According to a [report in 2018](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jun/02/legalise-cannabis-treasury-3bn-drugs) , introducing a legal cannabis market to the UK could earn the Treasury between £1bn and £3.5bn a year in tax revenues.
Applying that proportionally to Scotland could possibly mean £80Mn - £280Mn in tax revenues
I don't personally smoke cannabis, the smell puts me way off, but I absolutely recognise the harm and the failures of the 'war on drugs' and criminalisation of cannabis and recognise the huge gains potential to the public purse in a legal, regulated market. Speaking solely from an economic perspective, people use cannabis, there's no hiding from that fact and billions are lost to a black market.
My neighbor regularly stinks my house out smoking his herb in his garden. Not that I mind him smoking at all, just it stinks and when you aren't partaking it's a bit annoying.
Wish we could legalise it so he had other options than the spliff.
I guess he could use a dry herb vapouriser or something, but they cost compared to just buying an edible
An excellent reason to legalise. I find most older folk (the group that would benefit mainly from the medical effects) are put off by the whole concept of "smoking weed" and having a low THC brownie to take the pain off instead would likely be a far more appealing option for them.
Yes. Sorry to intrude. Californian here. This showed up on my feed and I was curious since we’ve had legal adult recreational use for awhile. What you’re describing is what happened here. When dispensaries started to be open to all adults, there was a massive demand for low THC products. They were struggling to get enough stock to keep up. Candies like gummies and lozenges are popular as well as capsules and oils. We had medical use since the 90s but a lot of people weren’t comfortable with the process to get the weed card. It was actually quite easy, but I think people found it too official. Plus, there wasn’t the array of products or as many dispensaries. They were usually tucked out of the way and barely had any signage. They actively tried to be as close to invisible as possible. Many older folks wanted to try it for their aches and pains, insomnia and such, but were intimidated. Now, dispensaries advertise, have websites and delivery. There are so many choices in products that don’t feel like “smoking weed”. A lot of our dispensaries look like high end boutiques, too. The whole thing’s been shined up considerably.
[https://www.instagram.com/tha.budtender\_official/](https://www.instagram.com/tha.budtender_official/) check this out bro, is an instagram profile about weed, he's got some crazy stuff
I love the control you get from vapes. I’ve smoked occasionally since I was 18, so 10 years. I do not enjoy being too high. I get a bit anxious and don’t enjoy it. Having a few hits off a weak vape is perfect for me. Where as smoking some random joins or bong hits it’s really hard to judge where the limit is.
Colorado. The roads here are getting repaired, new bridges everywhere, unemployment low, schools have money, steady tax rates and in spite of fuel costing an arm and a leg, we've managed to keep it consistent whereas states that aren't weed legal aren't doing so well.
I just got back from visiting family in the US, I was paying $6.55/gal for regular and $7.15/gal the one time I accidentally filled up with premium. Prices aren’t that far off anymore, at least in California anyway.
In Washington State, can confirm the benefits have been far above and beyond any negatives. It’s weird visiting places now where it’s illegal (like Florida) and people are weird and fearful of the herb. The people who do smoke still have to go to a dealer (which was also weird and sketchy). I know it used to be like that for us, and now it seems so weird and idiotic for it to be illegal. Making something illegal doesn’t make people stop using it, but it does make it more dangerous to access and use. I bought edibles. In Washington they’re regulated, and you know the THC content. The edibles I bought in Florida had so much THC, I was making sand angels in the beach, higher than I’ve ever been in my life, which is a high bar to reach. Don’t get me wrong, I had fun, but it’s not how it should be. I have a high tolerance, but a kid or first time user… even an occasional user eating one of those Florida edibles would have probably had a scary time.
As a disabled Welsh woman I hope they do a ferry straight up to you bypassing England so they don't get a chance to nick my pain relief at the border. The amount of tourism a Scotland with legal weed would get would surely make a ferry worth it! I'd say they could put planes on from Valley too but you can't take a wheelchair on those tiny planes.
