Pubdate: Sun, 17 May 2009
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Copyright: 2009 The Sacramento Bee
Contact:  http://www.sacbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376
Author: Ralph W. Conner
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n495/a12.html

WHERE WOULD LEGAL-POT ROAD LEAD?

Re "Governor asks: What if pot's legal and taxed?" (Page A1, May 6): 
Facing a budget crisis of epic proportions, Gov. Arnold 
Schwarzenegger is considering the practicality of legalizing 
recreational marijuana and taxing its smokers. A new Field Poll 
revealed that 56 percent of California registered voters support 
legalizing and taxing marijuana.

An analysis by the state Board of Equalization projects California 
would collect $1.3 billion a year from tax revenues and a 
$50-an-ounce levy on retail sales if marijuana were legal.

This strategy eliminates the "street tax" - essentially, the cost pot 
smokers pay for handling illegal substances and the attendant risk 
for suppliers and consumers. If marijuana were legalized, consumers 
would purchase their weed without the dealer risk and opportunity 
costs, but they'd certainly suffer sticker shock when the 
$50-per-ounce fee is levied and passed on to consumers.

Once tax-salivating legislators and federal and state bureaucracies 
legalize marijuana, how long will it be before they employ the 
tobacco strategy: Enlist the health care industry to mandate 
FDA-approved pot and start raising more onerous taxes on weed to 
discourage use by youths and adults?

- - Ralph W. Conner, Chicago

The Heartland Institute
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom