Legalization of Marijuana in the U.S

Legalization of Marijuana in the U.S

Over two-thirds (69 percent) came out in favor of the retail industry supporting the legalization of marijuana. Only 21 percent were firmly opposed.

The online poll and subsequent discussion were prompted by news that Professor Milton Friedman is among 500 economists who have publicly endorsed a Harvard University report, The Budgetary Implications of Marijuana Prohibition, that says legalizing pot would save states and the federal government $7.7 billion a year while bringing in between $2.4 billion and $6.2 billion in additional tax revenues annually, depending on the rate of the levy.

The enthusiasm of poll respondents, however, was tempered by commentary submitted by retailing experts from RetailWire's BrainTrust panel, including industry consulant James Tenser, Principal of VSN Strategies: "Speaking hypothetically, marijuana might prove to be a profitable line for retailers. And it seems righteous to stop incarcerating young people for simple possession at a high cost to taxpayers. But I wouldn't advocate that retailers take an active pro-pot stance. Most have been backing away from tobacco sales due mainly to health concerns. Pot risks are similar. And considering the present quality of the retail workforce - what kind of labor pool would chain retailers have to draw from if pot were actually legal?"