There is some talk about decriminalizing pot over and above marijuana for medical use —— then taxing it to pay for healthcare and whatever else politicians want. The tax part won’t fly. That’s why steam is still illegal. Here is why:
Individuals are legally entitled to make a certain amount of beer, wine, and whiskey for their own consumption. Not many American drinkers make their own hooch; so taxation is not a problem for the tax collector. Not so with Mary Jane. Assuming that Mary Jane will get the same personal-use exemption John Barleycorn enjoys, tens of millions of grasshoppers will grow their own (no one knows how many are already into gardening). Taxes collected on legal marijuana sales will be minuscule.
The unintended consequences in making an honest woman out of Mary Jane will take a huge bite out of cigarette and alcohols sales; followed by a tremendous lose of tax revenues from both. There is not one state that can survive that kind of a hit; so I don’t expect to see legal marijuana any time soon.
If Mr. Happyweed does have a real shot at going legal let’s do it as quickly as possible. I would really like to see how the courts deal with the personal-use issue?
And won’t it be a kick watching anti-tobacco moralists sing a different tune when they see a chance to get behind a little legal steam?


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