Posted on 09/08/2017 8:49:57 AM PDT by kitchen
“That is true, right up until some MS13 gangbanger cartel types find out you’re growing on “their turf”, then it’s either buy from them, grow for them, sell for them, or you and your family are dead.
That is not hyperbole or exaggeration. That is how these people operate, and they are very good at it.”
My sister-in-law reports that in Pueblo, CO the Cartel has moved in. Scary.
Fact is, Nationally they should just legalize it. If folks want to grow it like tobacco, then let them. If others wish to buy then so be it. Those lib states look at weed as tax revenue. I say legalize but let folks also grow their own if they wish.
How "popular" is moonshine compared to legal alcohol? Or compared to during Prohibition?
Just like happened when Prohibition ended? LMAO!
>Me: I think the right analogy is to ending prohibition, but finding that moonshine production was popular.
>>You: How “popular” is moonshine compared to legal alcohol? Or compared to during Prohibition?
Now—probably not so much. Back in the day, moonshine was pretty popular. If it weren’t, there wouldn’t have been objections in the South about the “revenooers”, or romanticized movies about moonshine running like “Thunder Road” (starring Robert Mitchum).
But that’s not really the point. The point is that what is now called legalization for pot is more “legalization under heavy government control and costs.”
If you compare the alcohol situation, you have to take motivation into account. In comparison to pot, even regulated alcohol with all its taxes is affordable (any poor bum can afford to be an alky). It’s also rather bulky.
In comparison, pot isn’t all that bulky (a pound of pot is worth a lot more than a 16 ounce can of beer), and the taxes appear to be higher relative to the cost of production. As is usually the case, the motive is profit. There isn’t all that much profit by comparison in moonshine today.
So, it’s the operating parameters—relative legal versus illegal product cost—and value per unit bulk—that determine popularity of contraband. That’s just black market economic incentive. The analogy between the two products, though, is IMHO pretty good, even if the details are different.
These 3 guys will be killed by the drug cartel for getting caught. Their families too.
Aye, there's the rub - it's entirely possible to tax legal pot heavily enough to perpetuate a significant black market, and some legalizing states may well be doing just that. Here's hoping they wise up.
Exactly what I was getting at. Taxes and hassles. Everybody understands the financial side. But, in addition, who wants to get on a government list of any sort if they don’t have to? For example, if Sessions had his way, he’d link an MJ authorization list to your second amendment rights.
Some famous judge once noted that, “The ability to tax is the ability to destroy.”
“marijuana becomes MORE illegal through the various mitigation laws which must be passed.”
Even makes the cops that refuse to work with the Feds work with the Feds.
I guarantee it's going on all over. Huge easy $$$$
It's all in cash too!!
“Sanctuary Islands”
Snort! But that makes perfect sense. “Get off our sovereign island!”
I hadn't heard that one gets on any "list" by buying legal pot.
In Medical MJ states, you have to get a specific ID card. Is that list enough?
And, in recreational states, your credit card info is at the stores... who’s to say they don’t retain them, or that they aren’t available in their records?
But, it’s the first one—the ID card—that I find bothersome.
Well, that depends, doesn't it? Are we talking about growing for personal use or for sale?
How are they going to find out unless you spill the beans that you're growing it?
That is not hyperbole or exaggeration. That is how these people operate, and they are very good at it.
There aren't a lot of stories in the news about MS-13 going after people who are growing for personal use.
I searched, but couldn't find any. Have you seen any stories like this? If so, could you provide a linky?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.