Shaggy Rogers discusses the effects of marijuana legalization on the economy and dispensary industry. Support for legalization has increased over time among various generations and Americans. Legalization has led to a large drop in marijuana cases and charges. It has also generated tens of millions in tax revenue for states from increased dispensary sales and profits. Legalization has benefited various small businesses that have opened to support the marijuana industry.

1. Zoinks! Like, I’m not too good with presentations, man.
A Few things Shaggy Rogers
Would Say About
Marijuanomics
The Effect of Legalization on the Economy
and Marijuana Dispensary Industry
…dude.

2. As the graphic to the right suggests,
support for the legalization for
marijuana has had a generally
increasing trend among various
generations since 1987. Further
public opinion studies by Gallup
suggest that the popularity of
marijuana support will only grow in
the future with the most recent
survey showing that 58% of Americans
overall are now in favor of legalizing
marijuana.
Like, it’s what everybody wants!
http://www.leafscience.com/

3. Increased support for the nationwide legalization effort has made
more than an impactful influence upon political endeavors.
Already nearly three quarters of the country believes that
criminalization laws are costlier than they are beneficial.
Continuing change in public opinions will alter public policy.
http://www.brookings.edu/research/
I like to steer clear of
politics, man!

4. The change in the law drastically reduced the
law enforcement resources need to enforce the
marijuana laws. In Colorado, between 2012 and
2013, marijuana cases filed in state courts
sharply fell 77% and the number of minor
marijuana charges sank a staggering 81%.
Like, I didn’t do
anything wrong,
man!
Shaggy’s Bliss
Marijuana Cases (2012-2013)

5. Continued support for the movement not only led
to the legalization of marijuana and an overall
increase in consumption by the populace
(obviously), but the act of decriminalization has
slowly but surely changed the general consensus’
mind set and attitudes towards marijuana. A
consumer pool more willing to try marijuana only
means a growing market for dispensaries, thus
driving profits ever higher.
So like, what does
this all mean?

6. The first half of 2014 proved to be an unprecedented six
months when it came to tax revenue whereas the latter
six months have been projected to generate $60 to $100
million as well as licensing and application fees.
Marijuana dispensaries are almost entirely responsible for
these figures as their sales have nearly exponentially
rocketed.
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Millions of Dollars in tax revenue
First half of 2014 Latter half of 2014
Those are some
crazy figures!
Millions of Dollars in tax revenue

7. Though perhaps the most notable effects of
the law change came to light on the first day
of 2014 wherein the fact that only 24 stores
were open meant nothing to consumers for
the industry reported profits of over one
million dollars in just the first day. The rest
of the week yielded profits of nearly 5
million.
…man.

8. Not only are dispensaries benefiting from
marijuana legalization but many other small
businesses are as well. 52-year old Colorado
Springs resident Michelle Mitnik owns her own
company named Mountain High Treks wherein
top line dispensary tours led by guides are
the primary service offered. Like Mitnik’s
business, various other small establishments
have sprouted about the
area further promoting
economic growth.
Like, I’m
ready to go
touring!

9. Small businesses, state economies, and the
average marijuana user are not the only ones
that should be rejoicing. Initial proceeds of
tax revenue from marijuana sales were
dedicated to public school construction. That
was $40 million committed to the education
of America’s children which, no one can
argue, is a very good thing.
Think about all
the other little
Shaggys like me!

10. The unprecedented results of the legalization of
marijuana are more than evident in the more progressive
states and have been proven to be naught but beneficial.
Legalization is obviously not a “cure all savior” of the
national economy’s more or less lame state but every
little bit helps. Perhaps in the future other states will
look the numbers of marijuanomics and follow suit with
legalization.
Like, the facts
have my official
Shaggy seal of
approval!