Why The War On Medical Marijuana Is Almost Over
It almost seems like yesterday that medical marijuana was introduced with obstacles such as raids and crackdowns. Today, more and more medical dispensaries are available, and the common raids and crackdowns are less frequent. We can say this is because medical marijuana opposition is decreasing and acceptance is growing. But why exactly?
Congress Lifts Federal Ban On Medical Marijuana
According to Sec. 538 of bill H.R. 83, no more funds can be used from the Department of Justice to restrict “the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana.” in states that have legalized medical marijuana such as Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
In essence what this means is the DEA and federal prosecutors can no longer take advantage of a flaw in the system by using funds as they please. From now on, if they want to knowingly harass medical dispensaries, then they must reach into their own pockets.
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act
Proposed by House Representative Jared Polis, this act would decriminalize marijuana at a federal level, making it exactly like like alcohol. Basically no one over the age of 21 can purchase it, it cannot be used in public, etc. Although states like Oregon, Washington, and Colorado have already “legalized” marijuana this would make it official on a federal level. This would be great for someone from Oregon driving over to Washington carrying marijuana, not having to worry about a thing once crossing states lines.
Marijuana Tax Revenue Act
The act would impose a tax on marijuana, meaning customers would be subjected to paying an extra percentage on their purchase. Also taxed would be marijuana businesses. Medical marijuana would not be taxed.
According to the Tax Foundation, we can expect legalized marijuana to pull in up to $28 billion in tax revenue. Washington, which has legalized marijuana and taxes it, is expected to generate $154.6 million in taxes. Oregon, on the other hand has pulled in an alarming $14 million in taxes in one month.
Rejoicing as the war on marijuana is ending is great for many reasons, not only because of the legal availability and tax revenue but because unfair prosecution, fines and jail sentences will finally end. Criminal activity will decrease rapidly, and we will stop supporting black market marijuana.
It almost seems like yesterday that medical marijuana was introduced with obstacles such as raids and crackdowns. Today, more and more medical dispensaries are available, and the common raids and crackdowns are less frequent. We can say this is because medical marijuana opposition is decreasing and acceptance is growing. But why exactly?
