First off, marijuana has been legal in Colorado for the past 3 years with no Federal issues. As someone who has been legal under ammendment 20 for medical reasons for the past 3 years I can tell you 2 things.
1. I pay taxes on my medicine, got away with not having to for a while, I still know illegal growers and people who sell through the streets, but I chose to go about this the right way, the way it was intended for.
YOU might be one of 5% that might actually go the "by the book" route. Why wouldn't you grow your own, not pay anyone and save yourself any taxation at all...after all you are allowed to grow 6 plants for yourself?!?
2. Even with the added tax, the price through a medicinal dispensory is still well cheaper than a street vendor, and much better quality, so yes, I will go and pay the tax and I know plenty of other smokers who say the exact same thing.
I think you might need to re read exactly what the amendment intailed Jack, you seem to be a bit unclear, other than the fact they leagalized weed. Its still going to be regulated, its still illegal to grow with out a caregivers liscense, the quality will be regulated and where it can be sold will be regulated.
FALSE, it will absolutely be legal for ANYONE over the age of 21 to grow up to 6 plants (without any licensing), and to give a "gift" of up to 1 ounce to anyone else over the age of 21. What a complete joke to think this is going to be regulated and done within these constraints. Read Section 3(b)
Why is it OK to dispense alcahol and cigerettes and nearly every corner store, liquor store and gorcery store when they are proven to be responsible for the most deaths in the country, yet marijuana, which has been proven to posess many positive qualities and has never been proven to be linked to any type of DUI related accidents, Liver failure, emphasema or cancerous growths in your lungs is such a problem?? Thats what gets me.
Why are we still using other substances as an example/crutch to propagate the use/distribution of more substances? THAT is where the slippery slope begins...just ask the Netherlands!
"...has never been proven or linked to any type of DUI related accidents..."?? Seriously?!? I'll let the cat of the bag if it hasn't already been done...I'm in law enforcement and that is the most asinine thing I've ever read about this initiative. I guess I've been arresting people falsely and watching lives devastated falsely. Mark my word on this, DUID's are now going to skyrocket!!