Larissa Ducatti Flister Analysis

The argument and proposals by Larissa Ducatti Flister on how to bolster the Canadian economy through legalization and taxation of marijuana is provides enough fiscal evidence, supported by articles on the effects on Canadian society the criminalization of marijuana has had over the past years. While she contends the economic windfall of taxing marijuana is a benefit to the Canadian economy she also shows that government oversight will ensure greater safety to the users and thereby further cut costs to the government by reduced medical and emergency charges. The information clearly supports her claims about the societal benefits and indicates that crime would be reduced from prosecuting people for use and possession of marijuana. This would

Easton claims would tax the estimated consumption of 352,430 pounds (160,000 kilograms) yearly thereby, balancing the Canadian budget with a remaining surplus. Flister provides the Government of Canada 2012 report indicating there will be a deficit that the taxation of marijuana would turn into a surplus. The research proving that legal commerce must follow all the laws to participate in the open market, those involved in the criminal drug trade have no overhead due to any government, no duty to obey national borders, or pay import export fees. Flister offers the proof that drug cartels make untaxed profits while the Canadians must continue to individually pay taxes to enforce laws that harm the consumers while the drug continues to be purchased throughout Canada. The research continues to cite the Canadian Bar Association and a report by Riley on “drugs and Drug Policy in Canada” which provided that a conviction for marijuana by “otherwise law-abiding citizens” directly influences their ability to gain employment, obtain visas or apply for foreign citizenship. Flister presented a logical argument support by her research through the U.N., Canadian government, and the Canadian Bar Association, but her excellent usage of Easton’s 2004 report of the growth of marijuana in British Columbia indicate the economic gains legalization of marijuana will bring