Daniel Stein says the salvation of U.S. taxpayers could be marijuana.
As Washington breaks the bank on Wall Street bailouts, President Barack Obama's stimulus package and other spend-now, pay-later measures, most observers agree that politicians will eventually need to increase revenue or cut spending to cover the federal government's debts.
Stein believes Washington could begin to balance its books now if politicians would take a serious look at his industry. The owner of two retail outlets that he claims generate $1 million in revenue annually, Stein says he pays around $80,000 a year in sales taxes to the state of California. But the federal government, which does not acknowledge Stein's sales as legitimate commerce, gets nothing from his business.
Sound odd? Not if you know that Stein sells marijuana.
In fact, because federal authorities have spent time trying to close his and other medical-marijuana clubs, Washington is losing money on him.
Imagine how much the feds would save if they stopped cracking down on sellers, Stein says.
"Cannabis is good for the economy," he said. "It's been here the whole time, but it's had a bad rap the entire time."
As more people begin to see the merits in Stein's logic, that bad rap is changing. While legalization, decriminalization and the medical use of marijuana continue to be debated in terms of public health, lawmakers and policy analysts are increasingly touting the economic benefits of regulating and taxing weed, which the Office of National Drug Control Policy says is the most popular illegal drug in the U.S.
Critics of legalizing marijuana say the potential economic benefits of regulating and taxing the drug would obscure the less-tangible, long-term downsides of making it more prevalent in society.
"The argument wholly ignores the issue of the connection between marijuana and criminal activity and also the larger picture of substance abuse," said David Capeless, the district attorney of Berkshire County in Massachusetts and the president of the state's district attorneys association. "It simply sends a bad message to kids about substance abuse in general, which is a wrong message, that it's not a big deal."
A 2004 report by the drug policy office said drugs cost Americans more than $180 billion related to health care, lost productivity and crime in 2002. That study lumped the effects of marijuana in with more-dangerous drugs, such as cocaine and heroin.
But marijuana advocates say history is on their side. They muster arguments similar to those that led to repealing Prohibition during the Great Depression.
"In the early 1930s, one of the reasons that alcohol was brought back was because government revenue was plummeting," Harvard economist Jeff Miron said. "There are some parallels to that now."
Like a steely blade in a silken sheath
We don't see what they're made of
They shout about love,
But when push comes to shove
They live for the things they're afraid of
---------------------------------------------
Rush - "The Weapon (Part II of Fear)"
There are those who treat every human
interaction as a military engagement that
could escalate into a potential battle
leading to a nice, satisfying conflict
that's part of a war. There is a name for
such people. They're called assholes.
-------------------------------------------
Stanley Bing - "Sun Tzu Was A Sissy"
Makes sense to me. Of course, I go a lot further by advocating the legalization of all drugs, but I know that's not going to happen for a long time if ever. I'd say some sensible policy is better than none, and legalizing and taxing marijuana definitely qualifies as "some sensible policy" in my opinion.
Makes sense to me. Of course, I go a lot further by advocating the legalization of all drugs, but I know that's not going to happen for a long time if ever. I'd say some sensible policy is better than none, and legalizing and taxing marijuana definitely qualifies as "some sensible policy" in my opinion.
Cops have always referred to drug-infested areas as "self-cleaning ovens". I don't have any problem with that at all.
Makes sense to me. Of course, I go a lot further by advocating the legalization of all drugs, but I know that's not going to happen for a long time if ever. I'd say some sensible policy is better than none, and legalizing and taxing marijuana definitely qualifies as "some sensible policy" in my opinion.
*
i agree...legalize all drugs and their distribution and sale
you can pay a doctor for advice if you don't know how to safely use them.
^^^^^^^^
they are available now but with high social cost and danger for law enforcement.
ever heard of a broccoli farmer "bustin' a cap" in a cop?...no he doesn't have to to get his product to customers
Do I want my kids and grandkids smoking pot because it's "legal"? NO NO NO and an infinite number of NO's
I understand the medical aspect and can live with that for those who find relief from it but make it legal? I have seen too many wasted on it in my youth and lives ruined....besides I thought ya'll harbored nothing but angst at smokers. While true that marijuana can be "inhaled" in other ways than smoking it just how many are going to bother not to "smoke"!
You really think the fact that it's illegal will stop them? All it really does is put them at risk of a criminal record and incarceration if they do.
The vast majority of criminal codes have been amended to make simple possession under a specified amount a class 3 misdemeanor, better known as a traffic ticket.
Actually they haven't and they don't. I did teach them right from wrong. I just don't want the temptation without penalty to be there. It is a deterrent for many and I think it is a good thing.
Actually they haven't and they don't. I did teach them right from wrong. I just don't want the temptation without penalty to be there. It is a deterrent for many and I think it is a good thing.
_________________________________________________
I have to disagree. I was very much a pothead at one point on my life (amongst other things). Yes, it became more of my life than I would like to admit. But the fact that it was illegal had NOTHING to do with it. In fact, to start, the fact that it was illegal was very enticing. I wanted to be 'cool'. Have an 'edge'. Be a 'bad boy'. At least that is how it started.
