State lawmakers reportedly discussing legalizing marijuana
Published on 2/22/16
Last year before leaving office, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed a bill lowering the penalties for marijuana possession. Now in 2016. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is faced with an $850 million budget problem, and a taxable marijuana program provides a enticing offer. Tax revenue is only a single benefit contributed by legal marijuana, after providing relief to patients, lowering pain killer addiction and deaths, and defeating the black market. A proposal is reportedly coming soon, though legislators are still only discussing options.
The Denver Post reported that Colorado’s Department of Revenue collected more than $135 million in marijuana taxes and fees in 2015, with $35 million going to schools. Tiberius says it just makes sense to legalize it here.
“And fund mental health care, education, drug education. You name it. And show the practicality and responsibility behind using cannabis, instead of demonizing it and putting people in jail, which we cannot afford to do. anymore,” said Tiberius.
