The state of Oregon has never really seemed that appealing to me. I was born there and haven't had the desire to return. It's almost like California, but not quite as cool, and I all I can see when I picture it in my mind is a bunch of trees and ducks in Nike uniforms -- until now. Now, all I see is green, literally. Oregon legalized marijuana for recreational use on Oct. 1 and by the Oct. 6, dispensaries had already raked in $10.8 million in sales. That's a pretty big chunk of change, if you ask me, considering I couldn't afford guac at Chipotle this afternoon. Oregon is the fourth state to legalize marijuana for recreational use, along side Colorado, Washington, and Alaska.
Oregon's population of 3.97 million is minuscule compared to Colorado and Washington, who's population's both greatly surpass 5 million citizens. When looking at sales of recreational marijuana Colorado's only hit $5 million in their first week, and Washington came in at just under $2 million. Why are we seeing such high numbers for Oregon, then?
The reason isn't because there is nothing better to do in Oregon than smoke weed, although I know it does seem like it. The state's previously established infrastructure is actually accountable for the shockingly high numbers in sales. The state allowed businesses that were already selling medical marijuana to open to the public, selling to anyone that was over 21. Because of this, Oregon began selling recreational marijuana out of 280 storefronts, where as Washington started off with only four, and Colorado with only 28. Another reason for the high numbers is because tax on the drug won't take effect until Jan. 1, 2016. When taxes do take effect, 40 percent of collected sales will be used for public health services and to fund public schools.
No matter what your stance is on the use of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, the fact that it's greatly beneficial to the economy can't be overlooked. The legalization of marijuana creates jobs for millions of people -- except for drug dealers on the streets, of course. Picture a world where legal drug dealers, or cannabis entrepreneurs, actually have the opportunity to receive health benefits and salaries. To me, that's a step in the right direction and will help to wipe out illegal drug dealing and the dangerous crime that comes with it. This topic does tend to spark (pun intended) some controversy; many believe it will increase crime and mischief, as well as driving under the influence. States that have legalized have not reported a significant increase in these crimes since it's been legal.
Although our nation is making progress, there are still some barriers in the way of complete legalization. Since the use of marijuana is still illegal on a federal level, and considered a controlled substance, banks are reluctant to work with pot dispensaries and are not accepting their money. With all the generated revenue, dispensaries find themselves surrounded by stacks of cash. Even though this sounds like a dream, it's far from it. Towers of cash make dispensaries an easy target for criminals, which is why businesses have been forced to throw their money into assets. Congress needs to reschedule marijuana to make it easier for business owners to make deposits and for people to invest in.
Oregon's economic boom will be impossible for the rest of America to ignore. Our nation needs a strong economy, and this is a great way to get us there. Hopefully, we can recognize that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks and move forward into complete legalization of marijuana for our country.
