Should recreational marijuana be made legal in Minnesota (2014, crime)

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Yes or no, and why?

[Unsettomati]

Yes.

As a cost-benefits matter, the prohibition is a total loser. Legalize it and regulate it.

And, no, just to head off the inevitable commentary from those who think that the only people who want it legalized want to use it. Please. I haven't smoked anything since I stubbed out my last (tobacco) cigarette almost 15 years ago. I'm not going to start inhaling some other smoke into my lungs now.

I just know futility and waste when I see it.

[jburress]

With all of the evidence available today, only a fool would believe that it shouldn't be legal for adult use.

[ladude60]

I would rather be facing potheads on the road instead of drunks, and alcohol is legal. So yes!

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Originally Posted by ladude60

I would rather be facing potheads on the road instead of drunks, and alcohol is legal. So yes!

Really anybody can get marijuana right now if they want it so for the most part those who want to use it already are. This would perhaps lead to a small population of people choosing to smoke pot instead of drinking alcohol. It would also make it more accessible to people who would otherwise turn to much more dangerous options like opioids, Fentanyl, etc. However the more widespread impact would be that this would legitimize and tax a huge amount of economic activity that is already occurring under the table. If made legal the main effects would be:

1) Minnesota state tax collection would increase by a substantial amount of which proceeds could be used for things like education, transportation infrastructure, etc.

2) Jobs would be created as this would spur growers and smoke shops.

3) Crime and prison populations would decrease which will lead to budget savings for the state. Alot of gang violence relates to drug deals (of which the majority are marijuana) and this would greatly diminish if made legal.

4) Tourism in the state will increase which benefits other segments of the state economy like hospitality, retail, etc.

[theedgeoflight]

OH YA!

[chessgeek]

Agree with Cruz Azul Guy about all the benefits of legalization. Like Unsettomati, I will never smoke regardless of the law. I tried both cigarettes and marijuana once when I was 19 years old [was 37 years ago..lol), but never a second time. Decided neither was for me.

Colorado was the first state to allow marijuana to be sold in stores in January 2014. The state does allow individual cities to ban it; to be a "dry city". Denver allows marijuana stores. Colorado Springs does not.

I recommend the same flexibility in Minnesota. It will be much easier to pass the bill.

[MsMetal]

Living in CO now, but coming from MN, I see a lot of benefits. A worker was here today & telling me that in his small town that has a recreational shop, the revenues account for 10% of their city's income, over a million dollars.

I don't really see much downside.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Minnesota legislators, please take notice.

[Hockeygirl063]

As someone who lives in a legal state (Oregon) I say yes. It has already been proven to be beneficial medically and it is not addictive like other drugs. Not a single person has died from its use.

Tobacco and alcohol KILL yet they are both completely legal. I know the last election our city voted for a tax I think 3%. It should generate revenue which can help the local communities and the state.

I personally don't use and have not for at least 20 years. I have never been a cigarette smoker and so glad I never took up that habit. I have family with health issues because of smoking.