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
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom