1. What are the economic costs mentioned in the article associated with enforcing marijuana laws?
2. How might law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system lose revenue if marijuana becomes legal, according to the text?
3. What challenges does the article discuss regarding regulating the legal marijuana industry, especially in terms of taxes and licenses?
4. How might the job market be affected if marijuana becomes legal, and what concerns are raised about job quality and stability?
5. Based on the article, what worries are expressed about the potential increase in substance abuse and addiction rates if marijuana is legalized?
1. The economic costs associated with enforcing marijuana laws mentioned in the article include the expenses of arrests, prosecutions, and incarceration of individuals involved in marijuana-related offenses.
2. If marijuana becomes legal, law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system might lose revenue from fines, court fees, and forfeitures related to marijuana arrests and convictions.
3. The challenges discussed in the article regarding regulating the legal marijuana industry include determining appropriate tax rates to generate revenue without driving consumers to the illicit market and establishing fair and transparent licensing processes for businesses.
4. If marijuana becomes legal, the job market could be affected by the creation of new jobs in the legal marijuana industry. However, concerns are raised about the quality and stability of these jobs, as well as potential displacement of workers in other industries.
5. The article expresses worries about the potential increase in substance abuse and addiction rates if marijuana is legalized, particularly among young people and vulnerable populations. Additionally, there are concerns about the normalization of drug use and potential negative health outcomes associated with increased marijuana consumption.