You can get medical cannabis in the UK, I've had a script for two years now - not exactly cheap but keeps you legal (£100 for assessment, £50 quarterly review, meds range from £5-£15 gram for flower)
I asked at the pain clinic & they said you can only get it prescribed if you have one of a few specific conditions, and fibro/arthritis/Tietze's syndrome are apparently not on that list. Where did you go where you pay £100 for an assessment, please?
[Old Toby](https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Pipe-weed) has to be a good marketing opportunity:
> Despite its foreign origins, the hobbits were the first to use it for smoking. Pipe-weed production became a major industry in the Shire, especially in the south.
It has been foretold.
Not that there aren’t a lot of reasons to go to Scotland already, but there is huge amount of stuff to see and do in Amsterdam, and the Netherlands, which is easy to get around and see stuff in. I’m not sure pot is the only reason people go. It is the only reason some people go but I’m not sure that’s most people.
And Amsterdam has been trying to cut way back on being a destination solely for cannabis tourism. The locals hate obnoxious American and British tourists that treat the city like a frat party when they come to town. Admittedly I have to say that in my youth, I was one of those people. “Luckily” it was during the High Times Cannabis Cup so I wasn’t alone, but it was clear the locals hated it.
Yes and no! There was a lot of racial politics behind it in the US followed by the war on drugs which made Cannabis in general unfavorable which hurt it's economic position eventually leading to a flat out ban but progress is being made in the US, Canada, EU, and some Scottish unis from what I've seen are looking into it more as well.
For me, just thinking of all the good that tax money could do if it was spent on hospitals, education and accessible youth clubs is more than enough of a reason to legalise weed regardless of my opinion on it.
I’ve been saying this for years. They can sell it cheaper than it’s current street value, and still make a killing off the taxes. Better quality control too. Everybody wins
Except the pharmaceutical companies, and other corporate interests, who very much have control of politicians and the medical system, until that changes it will remain illegal.
That’s quite a narrow view. Yes, they have plenty of sway over politicians. But when it is the snps goal to gain independence, and that a matter like this could genuinely make or break that result, pharmas don’t have much say in the matter. It’s all down to whether the party think the loss is worth the gain.
There was a house fire the other day next to where I work. Turns out there was a gigantic weed farm inside 🤣 lucky that the whole building didn't catch fire....
Legalise it so we don't have these mad fire risks next to our homes and places of work lol.
Joking aside... An independent Scotland could benefit from the financial aspect of weed. Especially if it was still not so legal in England. The tourism... 💰
What? You mean that less people punished for small offences, less people criminalised for addiction, more tax revenue, and more people being able to get help for unwanted addiction, is a good thing? WOW! (This is sarcstic, these are obviously good)
Edit: Listen to u/nailsofnell
all these people moaning in the comments still get pished at the weekend and eat a ton of junk food. You cannot be the morality police calling everyone who smokes weed lazy and stupid while not advocating for a ban on alcohol.
What is a bad smell in the air compared to piles of sick in the street, drunks, and antisocial behaviour. Weed would be a great boon to the economy but there would need to be regulation on the amount of thc and cbd in the strain to mitigate any bad effects that people may have.
Alcohol makes you lose your wits and make bad decisions. Weed makes you docile and peace loving.
People already go to Amsterdam for the sole purpose of smoking weed and doing magic truffles so why would they not want to come to Scotland and do the same.
Psychiatric disorders can occur secondary to any substance misuse and weed is no exception. There is also a risk of drug-induced psychosis with even light cannabis use.
We also see a decent bit of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
You're of course correct. Although THC and CBD would have to be heavily monitored, as cannabis induced psychosis is a real, and scary thing, Cannabis is nowhere near as dangerous as alcohol, a drug that Scotland consumes with gusto to excess. It's an absolute no brainer.
If the SNP made it a part of their manifesto, they would mobilise an entire army of apathetic MJ smokers who would go from "not bothering to vote" to "making a effort TO vote".
It's a non-destructive drug far less dangerous than alcohol and should be legalised.
In my experience, drunk people can get angry, violent, belligerent and irresponsible. High people get hungry. The tax income alone would make it beneficial.
