Legalizing marijuana has been a major topic of controversy in the United States for a long time. On Feb. 21, 2009 Assembly member Tom Ammiano introduced a bill to legalize marijuana in California. AB 390 is a Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Education Act. AB 390 would decriminalize marijuana but regulate it like alcohol, limiting sales to those who are 21 and older. This bill would also impose a tax of $50 per--ounce
something Ammiano said could bring $1 billion annually into our cash-starved state. " It would immediately indirectly benefit the economy by freeing up billions of dollars a year for a then unneeded Drug Enforcement Agency (D.E.A) marijuana enforcement task-force."
After 3.6 million votes were cast, one of the top questions turned out to be a query on whether legalizing marijuana might stimulate the economy by allowing the government to regulate and tax the drug. Robert Gibbs, the White House Press Secretary said that legalizing marijuana in order to boost the current economy is a "hot" issue in the White House. On March 24, the White House said more than 64, 000 people watched President Obama answer questions in the first live Internet video chat by an American president. In this online town hall meeting Obama rejected the argument that legalizing, regulating, and taxing marijuana would be- good way to raise money in this recession. Obama just stated in direct terms he does not think legalizing pot "is a good strategy to grow our economy."
According to the Beckley Foundation, in the United States approximately three-quarters of a million citizens are arrested every year for cannabis possession, and in certain producer/transit countries, such as Mexico, the War on Drugs, of which cannabis is a component has led to a virtual state of war near the United States border. "The damage done by prohibition is worse than from the substance itself," said Amanda Feilding, the founder of the Beckley Foundation.
CNBC released a documentary with Trish Regan, anchor and reporter, called Marijuana Inc.. In this documentary, Regan goes behind the scenes to explore the inner workings of this secretive industry, focusing on Northern California`s "Emerald Triangle," now the marijuana capital of the United States of America. The pot business, much of it legal under state law, now makes up as much as two-thirds of the local economy. In addition, Jessica Corry, a Republican activist appeared on Fox News to speak about her point of view about marijuana prohibition and the growing national debt. In this debate, Corry suggests that marijuana is not nearly as bad as alcohol, or prescription pills.
Overall, the government is making a fortune on the sales and tax revenues of cigarettes. We all know cigarettes not only kill the people who smoke them, but they also harm the people around those who smoke them. The government has legalized this deadly drug called tobacco, but yet keeps rejecting the legalization of marijuana and the billions of dollars to be made from the herb.
7 comments:
Great Blog Stan !!!
This is for sure a hot topic for debate in the United States. I personally Do Not do marijuana. I do not understand though why it is so taboo. I mean with the hysteria surrounding this plant, you would think it is the forbidden fruit in the Garden Of Eden or something. I think it is silly that alcohol and tobacco are legal. Both are proven to have detrimental effects on people in the short term and long term. It is funny too that Philip Morris and Anheuser Busch are heavy contributors to "Drug Free America" considering they themselves put out products that have been linked to death itself. It is funny how it is just accepted as "it is what it is". When I stop to think about it, it just does not make sense why more states have not considered decriminalizing the plant. I mean serious revenue is in store for California and its "emerald triange". This will defintely be looked upon by those for and against. I think many are waiting in angst, watching what will happen in California and use that as an example in the future.
Stan, you bring up a hot topic. The big picture is that legalizing marijuana would help boost todays economy. However, our society looks down upon the marijuana drug. I do agree that California's legalization of the this drug might make an impact on other state decision. If California is dealing with marijuana and they are seeing positive results, this might change the view or perspective on this drug. The debate will be tough because everyone has a different perspective on this drug. Some people may say it is an illegal drug and should not be consumed. Others argue it is a very beneficial drug and helps many people with their medical conditions.
Wow, definitely a hot topic. Honestly, when it comes to people smoking, marijuana or otherwise, I only have this to say: who cares? I used to be very passionate about this issue. These days, while I still believe in the decriminalization of illegal drugs, I am not as "gung-ho" about it, because I find it one of the least important issues that people should be focusing on.
With the more stories I read about murderers and rapists and other violent criminals, I now see the point in criminalizing drugs, even a sissy drug like marijuana. When someone is suspected of doing something far more heinous than smoking pot, but there is no grounds or evidence to arrest the person for that crime, then he can be held on drug charges while evidence is collected against him. That doesn't mean I don't support the decriminalizing of drugs; I just mean that I understand the point.
I think the most dangerous thing about marijuana is that it is illegal. While alcohol, as Joey said, has been proven to be harmful as well as addictive, there is no scientific evidence to prove that marijuana is physically addicting. And what trouble are you going to get into besides sitting on your couch watching cartoons? Haha, that was mostly a joke. I think there should be consequences for driving under the influence of any mind-altering substance. People do what they will on their own time, but if they endanger others, then they reap the consequences.
Thanks for the comments guys. I chose this topic because I watched the CNBC documentary and I found it really interesting.There is a lot of revenue that can be made by the government from this plant. I do agree with Joey on the Phillip Morris and Budweiser issue to "drug free America". Also, I do agree with Candice as well because the most "dangerous" thing is that marijuana is not legal. While alcohol and tobacco are legal, and a lot more harmful than marijuana.
Good topic Stan! This is definitely a topic that is discussed all over the nation. I personally think that marijuana should be legalized and that it can boost the economy for many states. So far since California has legalized medical marijuana there really has not been any negative news floating around about it. If alcohol and cigarettes are legal and both have been proven to cause major health problems why not legalize marijuana too? Of course it is very important, if actually legalized, that there are laws and restrictions made for the consumption of marijuana.
I don’t see what harm is possible if the decision would be to legalize the “drug”. People that consume the herb will continue to no matter what, which means that arrests will continue as well. Instead of wasting money on trying to stop it why not legalize it and make money off of it? I am 100% against drug use and feel that if the government regulated this herb it would be beneficial in the long run. Plus there wouldn’t be the problem of the herb being mixed with other deadly drugs that is seen when marijuana is found on the “streets”.
Stan, this is an interesting and provocative topic. My concern about the drug is that it is considered to be a "gateway drug." Many people try it and then graduate to more addictive and, therefore, dangerous options. Others simply don't try it, because it is illegal. That might be what helps to keep the number of would-be addicts down.
The cultivation and sale of tobacco has always been a disconnect, but I think tobacco is tolerated because it does not put people in a fuzzy altered state. Imagine needing an organization like Mothers Against Drug-Fog-Induced Driving?
What do you think about that?
I agree that a lot of people consider it as the "gateway drug", and I understand why. I also agree on that tobacco does not make people dizzy, and thats why it is tolerated the way it is. Bottom line is it is pretty much up to the people. If they want to use it, or not. Making it legal in some states would definitely bring millions of dollars in revenues. However, I do not think it would lower crime and things like that because people still use it even though it is not legal. Bottom line is it is up to the law makers and the citizens of America what is going to be the outcome on this issue.
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