Local Reaction to Marijuana Legalization Mixed

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION - (St. Augustine, Fla) - Amidst California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s statements proposing bureaucrats study whether the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes would be a beneficial way to raise tax revenue, residents of St. Augustine, Fla. have expressed mixed feelings to the idea. With the current recession causing significant budget deficits in many states, the proposition of legalizing marijuana has gained steam during recent months and surely will continue to be a topic of conversation.

When questioned whether legalization would be a good idea Schwarzenegger responded, “No, I think that it’s not time for that, but I think its time for a debate. I’m always for an open debate on it.” According to the Huffington Post, Schwarzenegger also noted that politicians should examine what effect legalization has had on other countries. “But just because of raising revenues, we have to be very careful not to make mistakes at the same time.”

Flagler College Professor Robert Berger, who operates in the business department and has a substantial background in law, echoed Gov. Schwarzenegger’s precautionary remarks regarding the societal impacts of marijuana legalization when stating, “It uses taxation as social engineering…taxes are solely to raise revenue.” Berger also expressed concern with the California State Board of Equalization’s estimate that a $50-an-ounce tax would create $1.3 billion in additional tax revenues annually. “I question whether the tax would generate the revenue that has been estimated,” noting that his studies in economics have shown there are many other variables that affecting tax collections and that, “It’s not that simple.”

Other Florida residents view the potential for legalization as a positive for society. Mental Health Counselor Donalyn Frank, 53, who practices substance abuse counseling in St. Augustine Beach, is in favor of legalization regardless of taxation purposes. “Personally I think it should be legalized, at least decriminalized,” said Frank. She also rationalized that her experience as a counselor for substance abuse has led her to believe marijuana is harmless and that, “Alcohol is the real gateway drug. I’ve seen so many people through counseling for DUI’s who have said the only way to stop drinking is by smoking marijuana.”

Frank’s views reflect a widely held belief that marijuana use is not only harmless, but enforcement of the drug can actually be detrimental to society. According to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, “The societal costs of (marijuana interdiction) cost U.S. taxpayers in excess of $12 billion annually.” With marijuana enforcement taking up valuable time and resources of law enforcement individuals, some feel the fight just isn’t worth it.

The Netherlands have been the classic example for marijuana legalization but have recently expressed dissatisfaction with their marijuana drug policies. In the Netherlands, marijuana is legal only in “coffee shops,” where customers can purchase up to five grams. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Dutch government is considering decreasing the quantity of marijuana available in coffee shops from five to three grams. The D.E.A. also stated that since marijuana legalization, “Heroin addiction levels in Holland have tripled and perhaps even quadrupled by some estimates.” With Schwarzenegger proposing that politicians look to other countries for answers to the legalization dilemma, such facts may enter the discussion.

A controversial aspect of marijuana legalization that proponents often fail to recognize is marijuana taxations potential role as an inverse tax. Berger expressed his regard for the fact when stating, “I’m concerned whether it would turn out to be another regressive tax.” Similar to cigarette taxes, which draw revenue mainly from lower income groups, marijuana taxation could become a regressive tax that has a larger burden on lower tax brackets.

Flagler College graduate Scott Buckingham, 22, expressed similar thoughts regarding marijuana legalization’s potential effects on lower income groups. Elaborating upon the regressive tax theory, Buckingham noted, “During a time such as the current recession, it may be beneficial for state governments but cause individuals to spend their money on something that is not important. The tax would probably end up hurting people financially.”

President Obama recently commented on the effects a marijuana tax would have on the current economic situation. According to Fox News, when questioned whether he thought legalization would improve the economy and help create jobs, Obama said, “The answer is, no, I don’t think that it is a good strategy to grow our economy.”

With so many variables involved in a situation that has yet to even take place, the mixed reaction received locally comes of no surprise. Other states will likely come into discussions similar to what has happened in California. Whether or not Florida is one of them remains to be seen.