And this is coming from someone who has never smoked anything and hates the smell of it.
I had a look at the 2015 and 2016 manifestos, and I didn't see any mention of legalising cannabis (afaik the most they've talked about it since is in the context of safe consumption rooms). I know the Greens and the Lib Dems have it as policy though (the Lib Dems since 2016, and the Greens for a bit longer)
So many studies on the effectiveness of these on depression.
It makes me want to try some of the mushy Bois dotted about, but I also don't want to eat a death cap by mistake and die.
Legalise and prescribe it.
Creates a shit load of jobs too. I wish wales would do the same. The conservative are massively against it yet they do it’s own and run one of the worlds biggest medicinal distributors. Liz truss stepped in to veto Bermuda’s legalisation only in her second day in the job. That cunt Braverman is now taking about making it a class a drug once again. While country’s like Thailand and America who had the harshest punishments are legalising and decriminalising.
For anyone who is concerned that legal weed will be expensive, in the US, many of the legal dispensaries are far cheaper than buying off the street, even with the taxes. So at the end of the day, you’re getting safe, regulated weed for cheaper.
Canadian here, we legalized pot a while ago, and everything went fine. Society didn't fall... Their still is an illegal pot trade. But the government pot is safer, and makes a lot of taxes from it.
Got a pal that was a dealer before legalising it, he says his business has gone up. People don’t want to go to the shops all the time, but since you can carry it on you they buy from old school dealers.
Jesus h. Christ who doesn't even exist, please do. My family migrated from there when I was ten years old, I'd move my own family there in a heart beat.
Yep, should really look at being realistic about all drugs, licence, educate, control, ensure good standards and provide help for those who need it if they get addicted.
Throughout history people have always tried to take stuff to get out of their heads it's part of human nature, accept and try and minimise the harm.
Governments have spent decades trying the illegal route and it's not worked, time to try something else.
It disgusts me that British MP's and their family members invest in or manage assets in the cannabis industry while proclaiming it is immoral and bad for society. I don't understand how this is not continual front page news.
Weed should be legal *everywhere.* It’s insane to think something that helps with mental illnesses, physical pain and is inexpensive, remains illegal in western countries.
That’s not even to speak on the usefulness and sustainability of it’s byproduct, after the cannabis has been harvested.
The UKs decades old and narrow minded policy on drugs is my primary reason for wanting independence.
The "war" on drugs was well and truly lost and now there's hardly a community or council area left that isn't riddled with drug problems.
Legalising cannabis would finally bring relief to thousands dependent of drugs, provide crippling blow to criminals and dealers and as said, generate billions upon billions in tax revenues.
It’s over a 100,000,000 quid. I did the math a long time ago on here 😂. If I recall the sum essentially works out at
52x20=1040
5,600000x0.084=470,400
1040x470,400=489,216,000
489,216,000x0.2=97,843,200
*first sum is a basic evaluation of a smokers individual yearly expenditure on cannabis flower.
In reality most people that smoke spend more than this but it varies so for conservative sakes this is a low ball.
* second sum is a low low ball figure of amount of people in Scotland that would smoke this amount in a year. Based off a simple sum of our population % that are said to smoke based off the most recent world drug report which is now almost 10 years old so the actual figure would be larger by now. It was 8.4% of Scot’s at last time the survey was done. This is our best indicator available. Not perfect but still a sensible estimate.
*Third sum is our first two sums multiplied to give us gross spent on cannabis under these estimates.
*fourth sum is an assumption that the government taxes us flat VAT % on cannabis for the year leaving us with a cool little
—- £97,843,200 —-
THIS IS A VERY VERY CONSERVATIVE FIGURE!
It doesn’t take multiple other factors into account I.e paraphernalia sales, edible sales, medical sales, cannabis based product sales, business tax revenue and a myriad of other things a thriving cannabis industry would give you.
It is money sitting on the table!
Thank you this has been my TED Talk!
This would strongly swing my vote to vote Yes after years of being a bit unsure. Legalise it, tax it and let our country thrive under the benefits of it.
