10 Facts About the Economics of Weed

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7. The criminal justice system has financial motivation to oppose legalization

How much are states that legalize marijuana losing in fines and seizures? According to the ACLU, over half of all American drug arrests are for marijuana. Most of these arrests result in fines for the convicted as jail space is at a premium. Certain states have “Drug Courts” that can either “expunge” minor convictions or lead to years of further expense and legal hassle, depending on behavior. It sure looks like a racket. Fighting a war on such a widely used substance also increases the need for policing. More officers are needed, and more equipment, which means more federal money to local police departments. Between court fees, probation fees, and federal incentives, the criminal justice community has a gravy train in prosecuting nonviolent pot offenders.

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