I found an interesting report on NPR about the taxes on medical marijuana. California's $16 billion budget shortfall has started the state officials looking towards medical marijuana storefronts for some extra cash. Apparently it's legal to buy prescription pot in California, but it's still a federal crime to buy and sell marijuana. Isn't that somewhat of a contradiction?
Can't we just legalize pot and put a nice fat tax on it. Millions of dollars each year are generated from the prescription pot shops, imagine the money that could be going back into the state if it was legal. How about instead of all that drug money going into the hands of individuals, why not distribute it through the state and get some money flowing in the economy again. Just a thought.
Also, the fact that it's legal to sell alcohol and cigarettes but not pot is rediculous. There's always demonstrations, speeches, reenactments of the horrific outcome of drunk driving, yet it continues to happen, and alcohol is at the hands of everybody. If such a harsh drug is on the market, why this ongoing battle against marijuana?
Again, the recurring theme of "just because they're told not to do it, doesn't mean they're not going to" is present. People are going to smoke pot, legal or not, it's just a matter of where the money should go.
The plants that grow as big as trees can be used for so much and are part of illegal drugs system because they are lumped into the "drug" category.
This is not a simple issue, and with a yes concept would open so many other doors and industries just beyond the ideas of smoking.
Yes I think it should be legal just like alcohol. It should have an age like 21, and anyone at that age or above has the choice to say yes or no. It would need to be controlled like alcohol and taxed like alcohol for non medicinal purposes. (I don't use it for smoking at all, so you can't call me any names, like, well this is a "pothead")
When it comes to-- you will die because you can't eat or keep anything down and this simple drug will allow you to do so....duh....of course it should be used and not taxed and dispensed with at a pharmacy. I think it is a ridiculous concept and backwards for our people who have no other alternative to not just give it to them. The gov't is involved in many things that just is not smart.
Research this plant for the other uses that we can't use because it is illegal to grow even in this form (even though this plant doesn't produce the "smoking" material). This makes it a real and legitimate crop for profit and uses: Paper products, clothes, housing, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, the list goes on and on beyond the social and medicinal uses. There would be much less tree logging (which by the way is big business and they don't want to loose their jobs). I think there are so many great and good ideas about "pot" that would help create a cleaner environment and definitely more "green" values .
While I know i have strayed from your direct request, i have incorporated it.
I love your piece on sex education. I know what you mean and I think that girl who was on your case about your information was insane. I don't think she even read your essay. Dreat stuff and i'm looking forward to yor next blog!!!!!
I agree with "happymomma," I think that if medical marijuana can improve someone's quality of life, it should not cost that person an arm and a leg to get it. (Although, no drug should... the whole pharmicudical industry needs an overhaul.) Also, I'm not convinced that the state having more money would help the economy. But, overall, I agree with you. (Just like to give you a hard time.)
it's always great to see another blogger on the green side. Taxable profits from the sale of medical marijuana is but one of the many arguments in favor of reform.