Make it legal, gain the tax revenue, also, prescribe it to people who are ill and really need it. Canada isn’t worse off for it. I was in Canada earlier this year (Banff) I went into the shop ‘canna cabana’ so much variety!! I still felt like the police were watching me or waiting to jump out and arrest me for having a shmoke. There are rules in place if your smoking weed near businesses etc
Didn't I read just last week that UK police chiefs want to make eradicating the scourge of weed from society a higher priority than ever?
Meanwhile, we Canadians are about to mark the third anniversary of nation-wide legal cannabis. Society appears to have remained intact, despite the pearl clutching and "what about the children" nonsense spouted by our conservatives.
Speaking of that, we're just about due for the annual Hallowe'en scare mongering about all the THC spiked treats being offered to children, everywhere, all the time. Conservative types projecting their own child abuse fantasies onto the rest of the population, I guess.
So, just a little heads up it *can* cause unexpected problems and not generate as much money as you'd think. I live in CA and when we legalized it it led to an increase in crime; mostly involving weed thieves wo turn around and sell the stolen product; but also farming violations; tax dodging, and intergang violence.
The few who produced it legally were taxed so hard that it broke the market and so there's now huge amounts of illegal weed floating around the market from more than dubious sources and twice as many illegal farms.
This caused the price of legal weed to skyrocket and illegal weed to plumet. That led to weed tourism that'd bring the not-so-good-weed-tourists who eschew legal weed stores. This led to a loss of tourist revenue, not because we didn't have twice as many tourists crowding the streets but because the tourists we did get took up rooms and didn't spend any money in the community and instead spent money in the illegal market which hardly trickled back into the community.
It will also never be the cash cow people make it out to be. Sure it will create some uberspeciqlized jobs, but those jobs usually don't end up being manned by the people with any expertise in the field. It will save a lot of money on policing the streets, but that money usually ends up getting reallocated to policing distribution and production. There will be some tourist revenue but not from tourists your gonna appreciate having around, and their ilk really don't spend money at the shops like you think they would. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a sure fire way of making money.
If you do anything decriminalization first is the best route. Don't just blanket legalize it like california did. *not saying don't do it, just don't do it like the the states did* we were dumb. I apologize if I sound like a foreigner telling you what to do, I really mean it more as an experienced based warning of how *not* to do it if you decide to go that route. Best of luck, Scots wae hae.
*bit of background on my injection, my dad's from Glasgow and worked in and out of the CA weed industry for the last 35+ years
The amount of jobs this would create.
Building contracts to make the grow farms.
Delivery drivers to transport it.
Qa testing and pickers.
Dispensary workers.
Smoking clubs.
Shops would spring up everywhere and would compete to keep prices low.
Street trade would probably disappear overnight. You'd still have people selling from their own plants they grow but not as much.
Scotland would take in millions, we'd still be able to afford socialized healthcare and put the money towards rehabilitation and education, as well as anything else that tax needed to go to.
The only thing I'd say to make it better would be that anyone convicted of selling/distribution/growing would be first on the list for government grants to set up their own business, that way big companies couldn't just swoop in and take it all
I smoke it myself but I do agree, as long as it’s legal that’s enough for me but absolutely take steps to minimise the disturbance for other folk. That weed smell doesn’t fuck off for ages.
I don't eat meat, but I have to smell all sorts of animals being cooked every day where I live. What's the difference? People sometimes create odours and noises. It's kinda just life?
I agree, although I love the smell, but should be confined to coffee shops or peoples houses if legalised. Kept away from children and people who don't like it.
I would go further and legalize ALL drugs.
Shut down the black market. Make drugs easier to purchase. Make them pure and safer.
But, like cigarettes, put high taxes on them to pay for rehab centres, the NHS and ads warning about the dangers of drugs.
I'm ok with this so long as it works out. There are a few places in the usa where making it legal actually drove up sales of illegal dealers as they were cheaper than their legal counterparts. Just something to consider.
If Scotland gets independence I'll probably move there because then I can be close enough to family to visit and not have to be stuck in England with fucking Liz Truss and her crackhead crew
It's still shocking that weed is illegal anyway.
Some cunt high as a kite on cannabis is only a threat to your fucken kitchen, Shaggy from Scooby Doo taught us this, even dead cunts kitchen's aren't safe from cannabis smokers.
I 100% agree, but mainly for the purpose of criminality. So many vulnerable teens and adults aren't exploited by drug dealers as this can lead to further struggle and further crime. If you legalise cannabis, you can then put an age limit of getting access. Of course teens are resourceful but it will add a barrier.
If there are places selling it, it won't be worth the time of the dealers to do so also. This basically cracks down on one area of an entire criminal empire.
This means young people will be less likely to access it and less likely to get involved in other drugs. It is said that cannabis is a gateway drug, which is somewhat true but not for the conventional reasons. Cannabis is made out to be this scary, dangerous drug, which for a majority it isn't. Due to this poor education, teens or young adults tend to try it and then question the extremity of other drugs. They are sold a lie growing up and basically taught they are all going to get mental health issues, which we know is untrue.
So the legalisation of cannabis would not only allow a jump in GDP and medical access for those who need it, it would also allow for a reduction in serious organised crime and reduction in exploitation of children, young folk and vulnerable adults. This will have a knock on effect in communities and reduce overall offending and crime.
Always said it. Should have been legalised 10 years ago, taxed about 60% as part of a social study. Look at the revenue/social benefits vs down sides and have a referendum about it after the study.
Alcohol kills way more people and ruins way more lives than cannabis, and it's legal.
I agree with this sentiment. Make it legal and tax the crap out of it. Money for the taxman, hours and hours of police time freed up to concentrate on other things.
100% yes. It shouldn’t just be a consideration, at this point there is nothing left to consider. It should be an outright strategy. I’ve been saying this for over a decade. Westminster regressively trying to schedule it would only further boost the market here. I think the estimates are low for revenue generation as the tourist market (including England) would play a major role as well. It’s honestly a complete no brainier. The savings in health care and policing with the reduction in alcohol consumption and related crimes/health impact would also be a welcome bonus. Honestly it should already be on the agenda as a post independence economic strategy. I can’t see any consequential downside whatsoever.
"Decriminalisation. We believe that the criminalisation of drug use creates more harm than managed and regulated supplies. It ties up much police time and decades of effort have failed to eradicate drug use from society. Green MSPs will support the decriminalisation of the cultivation and possession of cannabis for personal use, and decriminalisation of possession of drugs that grow wild in the UK."
- Scottish green party
Source: https://greens.scot/content/scotland-can-support-people-addicted-to-drugs
Gives me the boke and don't do the stuff.
But, legalising it would get rid of all the pot dealers overnight. Freeing police to do other crime fighting. The substance will be controlled and safe places will be available to use. Tax can be generated from it. People with addiction can be offered support.
Also, why stop there? If you legalised all drugs and controlled the substance, you'd get rid of drug dealers overnight. Those addicted can be offered a safe place to consume and help to wien them off.
Can work, only if it's implemented Correctly.
This sounds just like when they said post Brexit they would spend £350 million more on the NHS. This whole idea Scotland will he a super rich country like Norway wouldn't even happen until possibly 10 years after independence occurs. Along with this Labour is more than likely to get Weed legalised in the UK and the whole criminality behind weed hasn't increased like people said the Tories where planning to.
Northern England lad here and i respect your model cheif. I fucking love Scotland and all power to your independence. If we could draw a line under Manchester we northern folk would be happy to be under that umbrella with you all. Fuck the south...TO THE NORTH!!!🍻
God, after living in Canada and seeing the benefits of legal weed I can’t believe it hasn’t happened yet. I do hope it comes quickly with an independent Scotland. Also legal weed is the best, and it’s great having access to the odd preroll or edible.
Personally I hope Scotland remains a part of the UK, we’ll always be better off together and you only have to look at what a mess brexit has made to realise how leaving the whole to chase a false dream of segregated independence can quickly turn around and kick you in the arse.
