Medical Marijuana May Cost Taxpayers

Marijuana

According to news reports, so-called “medical” marijuana is now a multi-million dollar business in Arkansas.

KFSM reports Arkansans have spent more than $23 million on marijuana this year.

We estimate that about $2.4 – $2.5 million of that money will go to the state in taxes.

However, that still may not be enough tax revenue to cover all the expenses the State of Arkansas incurs managing and policing “medical” marijuana.

In 2016 the Department of Finance and Administration estimated that “medical” marijuana would cost its offices and the Arkansas Department of Health $2.3 – $3.3 million every year, and the Arkansas State Police estimated it would need an additional $1.4 million per year to police the program.

Altogether, that’s $3.7 – $4.7 million that the state must spend every year on marijuana just for those departments.

At this point, even if marijuana continues to be a multi-million dollar business in Arkansas, it’s unclear whether the state will receive enough tax revenue from it to cover all the costs associated with marijuana.

That means regular taxpayers could end up footing part of the bill.

READ MORE

Marijuana Tied to Heart Problems, Stroke in Young People

Marijuana

A recent study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions found that marijuana addiction among young people is tied to increased risk of heart problems.

A second study found regular marijuana use increases a young person’s risk of suffering a stroke.

Young people who who regularly use marijuana have a 47% – 52% greater risk of being hospitalized for an irregular heartbeat.

Irregular heart rhythms can lead to stroke or heart failure.

Researchers also found that young people who used marijuana more than 10 days per month were more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke, compared to people who didn’t use marijuana.

Time and again, researchers have found marijuana is dangerous.

  • A 2017 study reported marijuana smokers were three times as likely to die of hypertension.
  • Marijuana use has been linked to stroke and cardiovascular problems.
  • Marijuana damages the brain and can lead to a permanent loss in IQ.
  • Marijuana is also tied to an increased risk for schizophrenia.

All of this underscores what we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.

Read more about this latest study here.

READ MORE

NV Police Warn Parents About Marijuana Edibles

Marijuana

According to news reports, authorities in Las Vegas are warning parents about the dangers marijuana products pose to children.

Candy, cookies, and other foods laced with marijuana appeal to children, and can be dangerous if ingested.

KSNV reports,

“We’ve seen children admitted to the hospital who need intensive care monitoring, and in some cases, even life support interventions to help keep them alive,” said Dr. Jacob Snow at Sunrise Children’s Hospital. “We have seen cases where it’s typical curious exploring. A two-, three- or four-year-old who happens upon something that their parents left out.”

We have written repeatedly about children and adults who were hospitalized after eating candy or other food containing marijuana.

As we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.

Photo: “PLUS” by sarahstierch is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

READ MORE