While most wealthy economies are still stagnant, in decline or disrepair, the Canadian economy has outpaced all comers and will avoid the possibility of a double-dip recession that continues to haunt the US. But beyond the chorus of self-congratulatory backslapping coming from Ottawa, there has emerged a new and immediate threat of economic crisis that is being willfully ignored by Canadian politicians.
This November, in an effort to increase tax revenue, California will hold a referendum on whether or not to legalize the cultivation and use of marijuana. If passed, the change in law would be devastating to the Canadian economy, halting the flow of billions of dollars from the US into Canada and eventually forcing hundreds of thousands into unemployment.
Over the past 20 years, Canada has developed a substantial and highly profitable marijuana industry that is almost completely dependent on the US market. Between 60 and 90% of the marijuana produced domestically is exported to the US via cross-border smuggling operations. It’s exactly like the alcohol prohibition of the 1920s, only far more sophisticated and more profitable. The establishment of a legal industry based in the US would likely cripple these exports overnight.
No, they do not send 60% or more of the marijuana grown here into the U.S. They smoke it here,
These are lies and I daresay even slander of Canada! Our economy is not doing well because of illegal drug trafficking. What a pant load!
Will legalisation of pot in California cause the bottom of the market to drop out in B.C.? Not likely, as what is grown and sold in B.C., is likely to be bought and smoked in B.C., or other parts of Canada! With American paranoia in the wake of the 9/11 attacks being what it is, it will be extremely difficult to smuggle anything south of the 49th parallel, and while most Americans would rather stay home and consume local product, once legalised, a relative few will go north in search of the much touted B.C. Bud!
Buying Californian weed over BC bud is like preferring a Yugo to a BMW.
’nuff said.
SKL
I’m sure what it REALLY come down to, is that both the US Tobacco and Alcohol industries fear the competition of anything that would provide a “buzz”, they’re not able to profit from selling. One day, some genius will figure out how to grow MJ in a test tube. And that’ll be the end of looking for pot plants, in fields and hot basements. It’ll be as easy as brewing homemade beer. Maybe easier. So they might as well relax the law a little, to forestall that. And just limit the amount of MJ, anyone is allowed to produce and sell. Like they do with spirits.
Besides. I have an idea that when something becomes no longer illegal to do. It will lose its appeal to do it. And more will quit, than will start.
The receptors from the brain this allow customer base of cannabinoids (like THC) are instead section of the most universal receptor system in the childs body. Not only is definitely the body the natural way attuned to help you these substances, it even uses the criminals to great effect — a variety of studies established that cannabinoids help reduce pain along with distressing signs and symptoms.