We have previously discussed how the economics of legalization of marijuana could be changing the dynamic in the politics surrounding the issue. If that is true, legalization advocates must be pleased by the figures just out from 2015. Legal U.S. pot sales have risen to $5.4 billion for 2015 — that is a 17.4 percent increase from 2014. With both taxes and revenues flowing from the legal pot market, legalization may be becoming entrenched in the country.
Adult use sales grew to $998 million from $351 million in 2014. The growth could skyrocket with voters in various states, including California, expected to take up legalization in 2016.
In Washington state sales increased 300 percent in 2015.
It will become increasingly difficult for politicians to pull the plug on an industry worth billions in revenue with millions of customers. Moreover, there will be greater pressure on conservatives to respect the state’s right to decide this issue for themselves under federalism guarantees.
The central problem with pot is, and will continue to be, that Americans over-do everything. We eat too much, smoke too much, drink too much, take too many drugs. take too much, have too much. If we could learn simple moderation, we could cut health care costs in half overnight.
A little pot is not bad for you. A lot of pot is. Pretty simple.
“When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators.” – P. J. O’Rourke.
Reefer madness!
Alcohol, pot, and tobacco are all bad for you if you consume them ignorantly and in sufficient amounts. The problem is the simplistic approach this society takes when dealing with the problems, potential or existing. It’s the same with sex. Puritanical abstinence based approaches to sex are potentially the most dangerous. Open education based approaches have proven to be the most effective in reducing teen pregnancies and other negative results of a human’s natural physical drives.
None of these potential problems should be dealt with through the legal system. Very few teenagers will restrict themselves from taking chances due to legal ramifications. Open, accurate, and correct education is the primary device in keeping people from abusing these substances. Where one might be predisposed to addiction or negatively impacted otherwise from these substances then treatment in the form of education/awareness, guidance/not jail time, and understanding are the most effective ways of dealing with the problems. This has been shown to be true historically throughout the world. Even in countries with more draconian methods that are found in the US, kids still stray.
Schulte: Weed is not cheaper. I can tell you that for a fact. It may be easier, but that’s because, again, the black market makes it so.
Wall Street is watching, I’m sure they got ALEC on by now. The same people that love small government are the ones that will regulate till they run out of paper and ink.
Obama is not in a position to change the law. It doesn’t come with the territory. This is up to the Congress and Senate. If Obama were to act independently on the issue the same old, ‘He’s destroying he Constitution, Bill of Rights, this and that Amendment.’, Critics would be the first to call him on it. The legalization, or at the very least change of its status as a hard drug, of pot is something that must come up from the citizenry, through their representatives, to be voted on, and if a change is the result, the President, any President would most likely ratify it. Obama’s job in carrying out the laws makes him the bad guy but he is not responsible for the laws. He’s not responsible for the idiots that control the Congress and the Senate either. We don’t hear enough about these individuals. Thus far parts of the US lead the world in the move towards a sane and responsible approach to pot. Unfortunately other parts of the US still believe that the world is flat and that it was created in six days.
Schulte: Sixteen year old youths already have access to pot, thanks to a thriving black market. This same black market trade introduces them to harder, more addictive and harmful drugs to boot. If you want proof that kids aren’t getting a hold drug, then you should look to Colorado and the effects of legalization on the black market drug trade.
Is it possible to prevent every kid from obtaining pot? No. But like alcohol, we can make fairly difficult and exceptional. Don’t let “perfect” be the enemy of “good”.
The so-called “War on Drugs” may have started with the best of intentions by well meaning public servants but at this point we have to question the entire premise.
For example: What if those trillions of taxpayer dollars would have been spent differently? What if that money had been used to hire more beat-cops that actually walk the streets providing community policing, where cops know which kids are good and which have problems? What if those trillions has been spent for education, including early childhood education? What if those trillions had been spent creating jobs in the inner-cities and rural areas?
60 Minutes just did a recent segment that SW Virginia is like a third world nation when it comes to healthcare and jobs. What if those trillions of dollars had been spent here?
The one thing we do know is strategy in the so-called “War on Drugs” has never worked in over 40 years.
Mr.Schulte Do you not think that legal alcohol results in great harm to minors?
jomo995 – I do believe that alcohol is a problem, however not the problem that marijuana is for teenagers. Having had them in the classroom, I can attest anecdotally that it has a negative impact on their comprehension. However, there are several scientific studies that back that up. Weed is easier and cheaper than booze for my teens.
Doglover…..the same reason not everyone grows tomatoes
The last 70 years of marijuana history has revealed the corruption and corruptible. From propaganda to policing for profit. Should be taught as such.
Given that a lot of people have gardens, why wouldn’t everyone just grow their own, once it is legal?
Given the studies that show the harm that marijuana does to youths, you would have to convince me that no 16 year old is getting their hands on it before I sign on.
One thing both parties agree on is that the “War on Drugs” has been a complete failure. Many police chiefs nationwide also agree that more legalization would improve public safety overall.
From a constitutional perspective, the so-called “War on Drugs” has virtually destroyed the 4th Amendment and other due process rights of American – without a constitutional amendment.
Based on hard statistics, it seems some drug legalization is the far lesser of the two evils.
You mean “legal” Marijuana sales. The black market probably is close to that number, if not in excess, since it is in the states that have not legalized yet.
Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
It should be moved from Schedule 1 but President Choom said he won’t do it. What a freakin’ hypocrite.
Remove from schedule 1.
It will be legalized, it’s all about the money. In a couple years instead of asking your guests what they would like to drink you’ll be offering them a
hit on a hooka.
Reblogged this on 1EarthUnited.