Submitted by wildfireonvenus t3_10aj2nv in Pennsylvania
Alternative-Flan2869 t1_j44l42p wrote
Now pass recreational cannabis to make up for lost revenue.
seattlesnow t1_j461qbe wrote
Its not that simple. Especially with MJ, a lot of legacy states are going to learn the hard way that pot taxes isn’t going to pay the bills.
Excelius t1_j468ovj wrote
Every little bit helps, and cannabis should be legalized for it's own merits regardless of the revenue potential.
That said the activists obsessed with this issue tend to vastly overstate the revenue potential.
Just as a comparison of size, over a decade PA diverted $4.2 billion from the infrastructure piggybank funded by the gas tax to the state police. As I recall, that amounted to about a quarter of the fund.
Since Colorado legalized cannabis in 2014, they've collected $2.4 billion in total.
I think people tend to forget that cannabis is kind of a niche recreational product, and inherently can't produce that much tax revenue in the grand scheme of things. It's almost like... the average person buys a lot more gas than weed.
seattlesnow t1_j46cy8h wrote
Legacy States — pot is not going to pay the bills. Weed shouldn’t even be taxed. I should be able to buy a sac, a cart, and some dabs form Giant Eagle with my OJ.
We could tax millionaires but gawd forbid we shift the tax burden to the wealthy. Instead lets keep the boot on the necks of the working classes.
Seriously — people are bit overzealous thinking about revenue from pot taxes. Then go cite some rural state or state like Colorado that ain’t The Commonwealth.
Toll I-80.
piperonyl t1_j46dxls wrote
Tolling the interstate is the opposite of taxing the wealthy. Its taxing the working class.
seattlesnow t1_j46g59b wrote
The US is not serious about climate change.
piperonyl t1_j46gblh wrote
No shit but wtf does that have to do with taxing the wealthy and a toll road
Weary_Ad7119 t1_j45obqa wrote
What makes you think most stoners aren't using the mmj program?
Edit: Down votes for a question? This sub sucks so much ass.
mangusman07 t1_j45u2x2 wrote
What makes you think paying $175-$225 per year in license renewal fees isn't a barrier of entry to many in our state?
squatcharchist t1_j45x8d6 wrote
Why require a license in the first place if they’re pretending it’s medicinal only? I’ve never needed a license for Tylenol. Either make it recreational or decriminalize if it’s just for the revenue or let people get their medicine.
Weary_Ad7119 t1_j45yh7w wrote
I never said it wasn't a dumb program. I just think it's already heavily used and most recreational users already are on it. Folks have lost their shit over a question about market penetration 🤣. Y'all need a joint.
squatcharchist t1_j45ze5r wrote
Wasn’t disagreeing with you, figured I could expand on the point. Don’t even smoke due to work, just think the whole thing is crazy.
Weary_Ad7119 t1_j45yc2s wrote
Never said it wasn't. I just question how many people are kept off the program and how much additional revenue it would bring in. Not that we can prove it either way but I'd be happy to make a bet that 85% of stoners have their mmj card and are using the program. I just can't see a huge influx in tax revenue. I'm all for recreational. Folks are getting their pitchforks out over their weed 🤣.
mangusman07 t1_j4669eg wrote
Can't use banks
Can't buy edibles
People are being denied jobs because they possess a MMJ card https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/09/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-job-fired/
What about all the people who are curious to try it, but aren't going to go out of their way to get diagnosed with anxiety (or are 'lucky' enough to have a more serious medical issue), get approved for MMJ by a certified MMJ doctor, pay the state $50 for a card, wait two weeks for it in the mail, and then fight through the first-timer scpheel at the dispensary?
What about the tax money wasted on policing/arresting/convicting marijuana use?
There is a ton of tax revenue yet to be captured by legalization. I'm glad you're not opposed to legalization, but you're getting downvoted (by others) for stating your opinion as supposed fact. https://www.cato.org/tax-budget-bulletin/budgetary-effects-ending-drug-prohibition here's an article that discusses decriminalization vs legalization and the impact on tax revenue, in case you'd like an informed opinion.
kdeltar t1_j45wen8 wrote
You’re being downvoted because you speak like Dwight schrute
Weary_Ad7119 t1_j45xqo3 wrote
👌👍
full_bodied_muppet t1_j46ay1i wrote
Asking a question is fine. You're being downvoted for asking in bad faith. It's clear you already had your answer decided, and starting with "what makes you think..." is antagonistic.
djarvis77 t1_j463kha wrote
The answer to the question is, many stoners do fake illness to get the weed.
But that doesn't matter.
Medicine should not be taxed and a medical program should not be used instead of a recreational program. Weed should be legal...not sorta legal with a bit of lying and what not. It should be legal. We should be able to buy a pack of weed at wawa...or at least at a regular dispensary, or even state store if you must, like they have in civilization.
Weary_Ad7119 t1_j46582k wrote
I'm not saying it's not dumb. I'm saying it's already in use and there is little additional revenue to be had. Everyone is being all sorts of tribal any this question lol.
untilyouredead t1_j47z29r wrote
what are you even talking about? little additional revenue to be had? where is your logic in this bahahahah
kdeltar t1_j45tmqc wrote
Beware the devil’s lettuce!
MrP3rs0n t1_j46rgc6 wrote
Because black market is still way cheaper
untilyouredead t1_j47yy2k wrote
“why am i being downvoted for being obtuse and asking a controversial question in bad faith???”
CrzyDave t1_j48evuv wrote
They arent- because I know a lot of stoners. Many have carry permits or jobs where the MMJ card would be frowned upon.
Sombomombo t1_j45vz6b wrote
Without legalization, you have no other avenue but mmj? Maybe start sucking ass.
Weary_Ad7119 t1_j45xxy4 wrote
Oh yes, I'm sure there are hundreds of thousands of stoners in PA not using the mmj program. And there is so much revenue left on the table from them?
Folks are really salty that I question the amount of additional tax revenue?
Bravo 👏👏👏
PregnantSuperman t1_j45ye56 wrote
Bro, nearly everyone I know who smokes weed gets it the old fashioned way, they don't bother with the ridiculous hoop jumping of the MMJ program. I also have friends who get stuff over in NJ and bring it back. There's no question PA is missing out on a giant revenue stream.
Weary_Ad7119 t1_j45z263 wrote
> I also have friends who get stuff over in NJ
That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard unless they are real close to the border. Prices over there suck ass. Plus the gas to get there. No thanks.
PregnantSuperman t1_j460lyw wrote
They're in Philly, so yeah, literally right on the border. I'm not saying people drive from Erie to NJ...
Weary_Ad7119 t1_j465c4y wrote
Gotcha. With prices that still seems insane though. Why do they do that?
PregnantSuperman t1_j46u0d7 wrote
Because you get a quality, reputable, consistent product from a known quantity without the hassle of going through the whole PA MMJ hoopla and getting a doctor signoff when they don't actually have medical reasons.
mainelinerzzzzz t1_j45y45x wrote
Because MMJ users have real medical issues that only a bong hit will cure, they’re not stoners. My uncle louie has the gout and the only relief he can get is from his daily Volcano sesh. Lol.
Weary_Ad7119 t1_j45zcwt wrote
Yeah but the vast majority of revenue is coming from the stoner's, not the small % of users with serious illness. It's a recreational program with extra steps for the majority of users.
mainelinerzzzzz t1_j461e56 wrote
Im with you, my Lol at the end was supposed to indicate sarcasm. Its all bullshit. The black market is still very strong in PA.
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