The illegal sale of marijuana is a multi-billion dollar industry with the potential to be tamed and taxed. Colorado, being the first state to recreational cannabis, impressively received over 76 million dollars in tax revenue within its first year of legalization, according to The Cannabist journal. These taxes directly funded the state’s education system and law enforcement. Colorado sets the stage in providing a blatant example of the financial benefits associated with the legalization of such a cash crop. Ending the cannabis prohibition is no easy feat, and steps taken towards legalization are often minor compromises. The lack of research due to legal issues continues to provide the largest obstacle towards this movement. Each day new studies and personal testimonies advocate the promise towards public consciousness of the benefits. While the legal tug of war persists, all eyes remain on Colorado, and the remaining 22 states that have also legalized cannabis in their own way. These states provide our nation with a foundation of perception towards full, nationwide
The illegal sale of marijuana is a multi-billion dollar industry with the potential to be tamed and taxed. Colorado, being the first state to recreational cannabis, impressively received over 76 million dollars in tax revenue within its first year of legalization, according to The Cannabist journal. These taxes directly funded the state’s education system and law enforcement. Colorado sets the stage in providing a blatant example of the financial benefits associated with the legalization of such a cash crop. Ending the cannabis prohibition is no easy feat, and steps taken towards legalization are often minor compromises. The lack of research due to legal issues continues to provide the largest obstacle towards this movement. Each day new studies and personal testimonies advocate the promise towards public consciousness of the benefits. While the legal tug of war persists, all eyes remain on Colorado, and the remaining 22 states that have also legalized cannabis in their own way. These states provide our nation with a foundation of perception towards full, nationwide