Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Taxing Weed
The other day I was half listening to the news while legalizing marijuana caught my ear. They stated that the state of California is considering legalizing marijuana and taxing its sales by 50%. Should this be passed? Absolutely. Naturally it sounds like a bad thing to legalize such a substance, and the first thing that pops into one's head is DUI's and deaths. However, the flip side of the coin is realizing that marijuana has been around since time and people have smoked it since its existence. It has been illegal for 71 years and people continue to smoke, deal and profit off marijuana...so why shouldn't the state collect taxes off of a recreational substance? Especially at these economic hardships of the state and the nation as a whole. Pot growers would have to apply and obtain a growing licence, then properly distribute their products. People who want to smoke weed always will, so why not make money off them and use it for every one's benefit. It is a win-win situation in that smokers are now happy and legal while the rest of the state is more financially stable. Even today if you are caught with a under certain amount of weed, you are exempt of higher charges. Weed is already half way legal, why not open it up all the way and profit from it...while setting proper regulations. In California, marijuana should be legalized with proper regulations, so the state can gain capital from its taxes and utilize it to help with the economic slump.
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Legalizing marijuana could provide considerable amounts of revenue for California. I agree with your position. There would have to be great efforts in order sustain a balanced regulation, that everyone could adhere to. This brings the Netherlands to attention. Marijuana in Holland is not legal, it's decriminalized. You are allowed to grow a certain amount of plants in your home for personal use or for profit. The process to grow them is regulated. You have to grow them in a shed outside, or in your attic or basement. All profits, must be reported and are taxed. Shops sell pot and hash and store owners pay their taxes. Holland is one of the richest countries in the world. They tax marijuana and prostitution which is also regulated under very strict guidlines.
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