has proper identification and is over the age of 21. This would combat the problem of having marijuana so accessible to teenagers.
I don't want to sound like a broken record by trying to fight for the legalization of marijuana, it has been a topic of great discussion through out the nation for many years. Looking at this, as Obama calls it, economic crisis America is in, making a few bucks off taxes for marijuana does not sound to bad.
Imagine a United Nations meeting and all the world leaders are kicking back and smoking. The only fights will be over who is buying munchies.
YouTube Video of Aaron Houston's proposal:
