Marijuana & Money 2012
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Medical marijuana is legal in the state of Colorado. As a result, businesses have been created to grow, package and sell medicinal marijuana. This has created jobs, paid rent, and perhaps most important in 2012 America, they've paid millions in taxes. The problem: even though medical marijuana is legal in Colorado, it's illegal under federal law.
The Business
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Ready to RollBy: Chris Morris,|Special to CNBC.com
More than two years after New Jersey approved a measure to legalize marijuana for chronically ill patients, the program may finally be on the verge of allowing dispensaries to open.
The Law
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Where There's Smoke, There's FireBy: Chris Morris, |Special to CNBC.com
The shutdown of Oaksterdam University was another in an ongoing dispute between federal and local officials in California on the topic of marijuana laws. It's one that has been escalating over the past year – but so far discussions between the state and feds have been rare.
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Risky BusinessBy: Chris Morris, |Special to CNBC.com
Several states with dispensaries have seen an increase in both arrests and the confiscation of marijuana plants. However, a look at DEA records shows what appears to be an uneven enforcement policy among pot-friendly states over the past several years.
The Consumer
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In Oregon, Still Smokin', but Drawing FireBy: David Serchuk,|Special to CNBC.com
Not only was Oregon the first state to decriminalize pot in 1973, years before its glamorous neighbor to the south, but its medical marijuana program has operated with few glitches since it began in 1998. Now, it's an issue in a top statewide election race.
Commentary
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It's Time to Legalize a Harmless PlantBy: Robert Corry, |Special to The Huffington Post
It is long past time for politicians at all levels to end this bankrupt policy of Prohibition, and stop breaking down the doors of Americans who only want to possess a harmless plant in the comfort of their own homes.
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Pot Should Remain a Controlled SubstanceBy: Bob Enyart, |Special to The Huffington Post
Pot should remain as a controlled substance, with marijuana-based medicines (like cocaine-based medicines) available by subscription fulfilled not from your home-grown stash but through a pharmacy, contends Bob Enyart, pastor of the Denver Bible Church.
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What's at Stake? Individual LibertyBy: Jeffrey Miron,|Special to CNBC.com
So what argument should advocates employ? That the government has no business interfering in private activities except to prevent harm to others
Related Stories
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The legalization of medical marijuana in several states has paved the way for a budding edible medical marijuana industry. Small businesses in states such as Colorado and California are making treats such as candy, cookies or soda.
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Small Growers or Corporate Cash Crop?By: Trevor Curwin,|Special to CNBC.com
If pot becomes legal, local, artisanal growers—perhaps along with farmers' collectives—are likely to dominate in the early stage, as big firms ramp up to enter the market years later. Think Starbuds vs. Maxwell House.
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Drug dealers these days are far from the stereotypes of blinged-out urban kids and long-haired dirtbags. Many are moms, teachers, construction workers, and municipal employees, supplementing their regular income.
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Lab Firms Cater to Medical Marijuana BusinessBy: Rob Reuteman,|Special to CNBC.com
Labs like Full Spectrum and Steep Hill are springing up to serve the medical marijuana dispensaries and patients in states like Colorado and California to test the strength and purity of the drug.
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Taxes: Government Gets a Piece of the ActionBy: Jessica Rao|Special to CNBC.com
Cash is king in the marijuana debate. The economic argument for legalization is that it is cheaper for the government to control consumption with taxes than with law enforcement. What's more, the untapped tax revenue will help relieve many a fiscal crisis.
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Personal Finance: Dollars & SensamilliaBy: Shelly K. Schwartz|Special to CNBC.com
Taking a pocketbook approach to marijuana consumption, black-market prices make the weed more expense than alcohol and tobacco, but legalization could change that.
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Health Debate Still BurningBy: Chris Taylor, Special to CNBC.com
Is marijuana a harmless giggle, as John Lennon once called it, or a dangerous and illicit addiction? The debate has once again been pushed to the forefront, thanks to a couple of timely factors.
Slideshows
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Some places have significantly decriminalized marijuana or have turned a blind eye to personal use, encouraging travelers from around the globe to visit.
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We consulted Danny Danko, High Times magazine's senior cultivation editor, to help us identify the most popular strains for medicinal use.
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In this slideshow, we take a look at different people, laws and films that played a role in shaping marijuana's image in the minds of Americans.
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So, what are some of the most popular marijuana “tools of the trade?” Click to find out!
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A Gallery of Medical MarijuanaBy: Danny Danko, High Times Senior Cultivation Editor
Thousands of patients claim marijuana provides them relief from devastating symptoms. We asked High Times Cultivation Editor Danny Danko to put a cost on this relief.
Videos
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A new strain of medical marijuana relieves pain without the high caused by other kinds of pot, with NBC Bay Area's Jodi Hernandez.
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A marijuana superstore in Oakland, California, sells everything you need to grow pot at home, with NBC Bay Area's Jodi Hernandez.