I haven't touched the stuff in over 7 years now. But to as many the illegality is a deterrent, to just as many it is an enticement. I can assure you.
The key, as with anything, is to learn respect. The same applies to pot as it does alcohol. Take away the legality of the issue and find out which of the two kills more, is more addictive, and has a higher violent crime rate.
I do understand your concerns. But they are based upon the socially accepted norms of the times. Marijuana is still very much taboo. But only for the reasons of tradition. Nothing more.
Alright then, let's look at this another way that could potentially affect any one of us. Would you like a doctor stoned on pot doing surgery on you? Would you like a fireman stoned trying to save your family from a fire? Would you like an EMT performing essential treatment on you to treat you on your way to the hospital? Would you like a teacher who was stoned teaching your child chemistry experiments?
Alright then, let's look at this another way that could potentially affect any one of us. Would you like a doctor stoned on pot doing surgery on you? Would you like a fireman stoned trying to save your family from a fire? Would you like an EMT performing essential treatment on you to treat you on your way to the hospital? Would you like a teacher who was stoned teaching your child chemistry experiments?
Not on your life here for me!
*******************************
Nor would I. However, I wouldn't want them socked to the gills with alcohol either (which is entirely legal). In fact, if I had a choice, I'd rather they smoked the weed. The surgery might take a little longer, but they wouldn't puncture anything important.
Alright then, let's look at this another way that could potentially affect any one of us. Would you like a doctor stoned on pot doing surgery on you? Would you like a fireman stoned trying to save your family from a fire? Would you like an EMT performing essential treatment on you to treat you on your way to the hospital? Would you like a teacher who was stoned teaching your child chemistry experiments?
Not on your life here for me!
***************************************************************
Ok my turn....No I wouldn't want any Dr. stoned doing surgery on me. But that Dr. might be stoned out on any prescription drug that is easily obtained in any hospital he or she works in. Honestly just because pot may or may not become legal in the future. Doesn't mean we are going to have millions of pot heads running around stoned with the munchies! I kind of have the same opinion Mike has.
Alright then, let's look at this another way that could potentially affect any one of us. Would you like a doctor stoned on pot doing surgery on you? Would you like a fireman stoned trying to save your family from a fire? Would you like an EMT performing essential treatment on you to treat you on your way to the hospital? Would you like a teacher who was stoned teaching your child chemistry experiments?
Not on your life here for me!
____________________________________________
Not on mine, either! But legalizing it doesn't automatically breed irresponsibility. Those same doctors, firemen, EMT's, and teachers would be just as likely to perform their jobs drunk out of their minds, or hopped up on anything they can get their hands on legally. In fact, your surgeon could be taking hits off your anesthetic while you are out. Your fireman could already be sucking on gas fumes. The EMT could be hopped up on some nitrous oxide from a can of whipped cream (let's think about your dentist too!). ANd your science teacher could have a meth lab in his basement.
The drugs don't breed stupidity or irresponsibility. Irresponsible people do stupid things. And 'the law' ain't gonna stop them.
I want to add that I do understand why you feel the way you do. It's the easily understandable mentality that:
drugs = bad
marijuana = drug
therefore marijuana = bad
I get it. And in some ways I even agree. But the same equation applies to almost anything. Alcohol is just the easiest comparison. But the list goes on: pain killers, nitrous, aerosol, Nyquil, nicotine....... They are all perfectly OK (and legal) when used responsibly.
Just the same with drunk drivers - you punish those that act irresponsibly and endanger the well being of others. THat would not change. ANd I would support HARSH penalties for those that do.
I've seen more kids messed up from snorting glue now a days. Or cooking up crap with cold meds in it.. I don't hear of many kids smoking like when I was younger. When I go visit my nephew in DE at college none of them smoke at all. Mostly they drink and some other things..But none of them smoke. Honestly when I partied I had better control of myself more so than if I take Nyquil or my allergy meds that I take every day now! Hell I have to take childrens Benadryl and I still wouldn't trust myself to drive with that.
The purpose of many things mentioned as examples were not made for the illegalities they are being used for. I know many of you would support the legalizing of marijuana, however from my own personal observations of people high on pot I will never vote to legalize it for anything other than medicinal use. I draw my line there....where you choose to draw yours is your own.
I believe you're wrong, beastie, it isn't the pot that ruins people it's the illegality of it. Many many many productive people smoke on a regular basis. I'm sure your experience was profound to you but not everyone who smokes pot sits on their ass all day doing nothing but staring at video games and eating chips or whatever, by a long shot. Those that waste their lives smoking pot would probably waste their lives on something esle if they didn't have pot anyway.
I have not been given a choice regarding alcohol. BTW I do not drink either. I probably should also mention we were the victims of a drunk driver and I was very involved as a victim's advocate with MADD....very traumatic for those innocent victims and their families. I did a lot of public speaking and service announcements on that subject to the public and young Marines and Sailors as there was a Marine Base in town.
This message has been edited by beastmom on May 7, 2009 11:49 PM
I have not been given a choice regarding alcohol. BTW I do not drink either. I probably should also mention we were the victims of a drunk driver and I was very involved as a victim's advocate with MADD....very traumatic for those innocent victims and their families. I did a lot of public speaking and service announcements on that subject to the public and young Marines and Sailors as there was a Marine Base in town.
____________________________________
I was (am) also an advocate against drunk driving, and was a member of SADD in high school. I support harsh penalties for even first time offenses - mandatory jail time in any case. And although I was once a drinker, I have not done that but maybe one or two drinks in the last 8 years. But I still very much believe alcohol should remain a legal substance.
You say you have not been given the choice. My question is, if you had the choice, would alcohol be a legal substance?
Mike posted "Marijuana is still very much taboo.""
I thought about Mike stating this little fact. And once again I have to agree with him.. I remember when I was still going out to parties before I was married and had a daughter. Pot would come up in the subject and older people would say (older than myself) OMG you smoke? Meanwhile they are dividing up a bag of vicodin that his wife just Dr. shopped to get! I couldn't understand that one at all..When I asked they would say well pot is illegal! Well isn't what your wife just did illegal? No response of course.
Having been around people with addiction problems my whole life. I would have to say if I had my choice I much rather be around a person who smokes a little after work to relax as compared to a person who comes home and downs a six pack! I have never encountered a person who is high (just on pot) that has been nasty or a sloppy high.. A while back on one of our family vacations with the in laws. My hubby fessed up to his father they he used to get high all the time when he was younger in his 20-30's. His Dad looked at him and said "oh you don't need that shit grow up" Meanwhile his famous saying is "it's 5 o'clock somewhere" drinking his bloody mary at 11 in the morning. So I nicely said "well what's the difference from what you do with drinking? You are doing it to relax right? You don't need that shit do you? Of course he wouldn't respond! He does the same with me still smoking cigarettes also. Yes it's bad but so is drinking your liver into the size of a raisin!
For that matter how about Doctors working too long a shift, Nurses understaffed for patient load etc etc.
When my wife was in the hospital she sometimes had bad outcomes with various minor procedures because everyone was worn out from doing all the long major procedures. Yea legal grass would open up some areas of concern but it would close others. I would not drink at least one hour before driving any more, but once upon a time I uttered the totally stupid statement: "We are going to have to drive, I am way too drunk too walk."
Didn't get caught, didn't harm myself or anyone else. Grew up without having to have caused a disaster or been jailed I bet it happens with pot too.
"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." -- Thomas Jefferson
We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology. - Carl Sagan
I believe that every right implies a responsibility, every opportunity an obligation; every possession, a duty. - John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
Would you like a fireman stoned trying to save your family from a fire? Would you like an EMT performing essential treatment on you to treat you on your way to the hospital? Would you like a teacher who was stoned teaching your child chemistry experiments?
My reply to you is another question......why would ANY of those people use ANY drugs while working? I'll bet MANY of them drink during their off hours, and alcohol is a legal DRUG, y'know. I have known many doctors and nurses who smoke pot, but NONE of them ever went to work stoned.
This message has been edited by pphhrogg on May 8, 2009 7:13 PM
I would hope not Janie....but it just opens up a whole new avenue of possibilities if it is made legal. As for the alcohol factor...since alcohol is legal it is a much more difficult issue....it is much harder to repeal something that is legal than it is to factor a new legality like you all discuss pot. I don't drink and I can tell you it is extremely tragic and horrendous to have to hear, for one example, of a young husband and father coming home from work on his motorcycle, being hit by a drunken driver (who it was testified was a good man by his friends at sentencing) and dragged for almost a mile before the shouts of people brought him to a halt because he did not even know he hit anything or someone. The drunk driver who ran into my living room while I was in there with a 5 month old baby had so many DWI's he had no license by that point. We were lucky...we saw the headlights of the flatbed truck coming right at us and had time to get out of the way. He was so drunk he backed up and took off with cops in pursuit and when they caught him he just fell out of the truck unable to stand. Not everyone is as fortunate as we were though.
It is personal responsibility when excess of anything is used....look at the underage kids (some even in elementary school) who are using alcohol and becoming alcoholics by Jr. High and High School. Now I know how you guys in favor will respond....but I personally do not favor and never will favor the legalization of pot for anything other than medicinal purposes. When you make something legal it's access and availability expands tenfold at least! Even when illegal, another example....my little one's (my youngest granddaughter) sperm donor was often provided with pot and other drugs by his PARENTS no less as he was growing up. Do I condone enabling more like this? I think NOT!
....whether it is LEGAL or not wouldn't make much difference, beastmom....imo. I've know many doctors and nurses who smoke pot on their off time....and it isn't even legal. Making it legal won't change anything....except to raise tax revenues and let people smoke it (recreationally) without worrying about getting busted. I don't think ANYONE advocates the use of ANY drugs for school-aged children, but they can get whatever they wish (in the way of drugs or guns) right now.
This message has been edited by pphhrogg on May 8, 2009 7:49 PM
![[linked image]](http://www.network54.com/Realm/JansRealm/wfelix.gif)
