Honestly Ron, the gov can set the target, and they'll hit it. If they decide to legalize pot, and they want 2.5 billion in tax off 2.5 billion in sales (ie, double the cost), I bet people would still pay it. I bet they could absolutely pull that in. Look at the taxes applied to cigs... people still keep paying.
B.C. 'Pot' tax could net billions if pot legalized
- Thread starter tay
- Start date
Honestly Ron, the gov can set the target, and they'll hit it. If they decide to legalize pot, and they want 2.5 billion in tax off 2.5 billion in sales (ie, double the cost), I bet people would still pay it. I bet they could absolutely pull that in. Look at the taxes applied to cigs... people still keep paying.
Thing is, do you have any idea of the REAL cost of cultivating - if it was legal? Most of what one pays on the street is dealer mark-up.
This is how the legalization of pot is being sold in the U.S... as a financial boon to cash strapped governments through taxation.
It is EXTREMELY shortsighted. Creating a workforce of cannabis addled zombies is not a way to resolve the economic crisis the West finds itself in. All economies are based on innovation and production.. which are being destroyed now by Free Trade and Monetarism.
Legalizing drugs.. and this is the thin edge of the wedge for total drug legalization.. is just a way of saying we are GIVING UP on an integrated industrial economy and equitably shared prosperity... maybe things will at least look better if we're stoned.
It is EXTREMELY shortsighted. Creating a workforce of cannabis addled zombies is not a way to resolve the economic crisis the West finds itself in. All economies are based on innovation and production.. which are being destroyed now by Free Trade and Monetarism.
Legalizing drugs.. and this is the thin edge of the wedge for total drug legalization.. is just a way of saying we are GIVING UP on an integrated industrial economy and equitably shared prosperity... maybe things will at least look better if we're stoned.
What century were you born in? Most junkies and coke heads are professionals. Many people can even function in business being alcoholics. Some people get lazy on pot but more get very creative. Most pot smokers only smoke on the weekend for recreation and relaxation.
I bet you think Reefer Madness was a documentary.
You don't work in industry do you? If you did you'd know piss tests are pretty much mandatory.
Yeah, the pot smokers I know are ruining this economy. Oh, wait.....real estate agents, lawyers, business owners, scaffolders, truck drivers.....hmmmm....they all seem to manage just fine and actually are quite prosperous despite personal time use of marijuana. In fact, without pot, one of the business owners I know would never be able to function as he does. He's a rageacholic if he isn't smoking a bit. The only time it would be a huge issue is if people were using at work. But that goes for alcohol and other addictions though.
I was born in the 1950s and was a full participant in the cultural revolution of the 60s and 70s. Part of my prejudice against pot comes from my experience with it, which for a year or two was habitual. Its reputation for producing lethargy, disengagement and disinterest in an active life.. to paranoia.. unto psychosis.. is fully justified imho.
The 'high performing' junkie.. or alcoholic is a MYTH. Someone who is dependent.. define dependence as someone who is in the control of, rather than controlling.. substances, is performing at a fraction of his or her potential. And he is likely wrecking his homelife as well and other relationships and responsibilities. No one gets 'active' on pot.
And i think i saw Reefer Madness when i was high once... i do not believe it turns you into an axe murderer.. i just don't think it turned anyone into some kind of creative genius either.
Nothing good will come of legalizing pot. It'll lead to legalization of all drugs.. and in and of itself it is a drug that curtails human potential.. and unlike alcohol... cannabis users are ALWAYS stoned. It stays in your system that long.
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Pot was relatively unheard of in North America until prohibition except for a few jazz musicians and Mexicans. Prohibition has and will always be the problem. It is responsible for most criminal activity involving drugs and of course, the legal system has become addicted to the massive amounts of revenue generated by such crimes.
Also, people who become paranoid on pot probably have a predisposition to being paranoid. I also know people who are lethargic when straight and become very active when stoned. Basing your opinions on pot based on your personal experience just makes you prejudice because the majority of evidence is quite opposite.
Also, people who become paranoid on pot probably have a predisposition to being paranoid. I also know people who are lethargic when straight and become very active when stoned. Basing your opinions on pot based on your personal experience just makes you prejudice because the majority of evidence is quite opposite.
You want an example of a nation that has all but legalized pot try Jamaica. As a haven of prosperity and enlightenment it leaves a great deal to be desired. As petros said decriminalization makes more sense than outright legalization, especially as increased government revenue from legalized pot sales is not likely to materialize.
Here is a link to two fairly detailed articles on marijuana use in Jamaca. They are a bit outdated (1996 and 2002) but I suspect very little has changed in the way of pot use in Jamaica since that time.
Ganja in Jamaica
Jamaica's ganja study | Cannabis Culture
Here is a link to two fairly detailed articles on marijuana use in Jamaca. They are a bit outdated (1996 and 2002) but I suspect very little has changed in the way of pot use in Jamaica since that time.
Ganja in Jamaica
Jamaica's ganja study | Cannabis Culture
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So you were the typical lazy assed early 20 something slacker. That happens with or without pot. It's called growing up.