Is marijuana legalization the answer to economic woes in Kentucky?
The State Journal
For one state representative from Eastern Kentucky, legalizing recreational marijuana is an economic issue, not a moral one.
Prior to the start of this year’s legislative session, Rep. Cluster Howard, D-Jackson, prefiled a bill that would help fund the state’s ailing Kentucky Employees Retirement System’s nonhazardous pension fund and the Teachers’ Retirement System fund by allowing the sale of marijuana.
According to Howard’s bill, those 21 and older would be able to purchase cannabis from licensed marijuana retailers, of which each county could have two. Smoking in public would also be banned. If passed, the lawmaker said the state could bring in close to $800 million in revenue from marijuana sales, calling it “a hell of a lot more than what we’re raising now, which is zero.”
Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has publicly supported the legalization of medical marijuana. In fact, his spokesperson told reporters last month that the state is ready for cannabis for medicinal purposes but cautioned that Kentucky must prove it can do so responsibly before taking other steps.
We agree that if state lawmakers opt to legalize marijuana use of either sort — still illegal under federal law — it is best done gradually.
However, we couldn’t resist linking the similarities between this current hot-button issue and the “failed experiment” that began a century ago. On Jan. 17, 1920, the nearly 13-year Prohibition Era — banning the production, sale and transport of any “intoxicating liquor” with an alcohol content of more than 0.5%, wine and beer — began with the passage of the 18th Amendment.
At the time, supporters of Prohibition — much like those who oppose marijuana usage today — believed it was a moral issue and predicted it would boost the economy. But Prohibition had the opposite effect on the nation. Not only did thousands of brewery, saloon and distillery jobs disappear, but so too did about 14% of federal, state and local tax revenue derived from alcohol commerce.
In need of revenue after the Great Depression hit, Congress repealed the 18th Amendment on Dec. 5, 1933. For us it may be difficult to imagine what Prohibition was like. But then again, perhaps 100 years from now folks will be saying the same thing about marijuana legalization. After all, more than 30 states currently allow its use for medicinal purposes and recreational use is legal in 11.
The above article doesn’t address the organized crime prohibition created along with its other pitfalls. Google the results of legalized pot in Colorado. They have money out the wazoo, and the crime rate has decreased. The people of the state are fine with the results as well. Its been a win win for the state, and it’s citizens. Coal as we remember it is gone folks, we need something to fill the gap, perhaps this is it? Now it depends on who does it first, WV already has medical, VA legalized medical as well, as did Ohio (I think). People are going to smoke pot, just like they drank alcohol in the years of prohibition. You either support a legal industry or you support organized crime, your choice.
Police Officer: “How high are you?”
Pothead: “No officer, it’s “Hi, How are you?”
I never busted anyone for pot. Couldn’t care less about what the law said. I did bust dangerous criminals, and never needed backup.
Use your own name. Nonetheless that was funny.
Kentucky will be the last to know.
As a conservative. I find it incredible those in the party cannot get behind this. I am a common sense conservative. There is zero factual basis for the continued illegality of marijuana at any level. Those who are not for this are not for prosperity, health, or decreased crime. A majority of the Commonwealth supports legalization. Now is the time. I encourage all to contact our state representatives to voice the support for this bill.
Bravo Dr. Franklin, I am a conservative as well and strongly support legalization. I can’t fathom marijuana being classed as a Schedule 1 narcotic? It isn’t a narcotic of any kind. I guess that sounds better for government lies, and the constipated minds that believe their horse s**t.
Amen Doc.
this hurts but I will have to agree people are going to smoke pot legal or not same thing with gambling
I agree with the marijuana recreational legalization in KY. I have grown up and seen alot people using marijuana and it people drinking alachol. If they let people drink alachol and sell it here then they should sell marijuana. The simple truth is alachol makes alot of people angry, want to fight, drive fast and wreckless. I’ve never seen someone smoking marijuana break red, want to fight etc. It usually makes them calmer, more relaxed and in a good mood. Unlike the effect of alachol which makes some not all want to get out driving, speeding etc. Marijuana users are more content staying home in their happy mood. If you’ve ever been in a vehicle with either, you would much rather ride with a high slow driver than an fast drunk driver. I know both are illegal to do while driving before you start your negative responses. I am just making comparisons to the affect of drinking alachol compared to smoking marijuana. The main reason marijuana should be legal it is a natural herb/ plant that has hundreds of healing benefits for all kids of conditions and diseases of the body! It also relives pain, relaxes and calms the body which would be a much more natural way than taking pain pills which are addictive and have multiple side affects. I have never really heard of any benefits for drinking alachol, only bad. Alachol (in large quantities), damages your liver, and kidneys and causes dehydration. You can even die from consuming too much alachol, of alachol poisoning. This is only my opinion on this!
I am very proud of you Sandy! Many of the people who post an opinion here, do it behind a ‘made up’ name. You do so in the light of day. Your newspaper is a breath of fresh air, compared to others in the region, state, nation! I also know you maintain the rights of a private citizen as well. For someone in your position to comment positively is very helpful to the movement (if we want to call it such). Our movement now has a news editor, a Doctor, several versions of me (hint hint KAG), and a number of other sane people. Let us all put politics aside, and for once agree on something. This Great Nation could use a dose of that! I figure the ‘not happy about this crowd’ , will arrive, but we all do have a right to an opinion; something at times I would do well to remember.
BTW Lazer, why not move this to front page, or an easier place to find?
Just take a look at the other states and the revenue that’s been created, real simple to see and model after. California went medical in 1996, so it’s not hard to see everything you need to see. Prohibition is exactly what creates a black market for anything illegal. Marijuana should be 100% legal just like alcohol. It will be 100% legal, just a matter of time. Let’s not act as though legalizing marijuana is something new, it’s been legal in some form for over 20 years. What else do you need to see?