Pubdate: Tue, 23 Apr 2013
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2013 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Author: William Sterr

MEDICAL MARIJUANA TAX MISGUIDED

I could not disagree more with your April 11 editorial, "Balance the 
Pot Taxes," or state Sen. Ann Rivers' position. It is improper to 
consider taxing prescription medical marijuana, just as it would be 
improper to tax oxycodone.

The claim is made that, since the state intends to tax freely sold 
marijuana, there will be a rush to get the cheaper prescription 
variety. Hence the need to tax medical marijuana sales. People 
currently pay $10-15 for a single oxycodone tablet, and forged 
prescriptions are a daily problem. So why not tax oxycodone tablets 
at $8-12? More money for the state, and too bad about all the cancer 
and other chronic-disease sufferers who will be crushed by those 
taxes. At least the state will get more money and Sen. Rivers can 
protect the sweetheart tax loopholes of her constituents.

The marijuana tax, like the cigarette and liquor taxes, are "sin 
taxes" based on the religious concept of right and wrong behavior 
that should have no role in government decisions. What is appropriate 
is to tax these products in order to ameliorate their negative 
effects on society. It is not appropriate to tax prescriptions, food, 
nor other basic necessities.

William Sterr

VANCOUVER
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom