A man named Ron DeSantis, who wants to be the leader of the United States, is not happy with a state called Colorado because they allow people to buy and use a plant called marijuana legally. He thinks this has made more people start selling it illegally too. But Colorado says that legalizing marijuana has actually helped them by making less people sell it without permission and giving money to schools, jobs, and other good things for the state. Some people agree with Ron DeSantis, while others think he is wrong. Read from source...
- DeSantis is using fear-mongering tactics to appeal to his conservative base and portray himself as a tough anti-drug crusader. He is exaggerating the negative effects of legalization and ignoring the benefits for consumers, taxpayers, and the economy.
- Colorado officials are defending their successful legal cannabis program by citing facts and evidence that show how it has reduced the illicit market, generated revenue, supported education, created jobs, and respected individual freedom. They are challenging DeSantis to embrace a more progressive and pragmatic approach to drug policy reform.
- The data from Leafly and Whitney Economics contradicts DeSantis' claim that Colorado's legalization has failed to curb the black market. It shows that almost all of the recreational marijuana sales in the state are through licensed and regulated businesses, which is a sign of a thriving legal market and minimal diversion to the illegal sector.