Marijuana Market / Economy

Reports and Studies

11/05/09 | Marijuana Arrests in the United States - 2007

The most exhaustive collection of data ever on U.S. marijuana arrests, penalties and related information finds no relationship between marijuana arrest and use rates, while penalty structures act as a price support mechanism that boosts the illegal market.


09/22/09 | Revenue & Taxes from Oakland's Cannabis Economy: Report to Measure Z Oversight Committee

This analysis by Dale Gieringer and Richard Lee concludes that the medical marijuana business in the city of Oakland, Calif., could contribute tens of millions of dollars to the local economy.


08/19/09 | Marijuana Production in the United States

This report -- based on U.S. government data -- details the enormous volume of marijuana harvested and sold untaxed in the U.S., where in 2006 it was the country's number one cash crop, worth more than the corn and wheat crops combined.


08/19/09 | Lost Taxes and Other Costs of Marijuana Laws

With the estimated retail value of the U.S. marijuana market at $113 billion, the local, state, and federal governments are forgoing $31.1 billion in potential sales tax each year. At the same time, marijuana arrests cost taxpayers $10.7 billion annually.


 

OP-Eds

08/06/11 |
Legalized Pot Is More Than a Tax Bonanza


08/06/11 |
The Marijuana Closet


08/06/11 |
3 Myths About Marijuana


08/06/11 |
This Is The Truth On Drugs ... Any Questions?


08/06/11 |
Regulation Would Take It Out of Criminals' Control


 

Updates

02/04/13 |
Steve Fox on CNBC Power Lunch


12/14/12 |
Obama Says Going After Marijuana Users Will Not Be a Priority in States That Vote to Make It Legal


06/08/12 |
Software Pioneer Leaves $10 Million Bequest to Five Leading Non-Profits in Health and Drug Policy Reform


02/09/12 |
The war on weed: Prohibition costs Illinois big bucks


01/25/12 |
Could Va. reap $500 million per year by legalizing pot?