Should Marijuana be Legalized
In today’s politically charged environment, the legalization of marijuana remains a hotly debated subject. With forces on both sides of the issue arguing vehemently for their position, it is difficult to come to a reasonable solution. Considering the recent legalization of marijuana in Colorado, those in favor of the proposition point to the rise in sales and resulting 6 million-dollar increase in tax revenue as positive outcomes for the community (Haun, 2015). However, those in opposition, site the danger to local crops from the molds and funguses that grow on marijuana, and leakage of illegal pesticides used on these crops; not to mention, the increase in stoned driving accidents and the rise of marijuana usage among teenagers in the state of Colorado (Haun, 2015). Those against the legalization of marijuana also point to the escalation of …show more content…
% of all expected revenue for the state of Colorado. However, with the increased cost of law enforcement, the rise in drugged-driving accidents and highway fatalities, decreased productivity, and the increase in crime, it is questionable as to whether this increased revenue is as beneficial as it appears (Haun, 2015). Yet the increase in available dividend did benefit the Colorado school system which has received 13.3 million for the fiscal year of 2015. Voters agreed to a 15 percent excise tax on marijuana sales to be utilized only for school construction (O’Connell, 2015). The rise in revenue has also provided an economic upturn for Colorado. The state is now experiencing a rapidly growing economy while unemployment is at the lowest level since 2008. In addition, Google proposes to construct a leading-edge facility in Boulder (Way, 2015). Although these outcomes are undeniably favorable, they must be weighed against the detrimental
In today’s politically charged environment, the legalization of marijuana remains a hotly debated subject. With forces on both sides of the issue arguing vehemently for their position, it is difficult to come to a reasonable solution. Considering the recent legalization of marijuana in Colorado, those in favor of the proposition point to the rise in sales and resulting 6 million-dollar increase in tax revenue as positive outcomes for the community (Haun, 2015). However, those in opposition, site the danger to local crops from the molds and funguses that grow on marijuana, and leakage of illegal pesticides used on these crops; not to mention, the increase in stoned driving accidents and the rise of marijuana usage among teenagers in the state of Colorado (Haun, 2015). Those against the legalization of marijuana also point to the escalation of …show more content…
% of all expected revenue for the state of Colorado. However, with the increased cost of law enforcement, the rise in drugged-driving accidents and highway fatalities, decreased productivity, and the increase in crime, it is questionable as to whether this increased revenue is as beneficial as it appears (Haun, 2015). Yet the increase in available dividend did benefit the Colorado school system which has received 13.3 million for the fiscal year of 2015. Voters agreed to a 15 percent excise tax on marijuana sales to be utilized only for school construction (O’Connell, 2015). The rise in revenue has also provided an economic upturn for Colorado. The state is now experiencing a rapidly growing economy while unemployment is at the lowest level since 2008. In addition, Google proposes to construct a leading-edge facility in Boulder (Way, 2015). Although these outcomes are undeniably favorable, they must be weighed against the detrimental