Pro-pot, progressive-minded voters of NEO (northeast Ohio), are you envious of the tremendous legalization inroads made in pioneering states like Colorado? Well, with the benefit of a couple years worth of hindsight, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually improve upon legalization models developed by California and Colorado.
Miron Redux
A few paragraphs into David Segal’s recommended New York Times piece, “In Colorado, Pot Pioneers Try to Turn a Profit,” I came across the obligatory quote from Jeff Miron, first-call cannabis consultant for busy reporters at great metropolitan newpapers. I’ve read plenty of those. They’re all pretty much the same. But this one was different. Way different.
The Enigma
A libertarian, he believes all Schedule One drugs including heroin, cocaine and oxycontin should be legalized. He’s appalled at the colossal sums the government spends pursuing, prosecuting, and incarcerating marijuana “offenders.” He wants in on a Marijuana March on Washington. Should marijuana be listed on the International Commodities Exchange? Absolutely. We’re talking about a radical, right? Nope. We’re talking about Professor Jeffrey Miron, PhD, Harvard — arguably the world’s most cautious pot tax prognosticator.
There Goes the Neighborhood
When I began writing Cannabis Commerce in the USAback in February, free enterprise — cannabis style — was in full swing. And things were really swinging in my neighborhood, South Denver, as it played catch-up to Santa Monica, CA, which had a head start and lots of forward momentum. It looked like the choke collar was off the industry for good.
Cannabis Commerce in the USA
How much cannatax could be collected in a legal, regulated society? Lots, like $75 billion. And that’s just the USA’s share, in the the overground poteconomy’s infancy. Harvard’s enigmatic Dr. Jeffrey Miron, oft-quoted pot pontificator, greatly doubts it. Other poteconomists doubt him. Finally, the real lowdown.
Brainy Brown Grad Predicts Pot Tax Gelt
Recent Brown economics major Max Chaiken’s senior thesis, The Other Green Economy, contributes vision, open-mindedness, and compulsion to the pastime of seeking cannatax. It predicts a whopping $212 billion’s worth, which ruffles the feathers of more experienced economists.
Is This Man the World’s Most Cautious Pot Tax Forecaster?
Harvard professor Jeff Miron is the media’s go-to guy for cannatax quotes. The Miron Report is the mother of all poteconomics papers. Curiously, the author remains entirely detached from his subject. For Miron, weed is “just another boring agricultural thing.” He defends his conservative estimate like it’s the Alamo. Then why do we like him so much?
