Lawmakers from both parties have been working on a number of marijuana related bills, the first of which will be introduced by Representative Earl Blumenauer of Oregon and Representative Jared Polis of Colorado.
Blumenauer’s bill would create a federal marijuana excise tax of 50% on the “first sale” of marijuana– which would likely be from a grower to a retailer. It would also tax marijuana producers $1,000 annually and other marijuana businesses $500 annually.
While his office did not have an estimate in terms of how much money these taxes would bring in, a policy paper estimates that a federal tax of $50 per ounce could raise $20 billion per year.
Polis’ bill would regulate marijuana the same way the federal government regulates alcohol. States that legalize marijuana would have to obtain a federal permit. After obtaining the permit, the DEA would no longer oversee the state’s marijuana-related issues. Instead, the newly named Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana, and Firearms would oversee the states’ programs. Additionally, it would remain illegal to bring marijuana from a legal state to a state that has not yet legalized the drug.
Blumenauer and Polis are making additional suggestions in a paper they will release this week, including changing tax codes to allow marijuana dispensaries to deduct business expenses on federal taxes and altering regulations to make it easier for medical marijuana dispensaries to get bank accounts.
Blumenauer also intends to introduce another bill that would reschedule marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, allowing states to legalize marijuana without fear of federal repercussions.
Former White House Drug Policy Adviser Kevin Sabet believes these bills stand little chance of passing. “These are really extreme solutions to the marijuana program we have in this country,” he said. “The marijuana problem we have is a problem of addiction among kids and a stigma of people who have a criminal record for marijuana crimes. There are a lot more people in Congress who think that marijuana should be illegal but treated as a public health problem than think it should be legal.”
Blumenauer and Polis follow in the footsteps of Representative Barney Frank and Representative Ron Paul, who submitted similar legislature in the past.
[Source]
fbrglssdpr said on Feb 5, 2013
Definitely a step forward; regardless of high tax numbers this beats being put in a cage for our flowers.
dabasaurus said on Feb 5, 2013
This is an amazing leap for us responsible cannabis users!!!!
RickyDabz said on Feb 5, 2013
one small bill for congress, one giant dab for this guy.
dayzaway99 said on Feb 5, 2013
one small step for mankind and one giant leap for AMERICAN PICKERS new episoide tonight on history channel. Imagine Greater
Mrgreenthumb21 said on Feb 5, 2013
So looking at the big picture: The ATF accommodating for Cannabis, turning into ATMF will produce more jobs, and less federal funding to the war on marijuana, and a significant decrease to pointless and life altering prosecutions over an herb. Also for the growers going "legal" in permitted states having 50% tax deduction on first sale, ($50 per ounce) will make the federal govt $20 Billion+ annually. That's just a micro unit of the thousands of benefits of marihuana in the macro. **took like 4 dabs and a J to wright*** -_-
spkavyo said on Feb 5, 2013
The initial tax of 50% is way too high! Adding $50.00 to the cost of an ounce would really hurt poor medical marijuana users. Maybe an exemption for medical use? It has to get money to the fed or they will never allow it. America is way ahead of D.C. on marijuana policy. Maybe they could direct the money they make for real treatment centers for people addicted to pills, junk or speed? Dream on!
Shazam said on Feb 5, 2013
ban the fed! those men have no touch on the people of their own state. just there for money
dieselhaze said on Feb 6, 2013
possibly the best idea the government has had in a long time
dieselhaze said on Feb 6, 2013
or the worst, sure as fuck don't want to pay an extra $50 an oz
eddie273273 said on Feb 6, 2013
"Former White House Drug Policy Adviser Kevin Sabet believes these bills stand little chance of passing. “These are really extreme solutions to the marijuana program we have in this country,” he said. “The marijuana problem we have is a problem of addiction among kids and a stigma of people who have a criminal record for marijuana crimes. There are a lot more people in Congress who think that marijuana should be illegal but treated as a public health problem than think it should be legal.”"
This is the important part where they see marijuana as a problem and being addictive . This what your elected representative will focus on until you vote him out of office .
If you want change if you want cannabis legalized you have to voice your vote at election time and vote those bastards out of office . It's the only way you'll get change .
Vote early and vote often .
slowwevo said on Feb 14, 2013
so let me get this right,something called atmf will pop up,they will control it all,but unlike alcohol tobacco or firearms, MJ will still be illegal to cross a stateline with
the fed are ignorant morons
the only thing that needs to be adjusted is the CSA classification