Which of these two strains looks the most appealing to you Greenies? Both of these strains deliver a superb high. The Strawberry Diesel has a nice dark forest green color infused with dark maroon hairs and the Super Silver Haze has some classic, dense, green buds. My vote on taste between these two would have to go to the Strawberry Diesel, one hit will tell you exactly why that strain is named Diesel!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

67 years ago today Bob Marley was born. Like so many artists his life ended way too early. Unfortunately Marley left us due to complications from the terrible disease melanoma. His album Legend that was released three years after his death has gone 10 times platinum (Diamond) and is the best selling reggae album ever.  Legend has sold and selling 25 million copies worldwide. His career lasted almost 20 years from the sixties to the eighties. His amazing laid back sounds, lyrics and legacy will forever keep his music around forever.

Majority of us grew up watching MTV on almost a daily basis. Well before it turned into the spot for teen reality shows. We went from shows like TRL and Yo! MTV Raps to Jersey Shore and Teen Mom. Does MTV even stand for Music Television anymore? I came upon a random list of the 20 best MTV shows. It didn’t have TRL in the top 10 but did have Jersey Shore. Don’t get me wrong, Jersey Shore is a fun show to watch. A bunch of idiots getting drunk and doing dumb stuff is always fun to watch. Jersey Shore is like 2 Chainz, not the best at what they do but fun to listen to and watch. I thought I would set the record straight with MTV’s best shows ever. Especially since VH1 is doing the 40 Best Moments of TRL.

There were a few MTV shows that opened ventures for other shows. Like Jackass lead to Viva La Bam and Wildboyz. Rob & Big lead to Fantasy Factory. So I put them together if something like that happened. Remember this is my opinion when it comes to the order of the shows. Comment below if you think you could do better.

1. Total Request Live (TRL)

Total Request Live was that show we watched every week day after school. I was always tuned in right at 3:30 to find new music. Remember when we didn’t have blogs to give us the new music?

Run: September 14, 1998 – November 16, 2008

Number of Episodes: 2,247

2. True Life

Real World and True Life really paved the road for almost all of the reality TV shows you see on MTV and TV. I think True Life takes the crown over Real World. Filming real people with real problems not a group of people partying.

Run: 1998 – present

Episodes: 140+

3. Jackass/Viva La Bam/WildBoyz

CKY started it all back in the day. Since Viva La Bam and WildBoyz are technically spinoffs of Jackass, I just added them together. They both had the same people in them and are my three favorite shows to ever be on MTV. Bam was my role model until I realized I can’t live like him, lol. I am not counting Bam’s Unholy Union in this though. There is now reason for that. RIP Dunn

Jackass:

Run: October 1, 2000 – February 17, 2002

Seasons: 3

Episodes: 25 plus 3 movies

Viva La Bam:

Run: October 26, 2003 – August 14, 2005

Seasons: 5

Episodes: 43

WildBoyz:

Run: October 26, 2003 – February 24, 2006

Seasons: 4

Episodes: 32

4. Real World/Road Rules Challenge

The start of all reality shows around the world. Real World started something that you either love or hate, reality TV. Then MTV made the Challenge and it might be one of the best show ideas ever.

Run: June 1, 1998 – present

Seasons: 22

5. Beavis and Butt-head

Right in front of Diara for the best MTV animation show. Still one of the funniest adult animation shows ever. The best part is when they watch music videos.

Run: March 8, 1993 – November 28, 1997; October 27, 2011 – present

Seasons: 8

Episodes: 222+

6. Fantasy Factory/Rob & Big

Rob Dyrdeck might be the smartest skateboarder ever. He has built his brand from zero to everything. Two shows that had you laughing, entertained and in awe at times too.

Fantasy Factory:

Run: February 8, 2009 – present

Seasons: 4

Episodes: 36

Rob & Big:

Run: November 4, 2006 – April 15, 2008

Seasons: 3

Episodes: 32

7. Nitro Circus

By far the greatest and most entertaining extreme sports show ever. It’s like the X Games, Jackass, and Fantasy Factory rolled into one joint.

Run: June 23, 2006 – February 8, 2009 (As miniseries); June 23, 2009 – October 22, 2009 (As series)

Seasons: 2

Episodes: 21 plus Nitro Circus 3D The Movie coming soon

8. Celebrity Deathmatch

The best celebrity claymation show besides Robot Chicken. At the time there was nothing like it.

Run: May 14, 1998 – October 20, 2002; June 10, 2006 – March 30, 2007

Seasons: 6

Episodes: 93

9. Yo! MTV Raps

Not much to say besides can we please get this show back asap.

Run: August 6, 1988 – August 17, 1995 (As Yo! MTV Raps; 1999 as simply Yo!)

Episodes: 1830

10. Cribs

Because we need to know how our favorite celebs are living and how they can rub it in our faces.

Run: October 5, 2000 – present

Seasons: 17

Episodes: 106

Honorable Mentions

Real World:

Run: May 21, 1992 – present

Seasons: 26

Episodes: 532

High School Stories:

Run: February 2, 2004 – October 4, 2010

Seasons: 4

Daria:

Run: March 3, 1997 – January 21, 2002

Seasons: 5

Episodes: 66

A few weeks back our fearless leader known as Lenny told us about his experience of getting arrested for weed. After reading that I felt like I should also tell my experience of getting arrested for weed. I figured it would show a different side of being arrested. The big difference is that I was in a car unlike Lenny walking.

Like Lenny, I was on my way to a party. But it just wasn’t one party, but Halloween weekend up at Michigan State University. It was early Friday night when I drove down the highway at the speed limit. I never ever speed, specially when I’m driving with marijuana. I take the full precautions when traveling with weed. I put it all in my trunk in something that doesn’t look suspicious, obviously. But that didn’t save me this time.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate cops at all. You will never see me tweeting “f*ck the police” or really saying it. They are just out there doing their job like majority of other people working. I joke around about or use when it’s in lyrics or movies like Pineapple Express.

When I saw the police officer I kept my cool and kept driving the speed limit like nothing was wrong. He was driving slower than traffic and was in the middle lane. I could of either stayed driving slow and stayed behind him or drove past him driving the speed limit like I did. Little did I know he would run my plates. I do have a few priors. Nothing serious just some alcohol charges when I was 19. As soon as I got a little bit in front of him, he speed up and got right behind me. I knew it was over. Then the red and blue lights were in all of my mirrors.

Pulled over on the side of the road while the officer was running my license, registration, insurance and all I could think about is the gram of weed sitting in my trunk. While all this is going on the K-9 unit shows up. Almost every time some one gets pulled over in my area a second police office shows up. No matter what it is. It could be for a speeding ticket to a DUI to a out headlight. Any and everything two cops show up. This time the K-9 unit decides to show up for backup. Right then and there I knew I was gonna end this night in handcuffs.

The officer came back and asked me if I was carrying any guns, bazookas, or grenades. Clearly the answer was no. Then he asked about any drugs or alcohol. Which I had both in my trunk. Before he let me answer, he proceeded to tell me that he was gonna have the dog run my car regardless. So I should answer the question wisely. I knew I was screwed regardless of what I said. So I told him I have a gram and a some beer in the trunk.

That’s when the tv show type arrest starts. “Please step out of the car.” He read me my rights and then searched my car entirely. It took him awhile to get to the goods way back in the trunk. After all the searching and paper work computer work we took a trip to the station. Once we got back to the station the officer let me use my cell phone in the cell to find a ride and bail myself out. Luckily I was only there for about an hour at the most. I was charged with two mip’s and while my grinder and bowl was taken away. Including a ton of kief in my grinder too. The funny part of it is that when I went to get my car out of the impound the next morning. The officer left a giant roach on my passenger seat under some empty cigarette packs. First thing that I thought was that it was a setup. I thought for sure once I drove away that they were going to pull me over. So I did what any smoker would do and smoked it real quick.

That was my horrible time of being arrested for weed. I am still paying for something so harmful. This was in 2010 and it now 2012 and I am still dealing with the problems. It has cost me well over $2,000 in fees, lawyers, and other payments.

Funny thing about seeing this today is that I actually used this term a few days ago. I was smoking at my buddies house who has a ton of bongs. I asked him if he wanted to use one of his bongs. Then I stopped mid sentence asking him if he still has important shit to do today. Because once we start smoking out the bong, productivity will for sure go down. What’s that “fuck your day” type weed that fucks your day up? Or what kind of piece does that to you?

This is Green, I’m pretty sure I’m the only one on the HMJ team that can’t roll a free hand joint.

Yes, you read that right. I just rolled my first joint after smoking weed for five years. I’m not talking with a roller because anyone can do that. I’m talking hand rolled joint. I know 90% of you would give me shit if I told you this in person. But I have never really had to learn. I was always with someone who either knew how to roll or had some type of piece. I have never been the one to buy crazy pipes or bongs. I’ve only had about 4 pieces ever. Five, if you include my roller. Most of my friends have some sort of piece, so what was the point of knowing how to roll. Plus I would rather have someone roll a great joint rather than have me tryout my shitty rolling skills. So above is my first rolled joint. Was it better or worse than your first joint? Be sure to rate this amazingly  rolled joint in the comments. Or slander and give me shit too. Oh and it did smoke just fine.

Preparing to go to a highly anticipated party on a Saturday evening.  It’s an old friends birthday and there is a house party on the Upper West Side of NYC and it is looking like an extremely promising evening.  I had three lovely young women who were going to meet me at the party and all was well in the world.   I am not much of a gift guy so I will usually go for a gift that benefits me and the person I’m giving the gift to.  In this case, I offered to buy a bottle and the birthday girl gladly accepted.

While packing for my trip to the liquor store to acquire the gin for the party, I remembered that I had a small clip of a joint so I grabbed it and headed out.  I’ve walked around in my neighborhood and smoked on many occasions but the cops were out on this night in Brooklyn.  As I walked down the street casually blazing, I saw two guys who I almost immediately spotted as either undercovers or someone trying to rob me.  Something told me to drop the joint but reaction time was…

ssslllllllllooooooowwwwwwww…..

One approached on my side of the street and the other stayed on the other side.  I tried to walk by but the guy on my side grabbed me without identifying himself and then the other one ran from the other side of the street and they both physically restrained me without showing any forms of identification or asking any questions.  I was immediately cuffed and they took my wallet out of my pockets and started rummaging through the rest of my pockets while they finally announced that they were police.  I had to ask several times to see their badges before they showed me their badges.  One finally reluctantly showed me his badge and the other didn’t show me anything.  They put me in the back of an old dodge neon that didn’t have any markings of it being a police car, still handcuffed.  At this point I’m still thinking that these could be fake cops.

We take our ride to the station to which they ask idiotic questions like:

“Why did you flinch when we grabbed you?  If you had just stayed calm and said it’s just weed we would have let you go.”

… right.

Cops : “Why were you going down that block?  You were going to buy more weed weren’t you!”

Me: “I’m on my way to buy poisonous, deadly, but legal alcohol and minding my business and not bothering anyone with a small clip of the joint.  Can I at least finish it?”

Cops: “No”

….assholes.

Believe or not we actually ended up in a decent conversation where we laughed and joked a bit about the neighborhood.  They told me a few tips about how to stay safe and they also admitted that they don’t really care about weed but they just have to do it because it’s their job.  No surprises there.  Huffington post just put out an article showing that police profit from federal grants that are only given to the police precincts that prove that they have the most drug arrests.  As a result of this, cops make getting small drug arrests higher priority than arresting violent criminals.   I’ll touch more on this later… back to the story.

We arrive at the precinct and they take my shoe strings, my belt, and all the shit I have in my pockets.  This all seems very routine to them.  I ask the narcotics cop what about the result of all this because I still have a party to get to.  He says there are two ways it could go down.  One way would have me spending the weekend in real jail if I have a criminal history of any kind.  I knew I’d be alright there.

The second situation has me sitting in a jail cell for a few hours while they process pointless paperwork, fingerprint and strip me of all freedoms for a few hours for funds.  I would be ticketed and have to return for a court date.  This is assuming that I have a clean record, I am a new york citizen and I didn’t have a lot of weed.  Which is all the case except I had a New Jersey ID, to which he answered, “You may be in trouble.”  He explained that they don’t give tickets and court dates to out-of-state residents.

I spent most of my time in my cell chanting “nam-myoho-renge-kyo” which is my buddhist prayer.  It definitely freaked the guard out.  I’m sure I’m also freaking some of you out now too but it really helped me to center myself, relax, and not stress or worry about my newfound confinement or the fact that I may end up spending the weekend in prison.  I just determined that I wasn’t spending the weekend in jail for a clip and I just shared with him what I was doing and he kept it moving.

I’m not going to bore you with all the details of my four and a half hour stay in the prison but one highlight I had to share was that I found a paperclip on the floor and I scraped hailmaryjane.com in the wall while watching out for the guard.  I didn’t want to pissed them off but I wanted to leave a mark.  I only wish they didn’t take my phone so I could have taken a picture.  Oh well.  It’s there along with many other gang signs, “fuck the police” variations, and personal shout outs that were also indelibly carved into the wall.

Eventually they came and released me, gave me back all my stuff (except my joint and my lighter).  I had to walk home and I missed the party.

This situation sucked but I feel like it definitely happened to me for a reason.  I take responsibility for being cocky/stupid enough to just walk to the streets of Brooklyn as the cop in the car so poignantly shared when he said “Welcome to Bedstuy.”  You can bet that won’t happen again.

It immediately makes me want to fight for marijuana law reform more than ever.  HMJ has to be stronger than ever.  We can’t allow this nonsense to continue into future generations.  While they took their sweet time spending several hours of police manpower processing me like I’m a check at the bank, someone in Brooklyn was definitely getting robbed, raped, beaten up or worse.  I say a prayer every time I hear a gunshot in my neighborhood which isn’t as regular as Bedstuy it was in the 90s but it happens enough that you know the danger is still there.

I am going to reflect deeply on this experience but in the meantime stay tuned to HMJ.

Lady Gaga in the infamous meat dress.

As much as I applaud Lady Gaga and her efforts to raise awareness of the ongoing problem of bullying, I was totally relieved to read she took her visit to the White House seriously and she was not wearing a meat dress or arriving in an egg. The POPular star has a huge following of what she lovingly calls “her little monsters” and makes an excellent supporter for Obama’s anti-bullying campaign.

She didn’t actually get to meet with the President this time because he was out on the road, although they have met previously at a fund-raiser of his in California earlier this year. Obama’s Administration started an anti-bullying campaign this year and estimates bullying affects 13 million students on average. Although they didn’t meet face to face, they exchanged a Q & A and afterwards Lady Gaga read a touching letter from a fan of hers that had been subjected to bullying. She added,

“Bullying must become illegal. It is a hate crime.”

Original Story Link

“Marijuana smokers are the largest untapped voting bloc”. I’ve said this many times, I’ve finagled it into many a topics. Now the quote gets its shine. This is the political pros and cons portion of Howijuana: A ganjamentary. Starting off with a mini pros and cons section before getting you some 420 info on the GOP declared candidates and a special libertarian we kick off the last part of our ganjamentary.

Positive aspects of legalization would be seen in politics nationally as well as internationally. Think of how many former surgeon generals, police officers and others who hold or held office are voicing up about marijuana. In the United States I believe beyond economic growth (which is always a pro for whomever is in politics) we will see pride and unity, not even in a general sense. In a sense of community. Legalization would make political office more welcoming and attactivce to”new blood” to the game. In a country of old stagnant laws, it’s usually good to get something fresh in office to shake it up. Political cons for legalization are dificult to come by. I pondered. I asked various people and none were thought up.  A hopeful candidate overview then? 420 style.

President Barack Obama has dodged and made light of questions and petitions that inquire about marijuana, it’s legality and how they both affect the lives of millions. Many candidate hopefuls are wise in holding their officials statements for the matter. And others just say how they feel. However, it is from experience that we know politicians rarely say what they mean and mean what they say. Fail, right? Right.

Michelle Bachmann – Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate 

It’s reported that Bachmann has not made her opinion…or position on this issue public. However, it is known that in July of 2007 she voted against bill H.R. 3093. This bill would have prevented those who distribute, possess or cultivate marijuana from accessing federal funds.

Herman Cain – Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate

Another candidate who has not declared their opinion publicly. There are whispers down the lane that Cain could be supportive towards marijuana legalization. Why? Little evidence…more “hunch” like. For someone who is usually very vocal about his position on issues popular and less well known, it’s interesting to see such silence. Neal Boortz; yes the conservative radio talk-show host,  is a long time friend of Cain and an open supporter of marijuana legalization. This little inkling of hope has people clinging to the idea that Cain is an advocate for legalization as well.

Newt Gingrich -  Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate  

Newt Gingrich was an advocate for medical marijuana in the 80s; unfortunately, it seems his tune changed in 1996 with a very interesting statement.

Gingrich would explain his shift in position in an interview with journalist Hilary Stout in 1996.
“See, when I smoked pot it was illegal, but not immoral. Now, it is illegal AND immoral. The law didn’t change, only the morality… That’s why you get to go to jail and I don’t.”
August 8, 1996, Wall Street Journal

Can people change? Why yes they can. We can only hope the Gingrich of ’96 isn’t the Gingrich of today when it comes to sensible marijuana reform. One thing that I found interesting was…

Explaining the proposed introduction of his bill which advocated a mandatory death penalty for convicted drug smugglers, Newt states,
“If you import a commercial quantity of illegal drugs… it is because you have made the personal decision that you are prepared to get rich by destroying our children. I have made the decision that I love our children enough that we will kill you if you do this.”
August 27, 1995, New York Times, Gingrich Suggests Tough Drug Measure

Rj Harris – Declared 2012 Libertarian Presidential Candidate

Personally I like most of what I read about Harris. Instead of giving you speculation here’s a quote from his site.

I will end the War on Drugs. If the federal government can tell us which drugs we can’t use then next it will be telling us what food we can’t eat or drink, which religions we can’t express and what things we can’t say. This has to stop! The Creator made us free and our Founders intended for the Constitution and the Republic to protect that birthright.

Jon Huntsman – Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate

Jon Huntsman wants to make this a state matter.

“Question: would you prosecute growers and sellers of marijuana in states where it has been made legal?
Huntsman: I would let states decide that.”
June 23, 2011, Huntsman at a town hall meeting in Exeter, New Hampshire

Gary Johnson – Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate 

In the eyes of Johnson drug reform is one of the biggest issues America is facing. He believes  that the war on drugs is a failure and that medical marijuana should be legalized. He also believes a Dutch quasi-legalization model should be used in the US in regards to harsher drugs. He admits to using marijuana and does not believe it is a gateway drug.

 Ron Paul – Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate 

Ron Paul is another candidate who wants to give the power of legalization to the states. He wants to see drug reform return to 1937 or so his words lead me to believe. He seems to have a healthy stance on drug reform and true policy, like some of the other candidates. Here’s a quote:

Today it’s gone berserk. The federal government comes in and overrules a state (sic) has legalized marijuana to be used by very sick people, AIDS and cancer, and they’re getting some help. The Federal government comes in and puts people in prison that are sick, because they’re using for medical reason and they’ve never committed a violent crime. That’s how absurd the war on drugs has become.” Dec. 10, 2007, Ron Paul in an interview with John Stossel, ABC 20/20

and…

 Paul, alongside Democrat Barney Frank, co-sponsored the House Bill H.R.2306 (Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011), which sought “to limit the application of Federal laws to the distribution and consumption of marihuana, and for other purposes.”

The bill, tabled on June 23, 2011, aims to return marijuana back to its pre-1938 status, is currently with the House subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Rick Perry – Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate 

Perry seems to personally oppose legalization; however, he seems to believe it is a matter for the states. Here’s a quote from his book “Fed Up! Our Fight to Save America from Washington” that I agree with 100%.

“Crucial to understanding federalism in modern-day America is the concept of mobility, or “the ability to vote with your feet.” If you don’t support the death penalty and citizens packing a pistol, don’t come to Texas. If you don’t like medicinal marijuana and gay marriage, don’t move to California.

…When the federal government oversteps its authority, states should tell Washington they will not be complicit in enforcing laws with which they do not agree. Again, the best example is an issue I don’t even agree with—the partial legalization of marijuana. Californians clearly want some level of legalized marijuana, be it for medicinal use or otherwise. The federal government is telling them they cannot. But states are not bound to enforce federal law, and the federal government cannot commandeer state resources and require them to enforce it.”

Mitt Romney – Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate

Mitt Romney opposes marijuana legalization, even in a medicinal sense.

“People talk about medicinal marijuana. And you know, you hear that story that people who are sick need medicinal marijuana. But marijuana is the entry drug for people trying to get kids hooked on drugs. I don’t want medicinal marijuana; there are synthetic forms of marijuana that are available for people who need it for prescription. Don’t open the doorway to medicinal marijuana.”
July 25, 2007, Romney speaking at a town hall meeting in Bedford, New Hampshire

Rick Santorum – Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate

Santorum’s view on marijuana use is interesting. He fully admits to smoking marijuana in college, but considers it his “moment of weakness” where he “failed”. A Students for Sensible Drug Policies asked Santorum a very important question and was able to catch a raw response. I believe his response has is definitely food for thought:

“I was wondering if, given that in 2012, there’s [states that are going to] legalize marijuana, if your Department of Justice would recognize state’s rights, or if you would you go after that?”

His response…

“No, I would think that would be an activity that is not consistent with American values.”

Like I stated before pros and cons were scarce so I figure this was an appropriate way to end Howijuana. This has been a fun ganjamentary. A revised Terms to Know will be up next Thursday. Thank you all for your comments and e-mails. It’s all damn kick-ass! Please stay informed and vote. Think about what Santorum mentions “…American values”. What comes into mind? I don’t like the sound of it. It makes it seems as if there is one pie that we all share, those who don’t like the flavor can bug off. I like to think we all bring our own. Your thoughts?

Image Via CityBeat

Did you know that legalizing marijuana could save billions of dollars a year while creating a multi-billion dollar industry? That’s like making money while you’re making money! Welcome back to Hail Mary Jane for another portion of Howijuana. So far we’ve gone over after catching up on marijuana’s past and the pros and cons of decriminalization or legalization on society. Now for the fun part, the pros and cons in regards to the economy.  Money does grow on trees, its just not everyone knows it.

For the sake of argument I am going to weigh pros and cons in light of legalization and not decriminalization. Why? Because legalization allows for the following three scenarios:

1.  eliminates arrest for trafficking and possession
2. saves prosecution, judicial and incarceration expenses
3. allows taxation of production and sale

Marijuana prohibition directly effects government budgets. With legalization all enforcement expenditures are foregone.  Legalizing marijuana would save our state, local and federal government billions of dollars a year. Besides benefiting state and federal government through tax, private citizens who wish to enter the industry may also utilize the enterprise for financial stability.

What would legalization mean for a state and local government?

State and local government both shell out for arrest, prosecutorial cost, judicial cost and corrections cost for the incarcerated. On average state and local government spends $1.71 billion on marijuana arrest (based only on arrest where marijuana was primary reason). On prosecutorial and judicial cost state and local government spends $2.94 billion and $484 million in corrections cost. To dollar and cent this translates to: $5,134,000,000 dollars in state and local expenses alone. Miron points out that these costs are offset downward because of fine/fees and revenue from seizures (boats, cars, bank accounts) paid by the defendants. For ease of reading we’ll call it a seized resources offset. State and local seized resources offset can be $100 million a year at most. Rounding down and adding the offset this leaves state and local savings at about $5.2 billion. (2000)

And federal government?

Well the federal government spent over $2.39 billion on marijuana prohibition enforcement in 2002. Once again, there is a bias in this estimate because of the seized resources offset. Let’s take Federally seized resources offset accounts for $214.2 million. The federal expense for the marijuana prohibition comes to about $2.6 billion.

Revenue 

Americans spent $10.5 billion on marijuana in 2000. Besides the creation of not only a consumer market but a large job market, the revenue from marijuana production and sale including its taxation would cover all cost to create and maintain effective drug treatment programs. Many question if legalization will increase or decrease marijuana use and if the fluctuation affects projected numbers. To be sure the projections were logical and impartial Jeffrey Miron’s report The Budgetary Implications of Marijuana Prohibition declares, proves and maintains its integrity…

But any increase in demand from legalization would plausibly come from casual users, whose marijuana use would likely be modest. Any increase in use might also come from decreased consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other goods, so increased tax revenue from legal marijuana would be partially offset by decreased tax revenue from other goods. And there might be a forbidden fruit effect from prohibition that tends to offset the demand decreasing effects of penalties for possession. Thus, the assumption of no change in demand is plausible, and it likely biases the estimated tax revenue downward.

On the assumption of no change in demand the starting figure for revenue begins at $10.5 billion. If marijuana were taxed like regular consumer goods revenue would be  at least $2.4 billion a year. If marijuana is given a “sin tax” or if it’s taxed like alcohol and tobacco the United States could see upwards of $6.2 billion a year.

Let’s say a sin tax is applied to marijuana production and sales. If state and local government received 10% of all marijuana revenue  they could see $16 million dollars while the federal government; receiving 20%, would receive on average $1.6 billion dollars.

Even with modest taxation the price would be raised by 50%, but worry not. Black market mark up for marijuana is quite interesting. It only cost $1.70 to produce .05g. Yes, you read that right. That means a full gram cost less than $5 to produce. However, because of marijuana’s current political state, inconvenience, risk fees and the demand being higher than some supply marijuana is able to fetch a much higher price on the black market versus the legalized and taxed market. If legalized marijuana will be less effort, and in some cases less time to produce–thus creating a ease on price that can be absorbed by taxation.

I’m sure all of you know about the booming job market marijuana legalization could create. Aside from the flower of the plant cannabis has many different uses in many different industries. Textile, flower production and the production of other cannabis byproducts will create jobs in their prospective sector.

The wealth continues to trickle down as those who utilize the enterprise and those who work within the industry spend the money on clothing, shelter and munchies, err, I mean food.

Cons

I did come across a serious and logical con to legalization. That other industries; such as the tobacco or alcohol industry, would suffer because of consumers switching their means of stress relief. This is true, I have met some who expressed their preference to change their relief methods if it were only legal.

Thanks to Jeffry A. Miron, the reduction of budget spending and the addition of revenue sounds absolutely swell. Like state above. Money does grow on trees, some just ignore it.

 Image Via CityBeat