Levin, Rick. “Growing Pains” Eugene Weekly. Alt-Press Watch. 19 March 2015. 19 July 2015
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.lib.utexas.edu/altpresswatch/docview/1680753425/55EAE07A30BA4B24PQ/2?accountid=7118
Rick Levin is a writer for Eugene Weekly. In his article “Growing Pains,” Levin discusses how the government and big businesses can capitalize on the production and distribution of marijuana, however, he argues that the legalization of marijuana will not put an end to the black market.
According to Levin, legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes creates a lot of questions regarding the economy, ethics, and the legal system. Legalizing marijuana would seem easy since people are going to smoke it whether it is legal or not, however in reality it is more complex.
Levin argues that the purpose of capitalism is to keep money flowing. The black market does not hinder the flow of money and has it’s own “system of supply and demand.” Previously before marijuana was made legal for medical and recreational purposes, growers were able to sell a pound for $4,800. Now a pound cost about $1,400, in other words, the value has been depreciating. With the legalization of marijuana does not mean an end to the black market, Levin states, “it may evolve and morph into something slightly different.” Legalizing marijuana is suppose to help reduce the amount of illegal activity and violence associated with it. It is not the drugs that is the problem but the people who are growing and distributing them.
Levin points out that the legalization of marijuana will give not only the government but big businesses the opportunity to exploit and monopolize on the industry. On the other hand, Levi describes the legalization of marijuana “necessary to create jobs, generate revenue and to establish rules and regulations for public safety.” Marijuana can become a booming industry providing jobs to thousands of people and bringing in revenue for the government. It has been shown that legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes can generate millions of dollars. Such earnings can be used towards things such as schools and other beneficial public programs.
Overall Levin’s article “Growing Pains,” argues that although legalizing marijuana would be beneficial by providing jobs and an increase in revenue for the government, it doesn’t address the major issue at hand. It may reduce the supply and demand of illegal drugs but it doesn’t fix the problem. There’s still going to be a black market and that results in continuous violence. This article provides a different point of view from what I have previously read and makes for a great debate. This article will be beneficial to my peers by providing insight on the legalization of marijuana on the economy and its complexity.
I don’t think the legalization of marijuana will keep the black market for it alive unless they make the price for marijuana really cheap compared to the price of store brand marijuana kind of like cigarettes? Although, I do agree with his point of creating more jobs. I think the legalization of marijuana is a great way to create more profit to the economy.
This is a really interesting point-of-view, ” Legalizing marijuana is suppose to help reduce the amount of illegal activity and violence associated with it. It is not the drugs that is the problem but the people who are growing and distributing them.” I never though of legalization in this way, we always think about it hurting of helping someone, specifically. It’s just another way of seeing this issue, but I never saw it like that. I think the black market is a threat to our economy, for sure, and capitalizing marijuana would in a way give the government power over this drug that it doesn’t need, because if you really think about it, so many things are going on behind the scenes that people don’t know about regarding this issue and profits are being made, for sure.
It’s great to read this summary. I agree with it, just because marijuana will become legal doesn’t mean the black market will go away. It really is a complicated complex system in which marijuana and other drugs are being made/grown and distributed. While it doesn’t subtract from our capitalism while it is illegal, it’s still a problem, however, even when it becomes legal, the violence around it won’t entirely go away. This summary provides insight into our debate of legalization across the nation.
I agree that the legalization of marijuana won’t completely fix the problem of the black market, but I believe that it is a start. Money is what the government wants, though, so if marijuana is going to become legalized, it is good on them. But at the same time I also believe that it will cause some problems in the black market because their business will go down and that would just lead them to sell other things.
This is a very interesting summary, I also agree that even if marijuana was to become illegal it still wouldn’t put an end to the black market. I think the people associated in the black market would find a way to make even more profit, they could probably even start selling drugs at a lower price, or encourage other drugs such as heroin. I feel like the only reason the government would legalize marijuana is to help them become a more powerful state.
This summary makes some intelligent points because legalizing marijuana will not stop the black market. Instead the black market will find ways to maneuver their business strategy and over come the law. Additionally the black market will then start selling more brutal drugs.
I had always thought that legalizing marijuana would majorly weaken the black market to the point of it almost going extinct but the author of your article does have a point. The black market will not end because there are plenty of other drugs to deal under the table beside marijuana. Your author does make a very convincing point about the positive effects of legalizing marijuana on the economy. I also found the information about the depreciation of marijuana very interesting.
It’s true that the black market wouldn’t end. I feel like if marijuana were to be legalized the taxation on it would be very high. Instead of buying it directly from a local store people would rather buy it from someone who sells it illegally. As Marisol says people in the black market would be smart enough to try and make profit from it.
I agree with what you have stated in paragraph three. “It is not the drugs that is the problem but the people who are growing and distributing them.” This sticks out to me because it is why marijuana has such a bad reputation. If it were sold by little girls at “marijuana stands” I’m sure everyone would have accepted its usage. ( I know that could never happen)
I liked this particular view point. I never saw it like that. However I totally agree! It’s not what marijuana will do if it is legalized however what will the consumers do. Totally makes sense and the post really highlights important aspects that helps me understand better!
I agree that the legalization of marijuana will not get rid of the black market because there are plenty of other drugs out there. I found it interesting that the price has gone from 4800 to 1400, makes you wonder how they might be making up for money lost. However if it is legalized hopefully the jobs it will create will be in researching marijuana.
I really like the perspective this article is written in. I agree that marijuana’s legalization will not completely end the black market due to the availability of other drugs that can still be sold, but I do think it will be a good start to the end of illegal drug trafficking.
As everyone else is saying I really do agree that legalization will not end the black markets use of marijuana. Although the price of marijuana will probably crash and become cheaper than before, I feel other drugs such as heroin will be used more to make up for the losses of money in the marijuana market.
I say follow the steps of Portugal and legalize all drugs. Whats the government to say what I put in my body? Legalization will decrease use and this occurred when colorado legalized. The high school usage went from 25% to 20% which isn’t significant, but it’s hopeful. The black market will find a way, if it’s not drugs, it’s sex rings. They will make money and don’t care how they get it.
I think this topic touched on a really relevant argument. Whose to say that legalizing marijuana wont bring more violence and corruption, especially if big business gets involved. It all goes back to how the government will regulate marijuana once its legal to hopefully reduce any black market activity. I think your source shed much needed light on one of the many controversies concerning marijuana legalization. I personally would hate to marijuana be legalized and things be worse than before.
My question is how is marijuana violence measured in the black market. Again, if the government decides to legalize the drug then they would be responsible for the distribution, and policies that follow.