OUR VIEW: Recession's effect on legalizing dope

NOTE: Our View editorials uphold a proud tradition at The Gazette of advocating individual freedom, constitutional law, faith, and limited government. Editorial opinions have no connection with The Gazette’s news division, and do not express the views of all Gazette associates.

Recessions are painful, yet amazing in their ability to limit government and get it out of people’s lives. The most severe recession in history, for example, may plant the seeds of full-fledged marijuana legalization in Colorado.

Voters approved medical marijuana in 2000, and the industry limped along until the Obama administration announced the federal government would respect state medicinal marijuana laws. That means less government regulation of buyers and sellers, which frees the industry to thrive.

Following the administration’s announcement, medical marijuana dispensaries began popping up all over the place, even in gas stations. Following that retail explosion, cash-strapped government officials quickly wanted in on the action. They’re advocating controls that will facilitate taxes and fees to fund government.

Last week, Colorado Attorney General John Suthers opined the state could tax marijuana sales. But the state doesn’t tax pharmaceuticals. In order to tax pot, therefore, state officials must consciously disrespect the “medical” or “pharmaceutical” aspects of medicinal marijuana. Could the state’s financial despair lead to full-fledged legalization of pot? Quite possibly, so stay tuned.

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Wayne Laugesen, editorial page editor, for the editorial board