I feel very strongly that Texas should make the selling and possession of marijuana legal and regulate it for several different reasons. First of all, if lawmakers would take a step back, they would realize that this legalization falls right in line with the natural progression they've been striving for all along in trying to be independent and pave their own "Texas" way. It doesn't make any sense that they are fighting an opportunity to let Texans do whatever they want in their own home and have a little more freedom.
Secondly, there is a whole lot of money to be made from legalizing marijuana and we all know how much that would make our government happy. They could tax the heck out it, pad their pockets, and still have leftover money to throw towards education, transportation, etc. In addition, if it were already legal, perhaps the border with Mexico wouldn't be so saturated with people trying to smuggle it in. Of course there will still be trafficking of all sorts because that is the world we live in, but border resources could be better spent on preventing human trafficking and fighting a war on actually harmful drugs.
This brings me to the most compelling reason, in my opinion, to legalize marijuana; not only is it the safest drug there is, it is a million times safer than drinking alcohol. For some reason this seems to never infiltrate Texas legislators' minds. It's a win for everyone and yet I am fully aware that Texas will fight this tooth and nail until it becomes a Federal law.
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Reading through a fellow classmate's blog I came across a post in regards to texas marijuana policy. An interesting point was made about the taxation and sale of marijuana legally. I firmly agree with the viewpoint that legalization with careful legislation and taxation would go greatly towards improving a few key issues facing our state. Border security and the struggle against drug and human trafficking through our southern border would be lifted of the burden that marijuana control and containment place on the shoulders of our border security officers allowing them to place a more strategic focus on other dangers faced by our Big River border. Let's begin to talk about the other kind of green, cash money. An online article by The Week featured data from harvard economist Jeffery Miron who goes on to say that an estimated $45 billion in taxable sales are slipping through our fingers. Have you ever heard of anyone dying from marijuana use? of course not. so all you smart politicians who run this great state of ours, if you want to get rich, while also boosting the amount of funding our state has, plus make everyone super mellow, then I suggest you start paying attention to a few other states nearby.
Robyn Evans’, “A Sticky Icky Situation”, brings attention to the increased demand for politicians to reform the current marijuana laws in the state of Texas. I agree with Robyn’s stance that Texas legislators should legalize the selling and possession of marijuana.
Marijuana has been viewed for several decades as harmful and highly addictive. With further studies and scientific research scientist have observed that these claims are false and contain no supportive evidence. Many doctors have detected the medicinal aspect of marijuana and continue to speak against the false allegations towards the substance. Why is something that is not harmful to someone’s health and can be used as a medicine be illegal?
The short answer is because the government has not come to any conclusions on how to regulate and tax marijuana. Some states within the US have taken the plunge to end the prohibition on marijuana and have successfully taxed and regulated the green leafy substance. Colorado, for example, has made the recreational use and sell of marijuana legal throughout the state to 21 and older patrons. This has only been implemented for one year and Colorado has already made $70 million in tax revenues. Although this is below the projected estimated tax revenue, it is still an increase of $70 million to their annual state taxes.
Many bills have been introduced into the current Texas legislative session and are waiting to be voted on within the Criminal Jurisprudence committee. For instance, HB 2165 is a bill that would repeal the prohibition on marijuana in the state of Texas and HB 507 would change the punishment for an ounce or less to just a civil offense not a criminal offense. These bills are a step in the right direction for Texas lawmakers and I hope that marijuana will become more of a social issue rather than a criminal issue.
Let’s make it un sticky then
A Sticky Icky Situation It's about to get Right and un-sticky. You got your petition, I have mind LOL… the reason that it was illegal for so many years, that the federal government like the CIA was making tons of money off of it. Its been proven Ron Paul’s theory about the CIA illegal drug dealing. They gain to make Millions of dollars a year, with it being illegal then legal that’s why they always had the FDA stepping in saying that if this drug is not a chemical compound then it’s illegal. Everybody wants their cut, You know marijuana is a herb or Herbal, you can cook with it, that mean its beautiful and lyrical LOL… or you can just smoke it or have it in Liquid form, so that means its curing ailments in sick people. I agree it should be legalized. Because it’s less harmless than alcohol itself and several other drugs. I don’t agree with the part about them lining their pockets because they are the ones who are truly killing the American dream. This problem has persistently being going on in our government system way before the Vietnam War. Read or listen to this piece that Ron Paul speaks about on the CIA, click here CIA . This is WADE34 signing out smoke yourself to a healthier you!!!!!.....
While reading through Robert Evans blog, “A Sticky situation”, I realize the importance of legalizing marijuana in Texas. Evan gives many opinionated view points on why Marijuana would benefit Texas. Evan questions whether it is fair that Marijuana should not be allowed in the freedom of your own home. I completely agree with his questioning concern because if Texans have the right to shoot someone in their own home they should have the right to smoke a little marijuana.
Evans also informs us that Texans would bring in a whole lot of money legalizing marijuana. Evans makes an excellent point because the government isn't legalizing marijuana, yet would love so much more to have extra money in his pocket. Another point that Evans puts out there is that This would help put a huge stop to the overload of marijuana being smuggled in by Mexico. This would be just one more thing to add on to the list of saving money.
The last point Evans makes is that Marijuana is safer than alcohol, yet alcohol is legalized and marijuana isn’t. I don't understand why Texas thinks this is okay? Alcohol has many harmful effects and risks peoples lives every day where marijuana has no bad outcomes from it. Overall Evans made very good view points and I completely agree with his opinions.
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