Here is a perfect example of how free and open markets function with less violence and overall danger, and better quality, compared to black markets that must deal with the threat of government punishment.
Market Watch reports:
Willie Nelson, the country singer-songwriter (and well-known consumer of cannabis), has revealed plans to launch a branded chain of marijuana dispensaries and related products, including signature strains of pot. Dubbed “Willie’s Reserve,” the brand is expected to start formulating plans in the next year. Nelson spokesman Michael Bowman told The Daily Beast that the operation is going to “be something that’s reflective of (Nelson’s) passion” for cannabis.
At a time when legalized marijuana is already a $2.2 billion business, Nelson is far from the first celebrity to eye the branded cannabis model. Last year, the family of reggae legend Bob Marley announced plans to create a line of pot products, including “heirloom Jamaican cannabis.”
Plus, with more than 20 states now having legalized marijuana for recreational or medical use, cannabis chains are starting to emerge. In Colorado, for example, a chain called Native Roots has locations in more than a half-dozen cities, with additional ones coming soon.
-RW
I think the cannibis industry will become a classic bubble. The fact is cannabis is easy to grow whether indoor or outside in all parts of the lower 48 states. Supply will eventually overwhelm demand because of this, and I think $100 or $80 1/4 oz will be referred to as the good old days by the cannibals retailer.
ReplyDeleteWhy pay for high priced, high taxed weed, when you grow it yourself for a fraction of that..
Any idiot can grow lousy weed just like any idiot can make lousy beer.
DeleteBut good weed....
"Here is a perfect example of how free and open markets function with less violence and overall danger, and better quality, compared to black markets that must deal with the threat of government punishment."
ReplyDeleteThis is a half-true statement. Current "legalization" efforts are exactly that- legalization, as opposed to the libertarian approach- total decriminalization. The cannabis "market" in Washington State, for example, is regulated to the extreme and triple-tier taxed (25% at every level of distribution). I think the way consumers and sellers interact in these new systems could be described as an above-ground market, but not a free market (open may even be a stretch).
Are these examples better than the prior situation (and what remains the status quo for the poor souls elsewhere) from the libertarian perspective? On first glance, it seems that it is so, as non-NAP violations no longer result in jail-time. This reduces overcrowding in jails and prisons, leading to less need for new construction and frees the innocent individuals to provide services to others. Less SWAT raids and general police time could lead to a reduction in demand in those sectors.
The are two major sticky wickets which hobble these markets: taxation and market caps. In Washington, the cap was something around 300 stores state-wide (chosen by lottery, lol!). In addition, numerous state, local, and county regulations meant these stores are not placed in the best locations for distribution to customers. If I am not mistaken, there are three recreational cannabis shops in the Seattle area, and about 14,000 tobacco shops, liqueur stores and wine shops, etc.
All the money taken in taxes (of course, at the end of the bayonet!) will be poured into the seen, and likely hailed as a great achievement. Crucially, since much of the demand for the new markets is shifting from the underground market where there is no taxation, this is a new revenue stream to the government. Also, the tax is payed enthusiastically by both retailers- who enjoy their temporary monopoly, and consumers- who are either libbed out and just love taking other people's money or who are simply elated to be able to walk into a store to buy cannabis. What would those people have spent this tax money on? Better display cases, or a nicer location? Would someone have spent it on a necktie, or saved it over the course of time to buy something of more value? We will never know!
The libertarian position on taxation is that is theft, plain and simple. Is the large amount of theft governments at all levels have achieved by establishing these "markets" preferable to the situation in Washington and Colorado prior- a traffic ticket, but no jail time for small amounts? I don't think so, myself.
I am interested in other people's thoughts on this!
Well, I think all this "legalization" is yeah, kinda half-assed, BUT... it signals, nay ENABLES (God I hate this cliche') a paradigm shift.
DeleteWeed use is rapidly morphing from "My God, DRUG addiction" to "Don't use dangerous machinery when you're stoned".
SO... in disagreement with some comments above, it is fairly simple for plain folks to grow some absolutely KILLER weed. All you need are two closets, a Mercury vapor streetlight (for rapid growth) and a sodium streetlight (for budding).
If you keep your quantities small they will have a hard time proving "intent to distribute", if they detect you at all.
Kinda like making your own beer.