Inspired by an article written by Christina Sarich on
Natural Society | Anyone who thought the legalization of marijuana would be a
dangerous move is up against some serious numbers. Weed sales are continuing to incline, and
crime rates are continuing to decline.
Not counting medicinal weed sales, Colorado sold over $34 million in
their recreational weed market in the month of August JUST for the purpose of
recreation. $3.4 million of that (10%)
goes straight into government coffers and towards building schools. At this pace, according to PolicyMic,
Colorado will make at LEAST$30 million this year in pot taxes alone.
This is bringing in some serious tax money that is being
used to strengthen the community, provide free education, and is cleaning up
the streets in the process. How can
anyone argue with this?
What’s promising is that these numbers are expected to keep
going up to, and sales are expected to continue to incline(coinciding justfine, take note Washington). Many say
that a figure closer to $60 million in weed tax revenue is a more likely
assumption. Why is this not legal in
every state yet? Here is a graph showing
the continual increase in sales:
The best part is that crime rates are also down in
Colorado. Not just by a little bit, but
by a whopping 15%. And the murder rate
has dropped by 42%! We can expect that
the government will spend more money on improving infrastructure and other
business opportunities for Colorado citizens with all of this new tax revenue,
and unemployment rates are plummeting.
And let’s not forget the indirect economic benefits other
companies may be experiencing from marijuana legalization. Bakeries, grocery stores, pizza shops, and
restaurants will see a positive impact in the numbers they bring in. Marijuana is known to stimulate hunger, so
the legalization of pot will be better for the economy in a variety of ways.
With over 100 legal dispensaries available in Colorado right
now, we need to ask ourselves. Which
activity will lead to more destruction, violence, unhappiness, crime, and chaos
within a society. Going out and drinking
alcohol at bars? Or smoking weed in
cafes? With the statistics now making it
undeniable that the legalization of marijuana was the right decision, and we
need to be more open to the idea of legalizing marijuana. Not only for the sake of preserving basic
human rights, but also for the good of society and the economy.
Here is a video talking about the economy and crime rates
since the legalization: