Could Legalizing Marijuana Help the Economy?

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Not only would legalizing and taxing marijuana raise millions in taxes it would save the billions now being spent every year enforcing the laws and incarcerating thousands of offenders.
In addition legalizing marijuana would create a profitable cash corp for farmers. And if marijuana were legal there would be no need for the laws against growing hemp, a cheap, easy to grow and very profitable crop.
Hemp is now illegal to grow because in the field law enforcement cannot tell the difference between it and marijuana. The US imports millions of pounds of hemp a year and the durable, long lasting fibers are used to manufacture everything from rope to fine fabrics.
I do not understand why people want to get stoned anymore than I understand why people want to get drunk. But some people are going to and laws are not going to stop them. It is time we got smart and taxed their activity.

Gwen Starcher of OH 5:46PM February 28, 2009

Re-legalize it.

Harry J Anslnger of FL 5:28PM February 28, 2009

Well, of course legalizing and taxing marijuana would be a boon for both the economy and for the American people. Since it's legally available to medical patients in many states, now, and since most people recognize it as a benign herb, much safer than alcohol or tobacco, why in the world isn't it?

Charles Clemens of MI 4:28PM February 28, 2009