The state of Colorado was the fifth state to #legalizeMarijuana for medical use when it passed Amendment 20 in 2005 and in 2012 by passing Amendment 64, they became the first state to legalize #Marijuana for recreational use.
By legalizing #Marijuana for medical use, patients with debilitating medical conditions could make a request for medical marijuana by registering at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and would be issued a Marijuana patient card. The card allows possession of 2 ounces, or up to 6 plants. Additionally, CDPHE registered caregivers may grow plants for their patients, and may handle an unlimited number of patients at a time.
In just a few years, there was an upsurge in the number of medical #Marijuana patients registering with CDPHE, and in new centers. These centers could grow as much #Marijuana as they wanted, claiming they are caregivers of patients’ #Marijuana plants. This unforeseen turn of events led to a great proliferation of centers, and the state could not monitor or track inventories and sales activity, prompting new regulations in 2012.
When it comes to taxes, both medical and recreational #Marijuana are subject to the state’s 2.9% sales tax, and recreational sales are subject to a 10% excise tax and local taxes. These local taxes can be exorbitant, like in Denver where they collect a total of 21.12% tax for recreational sales.
#Marijuana tax collection reached $302 Million dollars in 2019, the highest on record. These taxes are allocated for the state’s public education fund, programs for substance abuse and treatment, and other youth programs.
The legalization of medical and recreational #Marijuana and the clear regulations have moved the product from an unregulated market to a regulated one. This allows for better monitoring and for the sales to be properly taxed. The government benefits from the sales of #Marijuana, and it contributes to public services.
Given this evidence, I say that the legalization of #Marijuana has definitely helped the state of Colorado.
