Law & Politics

Gaining support

With House Bill 1318 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 Colorado lawmakers sought to blackmail voters into approving exorbitant taxes on cannabis.  The Colorado legislature recently approved House Bill 1318 and it will go to Colorado voters in November. The bill passed the Senate without much of a battle given its widespread support. The Denver Post quotes Senate President John Morse as saying, “I am absolutely supportive of the idea.” Such blatant support is almost shocking given the outrageous tax structure outlined in the bill, not to mention the regulations which will greatly restrict the emerging legal-cannabusiness industry.

Colorado House Bill 1318 Squandered Taxes, Source: http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/550064_382723605084495_1374195938_n.jpg

30 percent tax rate

Sales tax on pot would be capped at 15 percent, giving legislators the right to determine the exact rate at a later date. This outrageous rate would be added onto the state sales tax rate of 2.9 percent. Plus, there would be a 15 percent excise tax on cannabis. This tax would be “hidden” in the price of pot in Colorado, rather than be tacked onto the total price like sales tax is. But whether or not consumers are confronted with the tax on their receipt, the bottom line is Colorado policy makers want to charge exorbinant taxes on pot and were willing to coerce voters into doing so. They threatened that if the measure is not approved Amendment 64 – the historic initiative which legalized cannabis for recreational uses in Colorado – could be repealed. Supporters of responsible Cannabis reforms breathed a sigh of relief when Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 – which would have forced voters to choose between approving these exorbitant taxes or putting cannabis legalization back onto the ballot come November – died without being voted on by Senate assembly.

To be squandered

Perhaps the most ridiculous aspect of the regulatory framework created for the industry is that its so complex and ineffective that according to research performed by Colorado State University there will be little, if any, money left over to provide the boost to the state’s education system, like Amendment 64 calls for.

Due diligence required

Numerous State legislators sought to sweep resolution 3 onto the ballot without giving the public time to consider it nor share their opinion. The bill was introduced just 3 days before the session ended and was approved by a committee in less than an hour. Concerned citizens need to be constantly on-guard against such tactics to destroy what they have fought so hard for. Many have quit paying attention since legalization and without due diligence the regulatory framework created by their representatives – many of whom detest the idea of legal marijuana – will restrict the ability to enjoy cannabis as one wishes without having to jump through complex bureaucracy.