How much money could the U.S. make from legalizing and taxing marijuana?

I did an analysis of this about a year ago. I found out how much was collected in cigaratte taxes each year, and assumed a similar tax on marijuana, and then projected sales of 30% of current cigarette sales.

Bottom line, it didn't amount to much in the grand scheme of things. Just 7 or 8 billion nationwide if I remember right.

The real benefits come from cost savings by ending the war on marijuana. We'd see decreased law enforcement costs, court costs, and decreasing prison populations.

I think enough could be made to wipe out the deficit if it's done right. There are a lot of people who don't want it legalized, though. Namely, the paper industry. They make more money cutting down trees than they would if hemp was legal, so they would rather cut down our forests than look into hemp being a more feasible way to make paper and such. You're right. It's way less harmful than cigarettes and alcohol, yet those are legal.

Billions, CA made over 13 million just from the medical tax last year.

Some would grow, most would still buy it because it's a 3-6 month process just to yield a few plants.

Could save billions on the law enforcement end. Make millions or possibly billions on taxation.

alot i think it should be legal to anyone that is willing to get a license for it and have a clean record. need to keep tabs on the drug dealers!! No street sales

probably enough to balance the budget, but then the GOP wouldn't have anything to blame Obama for, so it will never happen

Not very much since many would grow their own tax free

$521,479,924.18