Pubdate: Thu, 18 Oct 2012 Source: Prince George Citizen (CN BC) Copyright: 2012 Prince George Citizen Contact: http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/350 Author: Joya Danyluk MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION NOT WORTH THE SOCIAL, HEALTH CARE COSTS Already dreaming about buying a cup of coffee sometime today? You might want to think again. With rumors overheard of the government thinking about the legalization of marijuana, you may want to start saving any extra cash for the day the government legalizes this drug, as you, the taxpayer, will be paying cash for the mistake the government will have made. It has been argued that through the legalization of marijuana, tax revenue would increase from five to twenty-two million dollars every year. Revenue that could be used to fund education, research on substance abuse and other government initiatives. The legal battles and the new bureaucracies do not begin to explain the costs that will be put on the taxpayers' shoulders should marijuana be legalized. It has been shown that smoking pot creates numerous health problems such as heart issues, cancer, and mental health concerns. In addition, it has been well documented that smoking pot impairs judgment and perception thus making driving and work related accidents more prevalent. Should legalization occur the government will be forced to spend more money to cover these costs, and, dare I say so boldly, the marijuana tax revenue will not even come close to covering those expenses. Which leaves, you, the tax payer, having to forget about buying that extra cup of coffee today so that tomorrow, you will have money to pay for the mistake the government will have made. It will be a no brainer for any pot free brain, that legalizing pot will cost the taxpayer far more than it brings in. Joya Danyluk Prince George - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom