The
war on drugs has been in effect for decades in Canada. While little progress
has been made with regards to the fight to eliminate use and distribution of
these drugs especially marijuana. This war on marijuana has landed many
innocent citizens in jail or in court fighting against a criminal offence of
which they have been accused. With given current social trends and economic
situation, it would be in our best interest to be able to profit from the sale
of a substance which the public can use for recreational and social purposes.
The
State of Colorado and Washington in the United States of America have made the
step to decriminalize marijuana for recreational use and allowing sale and
transportation of it with some regularities. Washington State has also
projected to generate about $3 million dollars’ worth of tax money over a span
of 5 years through the sale of marijuana. If you think that's crazy, consider
this, the state of Colorado brought in an astonishing $2 million dollars in tax
from sale of marijuana within the first month!
In Toronto alone, our approved budget for 2013
had made available about $70,000 on engineering and construction. With an
additional couple million dollars, we can raise our budget for such services
significantly. Taking into consideration our current road conditions, we can
really use that money. That money can also be used to better train police
officers and build better schools and libraries which helps to give back to the
individuals of our society, the ones are paying the tax initially.
The
government of Canada is also spending about $2 billion dollars annually to enforce
drug laws in Canada. Legalization would significantly reduce this number also.
A poll on national post also suggests that majority of Canadians are indeed in
favour or decriminalizing marijuana. Marijuana has also never been known to
cause aggressive or violent behaviour but has been known to help physical pain
and also with eating disorders. A professor from Western University of Ontario,
who is also an economist stated "legalizing marijuana makes economic
sense". I also believe that the government of Canada should review its
laws and innovate them in such a way that benefits the interest of our society
and our economy.Sources:
- http://search.proquest.com.library.sheridanc.on.ca/docview/1223390082?pq-origsite=summon
- http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=92c11764e70e1410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD
- http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/marijuana-legalization-would-be-tax-bonanza-prof-says-1.2596086
- http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2010/03/legalize_mariju.html
- http://www1.toronto.ca/City%20Of%20Toronto/Strategic%20Communications/City%20Budget/2014/PDFs/Public%20Book/Net%20Gross%20Revenue%202014%20Operating%20Budget.pdf
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