New York State is reviewing the likelihood of legalizing marijuana. Gov. Andrew Cuomo never liked the idea and at one point even called it a “gateway drug.” However, in the upcoming midterm election, the question of legalization has heated up because of the governor’s race against Cynthia Nixon who vows to legalize the plant if she wins the governorship. Several states that neighbor New York will vote on legalization, and with New Jersey considering it, and Massachusetts legalizing pot Cuomo has had a slight change of heart.
Should New York State legalize recreational marijuana? YES! It’s 2018, is about time we legalize marijuana.
Making marijuana legal would demolish illegal selling. Because it is illegal to buy weed, marijuana can only be purchased through drug dealers in New York. The legalization of marijuana would either put them out of business or make them go legit. States, where marijuana is legal, have seen a significant drop in gang violence activity.
It would increase tax revenue. Recreational weed sales generated more than a half-billion dollars for Colorado since its legalization. Colorado legalized medical marijuana in 2000 and became the first state to legalize recreational weed. Between 2014 and 2017, cannabis generated over $506 million! In tax revenue. The tax revenue has gone to fund schools, construction projects, and other essential programs, according to CNN Money.
Opponents complain that marijuana is a bridge that leads users to other, more dangerous drugs. However, a 2017 study by Health Canada, showed that 84% of patients who had access to pot reduced their opioid prescriptions, particularly 30% reported that they changed their prescription opioids for weed. In simple words, marijuana can help a person leave dangerous drugs.
OG rapper, Marijuana advocate and social media influencer Snoop Dogg believes that this is a good step towards a progressive employment expansion in the state. For example, the rap artist and cannabis enthusiast, Snoop Dogg has its own cannabis company “Leafly” which is a 70% indica-dominant hybrid strain that is said to contain genetics from Lemon OG and Sour Diesel.
New York State should take into consideration the possibility of legalizing marijuana, because of the impressive financial benefits that it has to offer. Legalizing weed in New York could create a $3.1 billion business, says NYC comptroller. If pot becomes legal, the state of New York could make $435.7 million annually in tax revenue. Which could exponentially impact the funding for both the education and healthcare sector, according to Scott Stringer, New York City Comptroller. With a much higher tax revenue, more public programs, infrastructure, schools, and teachers can be funded. Colorado is the perfect example of the potential that legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes has. If Colorado was able to do it, why New York State cannot?
The Finance Note 