Legalization of Marijuana Group F Project SOCI 4080

Group F  Robert Gould  Kathleen Holets  Lorraine James  Christa Johnson  Susan Lusk  Gwendolyn Nelson  Bonnie Olson  Kendra Pitre-Bullock

Legalization of Marijuana  History of Marijuana  Benefits of Legalization of Marijuana  Incarceration Related to Marijuana Possession and Use

History of Marijuana  Marijuana Tax Stamp Act of 1937  Tax Stamp Purchased for Possession  Few Could Afford Tax Stamp  Controlled Substances Act – 1970  Currently – Marijuana is Illegal

Marijuana Stamp Act of 1937  Tax for possession of marijuana or cannabis  High tax rate limited those who could possess marijuana  Possession of stamp or be arrested  No distinction between medical and recreational use of marijuana

Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010  Regulated manufacture and importation  Controlled possession, use and distribution of marijuana  Eliminated the need for marijuana stamps

Benefits of Legalization  Increase Tax Revenue at the State and Federal Level  Save $7.7 Billion yearly on Prohibition  $2.4 Billion if taxed as consumer goods  $6.2 Billion if taxed as alcohol or tobacco  Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 – California slated to approve

Incarceration Related to Use of Marijuana  Incarceration Costs more than $7 Billion Yearly  Funds could be used for other government programs  Room to incarcerate violent offenders