Legalizing Mj Would Cut Government Expenses.

[greenbuddha]

US OH: PUB LTE: Legalizing Marijuana Would Increase Government

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URL: http://www.mapinc.or...1/n216/a01.html

Newshawk: Kirk

Votes: 0

Pubdate: Fri, 1 Apr 2011

Source: Plain Dealer, The (Cleveland, OH)

Copyright: 2011 John Holden

Contact: http://www.cleveland...tter-to-editor/

Website: http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/

Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/342

Author: John Holden

 

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA WOULD INCREASE GOVERNMENT REVENUES AND CUT EXPENSES

 

The state and nation's excessive debt has progressively increased in recent years. Could legalizing marijuana be a solution?

 

Marijuana is the third-most-common recreational drug in America, after alcohol and tobacco, and the usage is steadily increasing, despite decades of anti-drug advertising campaigns. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2009 there were 2.4 million persons aged 12 or older who had used marijuana for the first time within the previous 12 months. We levy sky-high taxes on alcohol and tobacco, so why are all these potheads getting their buzz on tax-free?

 

The Marijuana Policy Project at Harvard University estimates a $6.2 billion tax revenue if marijuana were taxed at rates comparable to alcohol and tobacco. This same study estimates that the government would save $7.7 billion now wasted on marijuana prohibition enforcement. This includes costs of Drug Enforcement Agency efforts, campaigns, advertising, prison costs, etc.

 

Legalization is not just for long-haired, liberal types. It makes sense for conservatives and libertarians who want less government intrusion and more fiscal responsibility. Legalization of marijuana is a realistic, legitimate policy option. If we, the people of the United States, really care about our debt and want to make a change, we need to realize what legalization can do to save our economy.

 

John Holden

 

Dublin

MAP posted-by: Richard Lake

[jimbojinx]

US OH: PUB LTE: Legalizing Marijuana Would Increase Government

• Get Active
• Subscribe
• Support Us

URL: http://www.mapinc.or...1/n216/a01.html

Newshawk: Kirk

Votes: 0

Pubdate: Fri, 1 Apr 2011

Source: Plain Dealer, The (Cleveland, OH)

Copyright: 2011 John Holden

Contact: http://www.cleveland...tter-to-editor/

Website: http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/

Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/342

Author: John Holden

 

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA WOULD INCREASE GOVERNMENT REVENUES AND CUT EXPENSES

 

The state and nation's excessive debt has progressively increased in recent years. Could legalizing marijuana be a solution?

 

Marijuana is the third-most-common recreational drug in America, after alcohol and tobacco, and the usage is steadily increasing, despite decades of anti-drug advertising campaigns. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2009 there were 2.4 million persons aged 12 or older who had used marijuana for the first time within the previous 12 months. We levy sky-high taxes on alcohol and tobacco, so why are all these potheads getting their buzz on tax-free?

 

The Marijuana Policy Project at Harvard University estimates a $6.2 billion tax revenue if marijuana were taxed at rates comparable to alcohol and tobacco. This same study estimates that the government would save $7.7 billion now wasted on marijuana prohibition enforcement. This includes costs of Drug Enforcement Agency efforts, campaigns, advertising, prison costs, etc.

 

Legalization is not just for long-haired, liberal types. It makes sense for conservatives and libertarians who want less government intrusion and more fiscal responsibility. Legalization of marijuana is a realistic, legitimate policy option. If we, the people of the United States, really care about our debt and want to make a change, we need to realize what legalization can do to save our economy.

 

John Holden

 

Dublin

MAP posted-by: Richard Lake

 

Another great find, GB !

 

Legalization via Ballot Initiatives are in the works in both Washington State and California and I believe Oregon as well.

 

The Legalization proposal which is most likely to pass is California's:"Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act 2012"

 

Check it out here :http://cannabisculture.com/v2/content/2011/03/28/Regulate-Marijuana-Alcohol-California-Interview-Steve-Kubby

 

Many thanks,

Dr. Jinx