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Marijuana Laws Cost Taxpayers Billions

A new study finds the marijuana prohibition costs taxpayers $41.8 billion a year in law enforcement, diverts $113 billion from the legal economy, and loses a whopping $31.1 billion in revenue annually. The Marijuana Policy Project reports the sad numbers. I mean, think how many wars we could fund with that kind of money. Not to mention the cost of all the enviro-damage from growing in national parks and supposedly pristine wilderness areas. Not to mention the good medicine never taken.

And—shhh—don't tell the boozers, but Lawrence Welk—or Myron Floren—was on the toke many, many moons ago. Clearly the weed's been mainstream forever. Check out the video, sans bubbles:

Julia Whitty is Mother Jones' environmental correspondent. You can read from her new book, "The Fragile Edge," and other writings, here.






Comments

The whole concept of victimless crime is inherently wrong and unconscionable. Whether it is prostitution or drug use or gambling, if there is no victim, there is no crime.

There may be cases where a victim is either created or highly likely to be due to certain actions like drinking (or any other drug) and driving. In these cases, the crime is the drinking and drugs, not the drugs themselves.

Here is my plan for winning the war on drug lords, a totally winnable war, completely unlike the war on drug use.

http://misanthropicscott.wordpress.com/2007/10/03/lets-win-the-war-on-drug-lords/

Just read about this study on GlobalGrind.com, all I want to know is why aren't we spending this money on improving education or health care???

[all I want to know is why aren't we spending this money on improving education or health care???]

or, why aren't taxpayers allowed to keep this money to spend for their own needs, according to their own best judgement?

because politicians from both wings of the ruling party are addicted to the drug war

Posted by: Mr. Obvious on 10/09/07 at 3:02 PM  Respond

The prohibition against pot isn't about the drug - it's about control. A criminal conviction for possession is enough to keep millions of Americans out of the financial centers in this country. Jobs at Wall Street brokerages, banks, government offices, schools, and most professional careers are effectively closed to anyone with a pot conviction.

Posted by: rhoadie on 10/09/07 at 3:24 PM  Respond

all drug laws are about control of the citizen's behavior

laws regarding alcohol use are about control of the citizen's behavior

laws regarding tobacco use are about control of the citizen's behavior

seatbelt laws are about control of the citizen's behavior

but if you question THE LAW GIVERS, it's always 'for our own good', or it's 'for the children'

Posted by: Mr. Obvious on 10/09/07 at 3:41 PM  Respond

marijuana is the best same like this shop: http://www.water-bongs-glass-pipes.com/

Posted by: smithy321 on 12/28/07 at 3:58 AM  Respond

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