• Question: Should the Irish government legalize marijuana in order to receive more money in taxes?

    Asked by 465drud47 to Anne, Sinead, Florence, Mark, Neil on 11 Nov 2015. This question was also asked by 978drud47, 597drud47, Mark Brennan.
    • Photo: Sinead Balgobin

      Sinead Balgobin answered on 11 Nov 2015:

      I don’t think raising money in taxes is a very good reason legalise marijuana, since there are so many issues associated with drug use that need to be considered- the government should be as interested in the welfare of Irish citizens, not just raising money.

      A better reason would be to control the sale and production of cannabis. Just like alcohol and cigarettes, cannabis can be harmful and especially to young people- but it can also be easier to get hold of. If the government legalised cannabis it might be easier for them to make sure people are aware of the dangers, aren’t being taken advantage of by criminals and that young people are kept safe.

    • Photo: Florence McCarthy

      Florence McCarthy answered on 15 Nov 2015:

      The key is to regulate it and to ensure it is safe and though I would have no problem with a government involvement, using it to raise revenue would be similar to a tax on cigarettes. This has led to a black market for cigarettes and so you would have to question if it would make a difference in time?

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