The federal government could inject an estimated $75 billion to $200 billion into our economy without spending a dime: Legalize marijuana. Why legalize?
Firstly, it is imperative to recognize that marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco. There is less risk of addiction, cancer and zero overdose risk.
We must also consider the societal costs. We spend $10 billion to 14 billion annually enforcing marijuana prohibition and force illicit markets to take to the streets (i.e. guns, cartels/organized crime, etc.). It costs money to prosecute drug offenders, incarcerate drug users and employ federal enforcement agents. Marijuana and hemp industries could affect our economy in an extremely positive manner. Some estimate that $50 billion is spent by the American public annually on marijuana alone.
As recently as World War II, hemp was produced for consumer and industrial use, having an overwhelmingly positive economic impact. Hemp is a viable bio-fuel and would thus prevent driving food prices skyward due to bio-fuel corn production.
American students under 18 smoke marijuana more frequently than students in the Netherlands, where marijuana is regulated. Pot prohibition is hurting our youth, not helping.
Let's do as George Washington did and start growing some marijuana.
News Hawk- Ganjarden 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: BlueRidgeNow.com
Author: Matthew Bajakian
Contact: Contact Us | BlueRidgeNow.com | Times-News Online | Hendersonville, NC
Copyright: 2009 BlueRidgeNow.com
Website: Legalize Marijuana
Firstly, it is imperative to recognize that marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco. There is less risk of addiction, cancer and zero overdose risk.
We must also consider the societal costs. We spend $10 billion to 14 billion annually enforcing marijuana prohibition and force illicit markets to take to the streets (i.e. guns, cartels/organized crime, etc.). It costs money to prosecute drug offenders, incarcerate drug users and employ federal enforcement agents. Marijuana and hemp industries could affect our economy in an extremely positive manner. Some estimate that $50 billion is spent by the American public annually on marijuana alone.
As recently as World War II, hemp was produced for consumer and industrial use, having an overwhelmingly positive economic impact. Hemp is a viable bio-fuel and would thus prevent driving food prices skyward due to bio-fuel corn production.
American students under 18 smoke marijuana more frequently than students in the Netherlands, where marijuana is regulated. Pot prohibition is hurting our youth, not helping.
Let's do as George Washington did and start growing some marijuana.
News Hawk- Ganjarden 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: BlueRidgeNow.com
Author: Matthew Bajakian
Contact: Contact Us | BlueRidgeNow.com | Times-News Online | Hendersonville, NC
Copyright: 2009 BlueRidgeNow.com
Website: Legalize Marijuana
