Recreational Marijuana Sales - where goes the bounty?

[GailL1]

I read that the states that have legalized the recreational use of marijuana have used the taxes from such sale for all kinds of public good - From building schools to social inequities.  

So I am wondering what good have you seen from these taxes?  Have they helped you directly or indirectly.  Have they reduced any of your taxes or supplied you with needed [whatever] needed benefits?

They are collecting BILLIONS.  I just want to know if you see of any indication of where these newly added taxes are going.

Thanks to any and all that may want to share.

[papawofboo]

We don't have it around here but money from lottery is supposed to go towards education, and 2 cent tax on gas is to improve roads.

When they come up with these special taxes I think they should have to show us a list of how much was taken in, how much was spent and what it was spent on. 

These items are in the budget anyway so show me how the extra taxes are being put to use. 

I think, you would know, that when Ga. got the lottery they said half was going to education after expenses.. Also they said that x% of the budget was for education and each year that would stay the same percentage and that way the lottery money would be extra. I know that when we moved that they were putting computers in all the schools and this was 27 years ago. 

[GailL1]

@papawofboo 

Thanks for the reply - yes, I too, am familiar with our Georgia lottery proceeds to fund education - the Hope Scholarships and the PreK program for 4 yr olds  and the other special benefits that come from it.  I think it has been a great program since our Governor, Zell Miller got it going back in 1993. 

Attempts have been made to siphon off some of the money but to date I do not believe any of these measures have ever succeeded.  

I love playing Keno at a favorite watering hole.  A time for good times, camaraderie, good food and drink and a way to play and support education.  

Just curious as to where the money goes in those states that have legalized recreational marijuana - I think not having a dedicated place for it leaves it open for waste and abuse.  

[papawofboo]

Over time I have learned that lots of money and politicians are a bad mix. Like putting a 5-year-old in a candy store by them self.

Way back when they legalized the stuff, I heard somewhere that they could not put the money from the sale of it in a bank because to the federal government it was not legal and the government could take it. Is any of that true, if yes, then where do they put the money?

[GailL1]

Actually, @papawofboo, that is still the case for the bigger banks - some local community banks and credit unions, may make some allowances for this since they are governed more by local banking rules and laws.  

So, yes, for the most part, it is still a cash business.  There has been no change in our Federal Drug laws reclassifying marijuana to lesser harm - It is still classified as A Sch I drug right along with heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote.

DEA.gov Drug Scheduling  

[papawofboo]

Back to your question, I finally asked the question the right way and found a site that breaks down what each state does with the money.

I just scanned over it but it looked like education, medical (help for addicts) and roads were the biggest uses. But most of the states had a certain per-cent going into the general fund.

What I don't understand is you brought up a good subject and no one is replying except me, and I've talked about lottery and gas tax more than I have about drug tax?????

[GailL1]

It isn’t new that few ever take part in conversations here.  

I guess on the topic I am wondering if they use the money to cut back on any citizen taxes or IF it is being used in place of having to raise taxes even more on their citizens.

But thanks for the conversation.

I also wonder if there have been any problems with the recreational legalization of it - meaning problem with drivers that may be high or workers, whether they are having problems keeping it out of the hands of the underage group.

Once it passed, I rarely hear about it anymore.  So I assume, all is well.  Although I have read a few medical articles on it that seems not to be good if one uses it a lot - but what is -actually.