How legalizing marijuana could benefit the U.S. economy

If the U.S. decided to legalize the substance, it could boost the economy by about $9 billion in taxes.

January 13, 2014 | Last updated on January 13, 2014

1 min read

Colorado and Washington have legalized the sale of marijuana, and other states may not be far behind.

In fact, if the U.S. decided to legalize the substance it could boost the economy by about $9 billion in taxes, reports newsweek.com.

This is assuming that annual pot consumption is close to that of cigarettes at $91 billion per year, and beer at $97 billion per year.

So with marijuana becoming as popular as tobacco and alcohol, it may not be long before Uncle Sam decides to take a cut.

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