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eridani

(51,907 posts)
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 02:25 PM Jun 2014

Colorado Weed Sales Raise Huge Amounts in Taxes and Crime Down 10 Percent



http://www.nationofchange.org/colorado-sells-weed-march-goes-schools-and-crime-down-10-percent-1401716951


All the naysayers who were against marijuana legalization are eating crow about now. Colorado’s weed sales just keep trending up, and with the sales of legal weed, they are improving their schools and reducing overall crime rates.

Not counting medicinal weed sales, Colorado sold nearly $19 million in their recreational weed market in the month of March, and $1.9 million of that goes straight into government coffers and towards building schools. At this pace, according to PolicyMic, Colorado will make $30 million this year in pot taxes alone.

What’s even more promising is that these numbers are still low estimates, as the recreational and medicinal marijuana markets (coinciding just fine, take note Washington) are likely to keep trending upward. Many say that a figure closer to $60 million in weed tax revenue is a more likely assumption. Medical marijuana is also not as heavily taxes as recreational marijuana, and hopefully it will stay that way.

Crime rates in Colorado have dropped by 10.6% while Dunkin Donuts has begun expanding its brand in the state (really). It looks like a really good future for people living in Colorado, or any state that legalizes both medical and recreational marijuana – though it is admittedly too early to tell.The cherry on top of this tax-generating cake? Crime rates are also down in Colorado, so while kids are hopefully going to get a better education, the government (idealistically) will spend more money improving infrastructure and other business opportunities for Colorado citizens, and unemployment rates are plummeting. The Colorado police can take a little rest from their duties.
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Colorado Weed Sales Raise Huge Amounts in Taxes and Crime Down 10 Percent (Original Post) eridani Jun 2014 OP
But haven't you heard......Marijuana causes DROUGHT!! thelordofhell Jun 2014 #1
Damn. No wonder Jackpine Radical Jun 2014 #18
I just hope that the money goes to what it should yeoman6987 Jun 2014 #33
I just hope New Mexico sees this raptor_rider Jun 2014 #2
I have hopes that.... AnneD Jun 2014 #15
As fellow New Mexican abakan Jun 2014 #35
k&r n/t RainDog Jun 2014 #3
great the police force can be cut back and money saved used for something useful other than msongs Jun 2014 #4
Not only police, but court personnel and prison officials as well. OnlinePoker Jun 2014 #9
And killing the Mexican cartels. Ikonoklast Jun 2014 #28
"Squibber" Enthusiast Jun 2014 #10
pre-roll frylock Jun 2014 #50
Come on Tennessee, don't let Colorado bogart all the good legislation! Uncle Joe Jun 2014 #5
"Come on Tennessee, don't let Colorado bogart all the good legislation!" KansDem Jun 2014 #12
DUzy!!!! riqster Jun 2014 #19
Thanks! KansDem Jun 2014 #44
Perfect, I believe you have a future in country music, KansDem. Uncle Joe Jun 2014 #26
I do play banjo! KansDem Jun 2014 #43
Well here you go, nothing says "Foggy Mountain" like legalized weed in Colorado. Uncle Joe Jun 2014 #46
That's not Country Joe and the Fish unterrified democrat Jun 2014 #51
Thanks! KansDem Jun 2014 #55
It's time to Natiomal with this! Are you listening, President Obama?? How about YOU, the candidates Ghost in the Machine Jun 2014 #6
Did you see the story where the marijuana sellers in Colorado threw a grenade in a baby's crib? AngryAmish Jun 2014 #7
For those unfamiliar with the reference you make: tblue37 Jun 2014 #23
Shit! Just shit!! Ishoutandscream2 Jun 2014 #30
Exactly. Makes you want to cry and scream at the same time, doesn't it? nt tblue37 Jun 2014 #31
Horrific :( n/t Aerows Jun 2014 #54
This message was self-deleted by its author SMC22307 Jun 2014 #8
C'mon the rest of you states... Get with the program! Blue Owl Jun 2014 #11
10% crime reduction? Victor_c3 Jun 2014 #13
Arresting young people with small amounts of tblue37 Jun 2014 #25
So, basically, it isn't a "real" reduction? Victor_c3 Jun 2014 #36
Colorado had already decriminalized pot possession. This is a real crime reduction: Comrade Grumpy Jun 2014 #37
Well..... AlbertCat Jun 2014 #40
K & R !!! WillyT Jun 2014 #14
My town refuses to licence for recreational sales. bluedigger Jun 2014 #16
my question for WA and CO is shanti Jun 2014 #17
I am really curious about how this will play out as well. PeaceNikki Jun 2014 #20
Do they screen for alcohol? AlbertCat Jun 2014 #41
This is an issue for individual employers. Comrade Grumpy Jun 2014 #42
This message was self-deleted by its author shanti Jun 2014 #47
Employers can still do whatever they want eridani Jun 2014 #48
Wisconsin would be a lot better off if we had these signs a avery entry point-- Jackpine Radical Jun 2014 #21
Any data on the sales of snack food items, laser shows, IronLionZion Jun 2014 #22
There is a perpetual line to get into Voodoo Donuts on East Colfax now. Comrade Grumpy Jun 2014 #38
My goodness! If this keeps up, we'll be able to take all the bars off the jails, recycle the MADem Jun 2014 #24
I'm so glad heaven05 Jun 2014 #27
K&R Louisiana1976 Jun 2014 #29
The security they have to implement in a dispensary is unbelievable. CrispyQ Jun 2014 #32
And... Hubert Flottz Jun 2014 #34
I believe you and I haven't had the pleasure of a visit yet, but I'm planning on it. Uncle Joe Jun 2014 #45
Awesome song and place Uncle Joe. Hubert Flottz Jun 2014 #52
Thanks, Hubert Flottz, I'm definitely making plans on visiting that lovely state. Uncle Joe Jun 2014 #57
K&R! Phlem Jun 2014 #39
Did anyone tell the head of DEA? joanbarnes Jun 2014 #49
I don't like pot Aerows Jun 2014 #53
But they damn near killed one NYT columnist!1!! pinboy3niner Jun 2014 #56
This message was self-deleted by its author Uncle Joe Jun 2014 #58
 

yeoman6987

(14,449 posts)
33. I just hope that the money goes to what it should
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 04:48 PM
Jun 2014

Maryland has loads of tax money from recent gambling sites, but you could not realize it in reality.

raptor_rider

(1,014 posts)
2. I just hope New Mexico sees this
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 02:40 PM
Jun 2014

And make a go of it. However the governor here says she will fight it all the way. Time to get Martinez out of office, and get someone in there that will hear our voices, instead of ignoring us!

AnneD

(15,774 posts)
15. I have hopes that....
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 03:46 PM
Jun 2014

NM is the next state. Like gambling, the first states to legalize it will reap the highest reward (pun intended).

abakan

(1,815 posts)
35. As fellow New Mexican
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 05:02 PM
Jun 2014

I agree whole heartily with both of your statements. I was hoping the latest problem the gov had would be the one to do her in...but no..Republicans seem to have more lives than a cat..

msongs

(67,193 posts)
4. great the police force can be cut back and money saved used for something useful other than
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 02:56 PM
Jun 2014

putting people in prison for possessing a joint (or whatever they are are called these days)

OnlinePoker

(5,702 posts)
9. Not only police, but court personnel and prison officials as well.
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 03:28 PM
Jun 2014

Proof that legalized marijuana is killing jobs. lol.

Uncle Joe

(58,112 posts)
5. Come on Tennessee, don't let Colorado bogart all the good legislation!
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 02:59 PM
Jun 2014

Thanks for the thread, eridani.

KansDem

(28,498 posts)
12. "Come on Tennessee, don't let Colorado bogart all the good legislation!"
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 03:39 PM
Jun 2014


Don't bogart that joint, Denver
Pass it on to Nashville!
Don't bogart that joint, Denver
Pass it on to Nashville!

Tax another one,
Just like the other one,
Colorado's been makin' cash
Tennessee now needs a stash!

Don't bogart that joint, Denver
Pass it on to Nashville!
Don't bogart that joint, Denver
Pass it on to Nashville!

Taaaaaxxxxx another one,
Just like the other one,
We want what you got, too
To increase our revenue

Don't bogart that joint, Denver
Pass it on to Nashville!
Don't bogart that joint, Denver
Pass it on to Nashville!

51. That's not Country Joe and the Fish
Wed Jun 4, 2014, 12:23 AM
Jun 2014

The video introduces this song as being performed by Country Joe and the Fish...but it's actually "The Fraternity of Man" from the Easy Rider soundtrack... just sayin

KansDem

(28,498 posts)
55. Thanks!
Wed Jun 4, 2014, 09:53 PM
Jun 2014
Played by Little Feat's Paul Barrere and Bill Payne with Phil & Friends. The original verson (on the soundtrack of "Easy Rider&quot was by Fraternity Of Man. It was subsequently covered by Little Feat.

http://www3.clearlight.com/~acsa/introjs.htm?/~acsa/songfile/DONTBOGA.HTM



Ghost in the Machine

(14,912 posts)
6. It's time to Natiomal with this! Are you listening, President Obama?? How about YOU, the candidates
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 03:04 PM
Jun 2014

for 2016?? How about YOU, members of CONgress?? This rests on your shoulders, too. The "War on Drugs" has failed and you are wasting millions upon millions of dollars every year that you keep it going! Why has it taken so long to admit it? You KNOW Prohibition of alcohol failed, along with raising the criminal element. Are you incapable of learning from the past??

LEGALIZE ALREADY!!! Take the profit motive away from the drug cartels and watch the crime rate fall and the tax coffers rise. Get it together, man!

Peace,

Ghost

 

AngryAmish

(25,704 posts)
7. Did you see the story where the marijuana sellers in Colorado threw a grenade in a baby's crib?
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 03:07 PM
Jun 2014

Oh, I'm sorry, that was the cops...

End this stupid drug war.

tblue37

(64,980 posts)
23. For those unfamiliar with the reference you make:
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 04:14 PM
Jun 2014
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2014/05/baby-in-coma-after-police-grenade-dropped-in-crib-during-drug-raid/

"Baby in Coma After Police ‘Grenade’ Dropped in Crib During Drug Raid"

Baby before no-knock SWAT raid:




Baby after raid:



The alleged drug dealer was a nephew whom the baby's parents had already kicked out of the house. The parents had no connection to the crime, and nothing related to drugs was found in their house during the raid.

Response to eridani (Original post)

Victor_c3

(3,557 posts)
13. 10% crime reduction?
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 03:43 PM
Jun 2014

I hate to ask this and sound negative, but is that across all sorts of crimes like violent crimes, robbery, etc or would you come to that reduction solely by eliminating marijuana-related crimes?

tblue37

(64,980 posts)
25. Arresting young people with small amounts of
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 04:17 PM
Jun 2014

pot is a quick and easy way for a police department to pump up their arrest rates, so they tend to go after such people instead of after serious criminals, who tend to be much more dangerous to apprehend.

Once those cheap and easy arrests are taken away from them, their arrest rates are bound to drop precipitously.

Victor_c3

(3,557 posts)
36. So, basically, it isn't a "real" reduction?
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 05:05 PM
Jun 2014

Unfortunately, that is kind of what I suspected when I read those numbers. I'm personally not a marijuana user and I've never used it, but I'm all for legalization. I was hoping this would be a another statistically solid reason for legalization.

 

Comrade Grumpy

(13,184 posts)
37. Colorado had already decriminalized pot possession. This is a real crime reduction:
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 05:17 PM
Jun 2014

Compared to the January-April period from 2013, 2014 has seen an overall reduction in both violent and property crimes since legalizing marijuana. This strikes down the statements made by opponents of the bill that legalization of the drug would lead to an increase in crime in the state. Notable reductions were seen in homicide (down by over 52%) and theft from motor vehicles (down by 36%), and all forms of violent crime saw a reduction in their incidence over this period.

Read more at http://guardianlv.com/2014/05/colorado-marijuana-sales-up-crime-down/#3X4lMgOPQu4qU0UA.99

 

AlbertCat

(17,505 posts)
40. Well.....
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 05:21 PM
Jun 2014

....it will reduce the overcrowding in for-profit prisons. There'll be room for real criminals!

bluedigger

(17,077 posts)
16. My town refuses to licence for recreational sales.
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 03:49 PM
Jun 2014

I assume they will refuse all educational proceeds as well. Wouldn't want to be hypocrites, after all.

shanti

(21,670 posts)
17. my question for WA and CO is
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 03:59 PM
Jun 2014

do employers include cannabis in their pre and/or post employment drug testing? can they discriminate since it's now "legal"?

 

Comrade Grumpy

(13,184 posts)
42. This is an issue for individual employers.
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 05:23 PM
Jun 2014

And, yes, employers can still discriminate, because employers can pretty much do what they want.

If you don't want drug testing at work, negotiate with your employer. Or better yet, have a union do it for you.

That said, employers are eventually going to figure out they lose too many employees and potential employees by testing for marijuana. You can ask the FBI about that; they can't find enough hackers who don't like to get high.

Response to Comrade Grumpy (Reply #42)

IronLionZion

(45,259 posts)
22. Any data on the sales of snack food items, laser shows,
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 04:10 PM
Jun 2014

music and video game sales, etc?



Good for Colorado. This should help their economy. I see a lot more articles about Colorado than Washington state. Hopefully more states will follow suit and the feds will reschedule it soon.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
24. My goodness! If this keeps up, we'll be able to take all the bars off the jails, recycle the
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 04:17 PM
Jun 2014

metal, and turn those jails into housing for the homeless!

We can move a few of our police jobs over to the public service/social worker sector!

CrispyQ

(36,226 posts)
32. The security they have to implement in a dispensary is unbelievable.
Mon Jun 2, 2014, 04:42 PM
Jun 2014

A dispensary owner told me some of the things they have to have. All sorts of security inside & outside. Surveillance cameras, infrared detectors, it was amazing.

Hubert Flottz

(37,726 posts)
52. Awesome song and place Uncle Joe.
Wed Jun 4, 2014, 03:07 PM
Jun 2014

All of what you saw on that beautiful video, is there and that's just a very tiny fraction of Colorado's beauty.
I've even had dreams many times, of being back there taking pictures. Truly, "A photographer's dream." You won't be disappointed Joe.

 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
53. I don't like pot
Wed Jun 4, 2014, 03:12 PM
Jun 2014

but throwing people in jail for smoking it or growing it seems as silly to me as people growing Bell Peppers. I detest Bell Peppers, but I'm not inclined to make it illegal to grow them.

I would be willing to bet the prison industrial complex is horrified that Colorado has had success. If you can't jail people arbitrarily, what is next? My GOD you might have to actually go after real criminals.

pinboy3niner

(53,339 posts)
56. But they damn near killed one NYT columnist!1!!
Wed Jun 4, 2014, 09:59 PM
Jun 2014
"As my paranoia deepened, I became convinced that I had died and no one was telling me."

Maureen Dowd eats Colorado cannabis candy bar, unwise about dosage
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=5046840


Response to pinboy3niner (Reply #56)

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