MD marijuana legalization could cost $8M to implement

By Margaret Sessa-Hawkins | Maryland Reporter

Two bills aiming to decriminalize or legalize marijuana heard in a Maryland Senate committee last week could potentially bring in millions in new revenue for the state, or could wind up costing taxpayers more than ever.

Proponents of the bills point to possible savings on jail time, courts and police, not to mention extra income from taxes on what is now illegal.

To get at these potential savings and earnings though, Maryland taxpayers will have to shell out $8 million on implementation.

Even if the bills do not wind up being the pay-dirt some are envisioning, however, sponsors still say the funds would be well worth spending to keep people from having their lives ruined by arrest and incarceration for a minor crime.

at Maryland Reporter.

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