Pot, Weed, Bud are some of the names marijuana goes by. Either way people are lighting up and smoking the plant. There is a growing movement for the legalization of recreational marijuana among citizens. Cash strapped states are looking at the possible revenues associated with legalizing recreational use. There are surely pros and cons associated with legalization. The cost of punishing marijuana users is a burden on society. Legalizing recreational marijuana use is an economical advantage.
Marijuana legalization would benefit society. The problem is that due to federal law possession and use of marijuana is illegal. Washington and Colorado have legal marijuana for recreational use in their states. Colorado almost collected $70 million …show more content…
The largest of the concerns is the federal law that prevents marijuana businesses from having bank accounts. To compensate all transactions are in cash. From a business perspective this is awesome, as “cash is king.” The drawback is that this cash is often stored in back rooms, warehouses, and safes. This lack of access to banking is the single most dangerous aspect of legal marijuana. This could lead to an increase in theft and robbery cases. While this is a valid point to be considered, the logic is flawed. Laws could be enacted giving access to businesses in the marijuana market. This alone would reduce the potential theft from the backrooms and warehouses. Other arguments against legalization include black market dealings, deliberately targeting minors, trafficking, and the public health affect (Coleman, 2014). Black market sales of marijuana would continue even if legislation is passed to legalize cannabis. Currently marijuana is cheaper to buy illegally due to taxes associated with selling legally. Black market sales will continue because Mexican drug cartels have a significant profit motive for existing black market providers to stay in the market, as “as they can still cover their costs of production and make a nice profit (Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana,
Marijuana legalization would benefit society. The problem is that due to federal law possession and use of marijuana is illegal. Washington and Colorado have legal marijuana for recreational use in their states. Colorado almost collected $70 million …show more content…
The largest of the concerns is the federal law that prevents marijuana businesses from having bank accounts. To compensate all transactions are in cash. From a business perspective this is awesome, as “cash is king.” The drawback is that this cash is often stored in back rooms, warehouses, and safes. This lack of access to banking is the single most dangerous aspect of legal marijuana. This could lead to an increase in theft and robbery cases. While this is a valid point to be considered, the logic is flawed. Laws could be enacted giving access to businesses in the marijuana market. This alone would reduce the potential theft from the backrooms and warehouses. Other arguments against legalization include black market dealings, deliberately targeting minors, trafficking, and the public health affect (Coleman, 2014). Black market sales of marijuana would continue even if legislation is passed to legalize cannabis. Currently marijuana is cheaper to buy illegally due to taxes associated with selling legally. Black market sales will continue because Mexican drug cartels have a significant profit motive for existing black market providers to stay in the market, as “as they can still cover their costs of production and make a nice profit (Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana,