Part 3: The Cost of Cannabis Prohibition

Introduction

Cannabis prohibition isn’t just a legal issue—it’s an economic burden. Maintaining federal restrictions on cannabis denies the U.S. government billions in potential tax revenue, while exacerbating social inequalities and draining law enforcement resources.

Economic Costs of Prohibition

Lost Tax Revenue: Prohibition costs the U.S. an estimated $100 billion annually in untapped tax revenue.

Missed Job Opportunities: Legal cannabis could create over 1 million jobs nationwide by 2030.

Social Costs of Prohibition

Racial Disparities: Data shows that cannabis-related arrests disproportionately impact Black and Hispanic communities.

Strain on Criminal Justice: Enforcing cannabis prohibition diverts resources from addressing serious crimes.

State-Level Success States like Colorado and California have shown that legalization can reduce arrest rates, fund public programs, and stimulate local economies.

Conclusion

The economic and social benefits of legalization far outweigh the costs of maintaining prohibition, making reform a fiscally responsible choice.