Pubdate: Fri, 06 Jun 2014
Source: Chico Enterprise-Record (CA)
Copyright: 2014 Chico Enterprise-Record
Contact:  http://www.chicoer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/861
Author: Bruce Baldwin

LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA WOULD HAVE HIDDEN COSTS

I appreciated the points raised in a recent letter regarding local
taxation of marijuana. The writer made good points on both sides of
the issue.

I believe that even if pot is taxed it will cost the taxpayers money,
as a quick look at legal drugs indicates. Federal excise taxes
collected on alcohol average around $9 billion; states collected
around $5.5 billion. Combined, these amounts are less than 10 percent
of the estimated $185 billion in alcohol-related costs to health care,
criminal justice, and the workplace in lost productivity.

Tobacco is even worse. The CDC estimates that we spend more than $200
billion on the social costs of smoking each year, but only about $25
billion is collected in taxes. You and I make up the difference.

Whether pot is taxed or not legalization will lead to increased
consumption and increased social costs. I hope voters will get the
facts before voting on issues of legalization and for candidates using
pot as a campaign platform.

Whether weed is legalized, decriminalized or remains illegal, there is
clear evidence that it is very damaging to young brains. Any law or
candidate that doesn't clearly state plans for increased youth
prevention efforts will ultimately cost us all.

- - Bruce Baldwin, Butte Valley
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MAP posted-by: Matt