Posted on 10/30/2013 3:38:46 PM PDT by sdnet
Libertarians have long supported the legalization of marijuana and putting an end to the expensive War on Drugs program on constitutional grounds, arguing the federal government has no business regulating drug use. But, the legalization of marijuana has an attractive side benefit as well – it would flood government coffers with billions in additional revenue.
According to a Cato Institute study, legalizing marijuana will result in an additional $8.7 billion in yearly federal and state tax revenue. In a time of excessive national debt and threats of a credit default, the prudent and expeditious dismantling of drug prohibitions is a wise choice.
Not only will government revenue increase, spending will decrease. The study found that eliminating drug control will reduce government expenditures by more than $40 billion every year.
(Excerpt) Read more at smallgovtimes.com ...
Might have some effect.
I’d rather let the states decide.
No.
Next question
No, but you’ll have a good time.
No because high taxes drive it back underground.
Why stop there? Legalize barbituates, polygamy, prostitution and other vices if you really want to fill the tax coffers!
No, it won’t. They’ll start treating it like tobacco and raise the taxes so high people will start quitting. Then they’ll pass laws making it near impossible to use.
Most all states that raised tobacco taxes in the last decade (for the children of course or was it to get people to quit? But if I quit I’m not helping children! lol Socialism is so stupid) get less in taxes now than back then.
No. Because the elites will find a way to siphon off the money to themselves and their cronies and still want more. People don’t seem to get that we’re being governed by a criminal element that would put the Italian and Russian Mafias to shame. Until they understand this the beast will always be hungry continuously needing to be fed.
No, it won’t. They’ll start treating it like tobacco and raise the taxes so high people will start quitting.
Pot heads won’t quit. They’ll just go back to their dealers.
What about the billions in additional health care costs caused by the inhalation of carbon monoxide and soot along with carcinogens during the smoking of marijuana? then there would be the reduced productivity by those high on pot. Welfare spending will have to increase because many potheads are as unemployable as alcoholics. Legalizing marijuana would increase the number of automobile accidents with resulting increase in government costs. Marijuana use can cause some to become violent. According to the testimony of a pathologist Trayvon Martin may have attacked George Zimmerman because Martin was high on pot.
We might actually eventually work our way down the list (from #1)in per capita incarceration worldwide.
Probably not, though.
We would undoubtedly make popcorn consumption (or something equally as innocuous or widespread) a jailable offense.
What dealers? lol They’ll be as scarce as doctors by then!
“it would flood government coffers with billions in additional revenue.”
I think they’d find it’s revenue recycled from welfare programs of all sorts.
Pot dealers will always be around. When amnesty comes in, they’ll be thicker than fleas.
I still remember how the lottery saved our educational system and... wait... never mind.
There once was a time when 8.7 billion in tax receipts would have a measurable effect on the debt. But like Steely Dan said, those days are gone forever.
No way. Legalizing a plant that existed just fine (until the federal government decided it was a problem) would eliminate the need for many thousands of government agents standing at the ready to knock your door down and shoot your family dog.
We can’t afford to lay off these terribly important public servants. Plus, without the illegal drug trade the government will have a much tougher time seizing people’s property like houses and cars.
It’s hard to believe this country even survived before the war on drugs! What would we do without such a loving a competent government? /sarc
Hippie stoner crud from the 60’s.
Been hearing it my whole life.
Get this through your zoned out skull. Legalizing dope will not bring utopia to Earth nor any other panacea.
It’s inevitable, but will just make things better for the Obama’s of the world.
.. (inhale) pfft... dude, legalize it and tax it man.. psshhhhh (exhale) and have the government regulate it man.. it’s a no, it’s a no, it’s a no win, I mean no lose situ... wait wha was I saying?
but don’t you want fewer taxes and less government?
dude.. settle down and don’t harsh my buzz... where’s the zza at man?
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