SD on 2/10/2007 at 21:56
(
http://www.forbes.com/businessinthebeltway/2007/09/29/marijuana-laws-work-biz-cx_qh_1001pot.html) Forbes:
Quote:
The U.S. marijuana [industry] is a $113 billion annual business that costs taxpayers $41.8 billion in enforcement costs and lost tax revenues, according to a study to be published later Monday.
The study, "Lost Taxes and Other Costs of Marijuana Laws," by Jon Gettman, contends that marijuana sales are mostly the province of teenagers and young adults. His numbers also imply that the industry is supported, in both demand prices, by a relatively few extremely heavy users.
A $113 billion a year industry in the hands of criminals, $42 billion in law enforcement costs, thousands of people behind bars and use of weed hasn't decreased one iota. So when is the United States going to face up to the fact that the War on Drugs is a dismal failure?
steo on 2/10/2007 at 22:16
I always find it kinda amusing when I remember that cannabis is as illegal as heroin in the US and more illegal than cocaine (including crack, I believe).
Does this have anything to do with those damned hippies and rich businessmen I wonder.
Spaztick on 2/10/2007 at 23:15
Inhaling the smoke of any substance is bad for you. I'd say go ahead and eat it though, not sure why the plant itself is illegal.
crunchy on 2/10/2007 at 23:16
How about using the $41.8 billion to buy the marijuana? This would reduce the amount available on the street. But I guess supply and demand would force the price up.
"lost tax revenues"
I don't know about the US but here in Oz, the Tax Office doesn't care how you got your money as long as you declare it on your income tax return.
WAREAGLE on 3/10/2007 at 03:46
Quote Posted by crunchy
I don't know about the US but here in Oz, the Tax Office doesn't care how you got your money as long as you declare it on your income tax return.
really?
Quote:
So when is the United States going to face up to the fact that the War on Drugs is a dismal failure?
I wouldn't say its dismal. I agree that its not doing so hot but from what I hear, quite a few people are getting put in the slammer for drugs in my area.
Also, things to consider, the amount of unpopulated land in the united states is huge, hence lots of places to hide weed.
Aja on 3/10/2007 at 03:51
Not only is it dismal, it is IMPOSSIBLE. There is absolutely NOTHING the government could do to stop people from using drugs, so they might as well make some money from it.
Shug on 3/10/2007 at 08:00
I was under the impression most people getting nailed for drug-running were more the party or hard drug types rather than pot
Fringe on 3/10/2007 at 11:32
Quote Posted by WAREAGLE
I wouldn't say its dismal. I agree that its not doing so hot but from what I hear, quite a few people are getting put in the slammer for drugs in my area.
What turns it from a dismal failure into a scary failure is that some people think this is actually a sign of success.
Thief13x on 3/10/2007 at 12:05
The positive reason I can think of for mary jane being illegal is that it probably helps curb the number of people cruising down the road high as a kite. If it's legalized it will probably turn into as big of a problem as DUI. And let's not even get started on a debate of 'who can drive high and who cant'
Quote Posted by Shug
I was under the impression most people getting nailed for drug-running were more the party or hard drug types rather than pot
actually only the hookers are getting
nailed for it, if you wanna start an argument, shug ;)
BEAR on 3/10/2007 at 13:23
How can you be on the wrong side of every argument? As serious as DUI's now, are you fucking kidding me?
Have you ever ridden with anyone who was high? I doubt it helps your driving skills but comparing it to drunk driving? Once again you've taken stupid to a new and exciting level.
To me, you dont even have to justify pot or claim reasons it should be legal, more you can just rail against the reasons it was made illegal. The government lied out its ass to make it illegal in the first place. Its far less detrimental to alcohol or cigarettes, so any reasoning for making it illegal is moot at this point. I dont even care really, I dont smoke but its fucking insane to see people going to jail over this shit.
The law enforcement in my area has pretty much given up on pot growers with all the Tennessee redneck meth makers to bust, which is great I think.
