Is Legalizing Marijuana the Way Out of Budget Deficits?

Some say it is for California, other states, and even the federal government

By U.S. News Staff

July 9, 2009 RSS Feed Print

In a new ad being aired in California, a marijuana legalization group is arguing that the best way to fix California's massive budget woes is to legalize pot. Reports the AP: "'We're marijuana consumers,' says Nadene Herndon of Fair Oaks [in the ad], who says she began using marijuana after suffering multiple strokes three years ago. 'Instead of being treated like criminals for using a substance safer than alcohol, we want to pay our fair share.'" Is legalizing marijuana the best way to fix state, or even federal, budget deficits? Is it the best way for California specifically? If not, how can alcohol remain legal—and taxed—when marijuana is not? Post your thoughts.

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Take our poll: Is legalizing marijuana the best way to fix state, or even federal, budget deficits?

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While yes, the idea of legalizing "weed" sounds great to the budget defects we have in this country, however I know that it may be sold in stores and taxed like crazy, Drug dealers will have it cheaper, usually laced with a higer more addictive drug (hence the "gate way drug" concept.) How is the U.S. benifiting? Not so much, but dealers are. Its a fabulous idea but I think we've learned from our countries past that things dont always go as planned.

T.T. of NY 7:33PM September 08, 2011

Am I ever sorry that my mom is missing this discussion. She died last Spring at the age of 92 and she went to her grave strongly believing and voicing that marijuana should be legalized. She never tried it, but she knew that it was ridiculous for this country to spend ("waste") all the money it is spending trying to fight marijuana when it would be much smarter to make money off of it. Legalize it, regulate it, "tax the hell out of it" were her thoughts. She didn't live to see it happen but maybe I will. It is time. Go after the crack producers. I live in Kentucky and this state could, once again, grow marijuana legally, like it did during WWI for hemp rope, and create jobs and tax revenue.

Ann Dixon of KY 3:47PM November 05, 2009

Marijuana could easily stimulate our economy. If all 50 states legalized, more jobs would be open. Growing marijuana isnt the easiest process ever, it could open many jobs for americans. I know so many drug dealers who make so much money from illegally selling Marijuana, think if all that money from 50 states could go to our economy. Millions, I mean millions of americans already smoke marijuana, whats going to stop them? If we leagalized, buying marijuana would be much easier for the user, more people would start which means more money, I think our goverment needs to start focusing on hard drugs, such as Herion and Cocaine. These are the drugs that destroy lifes.

Christopher G. of VA 2:08PM November 05, 2009

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