There are many possible benefits to marijuana legalization. The medical applications of marijuana could still be utilized and further researched. It would stop the need for taxpayer dollars to be spent in order to prohibit it. In addition, it could generate tax money for the state regardless of if its price drops drastically due to legalization. According to Texas on the Brink (A Report from the Texas Legislative Study Group) Texas ranks 48th among the states in tax revenue raised per capita. Tax revenue needed for many state programs including the drastically underfunded education system. Another benefit for Texas specifically could be the reduced amount of smuggling across the Mexican border as a result of marijuana being more readily available. I believe that we should allow adults 21 and over to use, grow, sell, or cultivate marijuana. Money could be pumped into the economy at local, state, and federal levels. Regulations and Fees would have to be enforced in order to truly benefit. Education and the prevention of underage use could be implemented.
Some might argue that regulation is impossible and too many people would grow it on their own, but how many smokers grow their own tobacco? It's realistic to think that people would sooner buy marijuana from a local convenience store then grow it at home in such great numbers it somehow negates the positive effects of legalization.
Some might argue that regulation is impossible and too many people would grow it on their own, but how many smokers grow their own tobacco? It's realistic to think that people would sooner buy marijuana from a local convenience store then grow it at home in such great numbers it somehow negates the positive effects of legalization.
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