2007-03-24 08:28:00 · 11 answers · asked by Kit 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
That's why it isn't legal in the first place, too many people can grow and produce it under the table.
Alcohol and cigarrettes are legal because its easy to tax consumers because its harder to make good booze or cigarettes w/o the needed chemicals produced by larger factories.
2007-03-24 08:38:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does the government make tax money off alcohol and cigarettes? You bet your life they would make money.
Governments which are so money-hungry and always searching to get more from the citizens haven't legalized it already....but why you ask? They could legalize, tax and control it themselves; similar to alcohol and tobacco.
There are 3 reasons they don't legalize it; (these are just my opinions, but I think they are valid)
#1: The majority of American adults, (voters) do not use marijuana on a regular basis. The person or party that passed a law legalizing marijuana would not be voted into office next election because of all the religious voters, anti-drug voters....and probably a good portion of adults paranoid because they have kids. Sure lots of adults smoke it, but not enough would vote for a party simply because they legalized marijuana. (which is why the US or Canadian Marijuana Parties haven't been voted in yet)
#2: Marijuana is used mostly by the younger population, (12 - 25 year olds) and most of that age group doesn't vote; so they wouldn't get the extra support at the polls. Also very important, that if they were to control it and limit the age of purchase to 21; that leaves 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 year olds to be the ones that are taxed heaviest. The government doesn't want to milk you for only a few years....they want to collect tax over your entire life; (i.e. cigarettes, alcohol and lotteries). Things you will buy until the day you die. Whats the use of collecting tax from someone like me who would buy weed maybe once or twice a year; wouldn't generate enough revenue. Once they find an addictive item to put in it; then they might.
#3: Drug dealers are actually good for the economy. Think about it. Lets say you got some 18 year old dealer making 10K a week. When I was 18, if I had that kind of money, do you think I would be doing the responsible things I am now with my money? Absoultely not! I'd be spending, spending, spending. Watches, cars, rims, concerts etc......blowing money like it's water. That stimulates the economy.
That's my 2 cents. So I think that as long as cigarettes, alcohol and lotteries are legal and controlled by the government; they won't legalize mary jane any time soon.
2007-03-24 16:05:30 · answer #2 · answered by habsfan3375 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The government itself would make a killing off of legalization. Think of all the money to be made from taxes, not to mention the money saved on less prisoners, reduced drug task force spending, court cases, etc. But, like everything else in this world, there is an opposite. All that saved money on police forces, prisoners, and court cases will result in a loss of many jobs throughout the government. Of course, it will create many government jobs as well; farmers, weed store clerks, government inspectors, delivery persons, etc. I say legalize it already!!!
2007-03-24 15:39:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. You tax it just like cigarettes and Booze. It will be sold in stores and controlled. They never will and they shouldn't make it legal to the point that you can grow it and buy it anywhere you want. It has to be controlled and their would also be age laws.
2007-03-24 15:33:08 · answer #4 · answered by jim h 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeahhh. They could do so much with that idea, simplest is they could employ people using the taxpayers money to grow vast vast vast fields of it and sell it themselves but not inform anyone that they are the company who sells it, and, and, and, and tax it. There so many crazy schemes that U.S government is capable of. You be the theorist.
2007-03-24 15:38:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tax!! Tax!!! Tax!!!
But first you would have to establish that they would make more money from taxing it than from fining everyone that gets caught with it already...
... so would they make MORE money if it was legalized or if they keep it illegal???
Its not about anyone's safety. And it can't be about health... otherwise alcohol and tobacco would be illegal... its all about money.
2007-03-24 15:35:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Legalize and tax it--but maybe the people who are making millions on it are contributing heavily to politicians that want to keep it illegal.
2007-03-24 15:35:01 · answer #7 · answered by stevemxusa 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sure, they could sell the millions of Lbs they're hoarding away for themselves from all the drug busts.
2007-03-24 15:36:11 · answer #8 · answered by MC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just like beer sales, they would prolly equal out for rehab, lost wages and accidents for impairment to tax revenue
2007-03-24 15:31:29 · answer #9 · answered by francis g 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dude, they could make ENORMOUS money-and just in time to replace tobacco taxes that was the goose that laid golden eggs (which they killed
2007-03-24 15:33:45 · answer #10 · answered by beauhonkus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