Now to begin things I am not a personal user of marijuana, morally, I do not think it is something that needs to be used in the manner that people utilize it for. However, economically it makes perfect sense to legalize medical marijuana in Texas. People are going to smoke marijuana whether it is legal or illegal, why not have them pay a state tax every time they make a purchase? Since Texas does not levy a personal income tax, state sales tax makes up the largest portion of its revenues; Texas cannot afford to let a taxable substance like marijuana stay in the black market unaccounted for.
To close, I don't agree with the abuse of marijuana, but whether it is legal or illegal people are going to continue to buy and use it, so why shouldn't Texas collect a tax on it?
There are two simple questions that Texans and politicians are pondering during our current financial crisis. These questions are: Is there any alternative to creating revenue for Texas and would implementing it interfere with our current low-tax lifestyle?
ReplyDeleteMy colleague, Graham, has written an interesting article about legalizing marijuana use (medically) and taxing it similar to what we do with cigarettes and other socially undesirable products.
The legalization of marijuana use has come up time and time again and has a sizable support base within our country. So should our local government consider allowing its use and collect taxes on it?
I believe that this can be an option and merits some sort of discussion within our local government. Marijuana use is currently illegal due to beliefs that its heavy use is a stepping stone to more dangerous drugs and the effect can create lasting debilities for users.
But why are certain products like cigarettes and alcohol legally allowed in society when it has similar effects on the user. The problem stems from abuse of the drug, similar to alcohol abuse, which is the problem the government should be addressing rather than banning the product.
Marijuana is a lucrative product that millions across the nation use illegally and the proceeds from it are being used for other illegal activities. So why not step in and regulate it and use the proceeds from its tax to help contribute to needed services like education and healthcare.
I am no advocate of the use or abuse of any substance that interferes with the natural order of your body. But like Graham said, "legal or illegal, people are going to continue to buy and use it." So why let this revenue source fly off the radar.