Secretary of State Clinton says Drug Legalization Likely Not to Happen Because "There’s ‘too much money in it."
US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton believes that the United States would have a hard time legalizing drugs as a means of fighting the black market because "there is just too much money in it." In an interview with Mexican television regarding drug legalization Clinton responded, "You can legalize small amounts for possession, but those who are making so much money selling, they have to be stopped. They can’t be given an even easier road to take, because they will then find it in their interest to addict even more young people." Advocates of legalization have roared back and responded by saying, "Clinton's response illustrates not only the intellectual bankruptcy of the prohibitionist position but the economic ignorance of a woman who would be president." At the Drug War Chronicle, Scott Morgan called Clinton's argument "perfectly incoherent" and argued it flew in the face of economic theory.
Earlier in the year MMC posted a blog titled "California Looks To Marijuana For Bail Out" in which California contemplated legislation to tax and regulate marijuana like it does alcohol to boost tax revenue. The bill would have allowed adults to legally possess, grow and sell marijuana. Officials that are for the tax and legalization of marijuana, believe that it would generate nearly $1.4 billion in revenue. The California State Board of Equalization reported that marijuana retail sales would bring an estimated $990 million from a $50-per-ounce fee and $392 million in sales taxes.
The interview with Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton focused mainly on Mexico's drug war, which has cost over 30,000 lives. Former Mexican President Vicente Fox has come out in favor of legalizing drugs as a way of taking the steam out of organized crime. Mexican President Calderon has approved legislation decriminalizing possession of small amounts of most recreational drugs, and has called for a debate on new approaches to dealing with drugs.
The Drug War and Debate Continue...
Earlier in the year MMC posted a blog titled "California Looks To Marijuana For Bail Out" in which California contemplated legislation to tax and regulate marijuana like it does alcohol to boost tax revenue. The bill would have allowed adults to legally possess, grow and sell marijuana. Officials that are for the tax and legalization of marijuana, believe that it would generate nearly $1.4 billion in revenue. The California State Board of Equalization reported that marijuana retail sales would bring an estimated $990 million from a $50-per-ounce fee and $392 million in sales taxes.
The interview with Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton focused mainly on Mexico's drug war, which has cost over 30,000 lives. Former Mexican President Vicente Fox has come out in favor of legalizing drugs as a way of taking the steam out of organized crime. Mexican President Calderon has approved legislation decriminalizing possession of small amounts of most recreational drugs, and has called for a debate on new approaches to dealing with drugs.
The Drug War and Debate Continue...