War on Drugs: Officially a Failure.

[goof2]

Originally Posted by The Chi

Geez.

I know this will sound horrible, but I wonder what would happen if we just left things alone. Like let all the drug cartels do their thing, unimpeded, and let the idiots who want to use go ahead and use, thus wiping themselves from the gene pool.

If we left them alone, innocents wouldnt be used as mules like that Mom, there wouldnt be any need to constantly hide from the government, and if it wasnt illegal, do you think people would eventually lose interest? Just pondering...

It will never happen this way because there is too much money available for collection by the government. If there is a national change in drug policy it will be full circle. I'm guessing licenses will be required for growers/manufacturers and sellers plus hefty fed, state, and local taxes on the sale of the product itself.

What would be funny (and I think at least as likely as not) would be our various governments putting so many taxes and fees on drugs that there remains a viable black market for them simply based on price. Even in the cheap states taxes account for around 80% of the price of a pack of cigarettes. In more expensive areas taxes are over 90% of the price. At what rate do you think those same governments will tax a dime bag of weed? How about a gram of coke? I think prices will be insanely high.

[dubbs]

Originally Posted by goof2

It will never happen this way because there is too much money available for collection by the government. If there is a national change in drug policy it will be full circle. I'm guessing licenses will be required for growers/manufacturers and sellers plus hefty fed, state, and local taxes on the sale of the product itself.

What would be funny (and I think at least as likely as not) would be our various governments putting so many taxes and fees on drugs that there remains a viable black market for them simply based on price. Even in the cheap states taxes account for around 80% of the price of a pack of cigarettes. In more expensive areas taxes are over 90% of the price. At what rate do you think those same governments will tax a dime bag of weed? How about a gram of coke? I think prices will be insanely high.

Not sure on the price being really high... The only reason it's very high right now is because of how risky it is to provide it to people.

[goof2]

Originally Posted by dubbs

Not sure on the price being really high... The only reason it's very high right now is because of how risky it is to provide it to people.

The government will have a monopoly on the only legal distribution channel. They will also say that the tax/fee money will be required to pay for all the rehabilitation, medical expenses, and oversight of the product that will be required. The government won't actually spend that money on those things, but those things will be used for justification. You think drugs are expensive now? Wait until the government gets involved.

[the chi]

Originally Posted by goof2

The government will have a monopoly on the only legal distribution channel. They will also say that the tax/fee money will be required to pay for all the rehabilitation, medical expenses, and oversight of the product that will be required. The government won't actually spend that money on those things, but those things will be used for justification. You think drugs are expensive now? Wait until the government gets involved.

I agree 100%, but would that be a bad thing?

[goof2]

Originally Posted by The Chi

I agree 100%, but would that be a bad thing?

Personally I say yes for two reasons. First I don't like the government unnecessarily taxing the shit out of something for no other reason than they can. That concept just doesn't sit well with me. Secondly, if the government makes it too expensive the door remains open for the current black market to remain in place along with the problems it has created.

[dubbs]

Originally Posted by goof2

The government will have a monopoly on the only legal distribution channel. They will also say that the tax/fee money will be required to pay for all the rehabilitation, medical expenses, and oversight of the product that will be required. The government won't actually spend that money on those things, but those things will be used for justification. You think drugs are expensive now? Wait until the government gets involved.

Tobacco isn't that expensive (in most areas) and neither is alcohol.. Why would weed be so much different?

[goof2]

Originally Posted by dubbs

Tobacco isn't that expensive (in most areas) and neither is alcohol.. Why would weed be so much different?

I suppose expensive is a relative term and each person's definition will be different. Just don't be surprised when a dime bag costs $30 for no other reason than it has a tax stamp on it.

[dubbs]

Originally Posted by goof2

I suppose expensive is a relative term and each person's definition will be different. Just don't be surprised when a dime bag costs $30 for no other reason than it has a tax stamp on it.

The thing is these prices are a result of the DEA taking HUGE amounts of the supply and it being illegal. Once there are huge fields of this shit, it will probably cost 2.50 for a pack of 20 joints.. then like a 4-5$ tax. Seems reasonable to me..

[the chi]

Originally Posted by goof2

I suppose expensive is a relative term and each person's definition will be different. Just don't be surprised when a dime bag costs $30 for no other reason than it has a tax stamp on it.

Just out of curiousity, what does one cost now?

Originally Posted by Rider

No just legalize the natural occurring drugs, weed and shrooms...

The other chemically altered substances can stay illegal.

Thats not a bad way to look at it...if we look at history, are there any reports of Native Americans or settlers abusing Peyote or shrooms?

[goof2]

Originally Posted by dubbs

The thing is these prices are a result of the DEA taking HUGE amounts of the supply and it being illegal. Once there are huge fields of this shit, it will probably cost 2.50 for a pack of 20 joints.. then like a 4-5$ tax. Seems reasonable to me..

I'm sure it does seem reasonable, but don't hold your breath waiting for it. For perspective the tax rate you propose is right about in line with cigarette taxes. I envision significantly higher taxes for "drugs" justified by having to pay for additional rehab facilities and higher healthcare costs (ultimately good things) that the government will then spend on other things (not so good).