In his budget address Tuesday, an enthusiastic Governor Shapiro told lawmakers legalizing recreational marijuana would bring the state $1.3 billion in tax revenue in the first five years. And he noted the states surrounding Pennsylvania already have legalized pot sales.
His argument? Why miss out?
We suggest the governor should tap the brakes and consider some troubling facts.
First, the US market is flooded with illegal weed.
Regulated producers are competing with Chinese criminal rings who set up pot farms across the US manned by low wage workers from China. The criminals don't pay taxes and sell pot at lower prices.
Second, a new study shows 63% of heavy marijuana smokers between 22 and 36 have reduced brain activity and cannot retain and use information to perform tasks like solving a math problem.
The governor should form a panel to survey leaders in states with legalized recreational pot and find the results.
If more revenue is the primary reason for legalizing weed, state lawmakers should have reservations.