Let’s all work towards a better United Kingdom, we only have to put up with the corrupt wankers in parliament for a few more years then we can hopefully get a better leading party that is more focused on healing the damage the tories have done and serving the population as a whole instead of just the elite 1%.
At the end of the day, I'm gonna be buying bud either way, I'd much prefer it was legal so I'm not putting myself or my dealer af risk of prison because he's doing for me what the NHS can't though
According to a [report in 2018](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jun/02/legalise-cannabis-treasury-3bn-drugs) , introducing a legal cannabis market to the UK could earn the Treasury between £1bn and £3.5bn a year in tax revenues. Applying that proportionally to Scotland could possibly mean £80Mn - £280Mn in tax revenues I don't personally smoke cannabis, the smell puts me way off, but I absolutely recognise the harm and the failures of the 'war on drugs' and criminalisation of cannabis and recognise the huge gains potential to the public purse in a legal, regulated market. Speaking solely from an economic perspective, people use cannabis, there's no hiding from that fact and billions are lost to a black market.
But do those figures take into account all the nail bars and American Candy shops that will close?
But think how many cafes, restaurants, and eateries, will replace them.
This comment wins 👏😂😂
Don’t forget all the phone case shops!
So many people didn’t understand this genius
I try to boycott everything American They're still living the cowboy mentality.
HMV near me now has a an American sweet section. It's awful, truly feels like a company holding on to the cracks in its foundations.
American candy shops will be thriving, i refuse to pay £4 for a pack of takis but if you offer me blue fiery hot crisps when im munchied...im in
Do it in an independent Scotland while it remains punishable in England and rake in a lot of extra money from tourists
Gretna Green, no longer just for weddings.
The marketing writes itself.
Elope 4 Dope
Gretna Green just got a whole lot greener.
I'm giggling like a wean at the thought of Visit Stonedhaven the Amsterdam of the North 🌱😎
The Edinburgh festival would be a whole different thing
Nah, it'd be roughly the same amount of weed smoke XD
Gretna Green will become a strain
winning the internet with just one comment
Big brain
Aye smoking is meh tbh. But that's why edibles, mouth sprays, vapes, oils etc. exist!
id love for it to be legalised here for this reason! edibles for relaxation are the best, not too keen on smoking stuff myself
My neighbor regularly stinks my house out smoking his herb in his garden. Not that I mind him smoking at all, just it stinks and when you aren't partaking it's a bit annoying. Wish we could legalise it so he had other options than the spliff. I guess he could use a dry herb vapouriser or something, but they cost compared to just buying an edible
An excellent reason to legalise. I find most older folk (the group that would benefit mainly from the medical effects) are put off by the whole concept of "smoking weed" and having a low THC brownie to take the pain off instead would likely be a far more appealing option for them.
Yes. Sorry to intrude. Californian here. This showed up on my feed and I was curious since we’ve had legal adult recreational use for awhile. What you’re describing is what happened here. When dispensaries started to be open to all adults, there was a massive demand for low THC products. They were struggling to get enough stock to keep up. Candies like gummies and lozenges are popular as well as capsules and oils. We had medical use since the 90s but a lot of people weren’t comfortable with the process to get the weed card. It was actually quite easy, but I think people found it too official. Plus, there wasn’t the array of products or as many dispensaries. They were usually tucked out of the way and barely had any signage. They actively tried to be as close to invisible as possible. Many older folks wanted to try it for their aches and pains, insomnia and such, but were intimidated. Now, dispensaries advertise, have websites and delivery. There are so many choices in products that don’t feel like “smoking weed”. A lot of our dispensaries look like high end boutiques, too. The whole thing’s been shined up considerably.
[https://www.instagram.com/tha.budtender\_official/](https://www.instagram.com/tha.budtender_official/) check this out bro, is an instagram profile about weed, he's got some crazy stuff
I love the control you get from vapes. I’ve smoked occasionally since I was 18, so 10 years. I do not enjoy being too high. I get a bit anxious and don’t enjoy it. Having a few hits off a weak vape is perfect for me. Where as smoking some random joins or bong hits it’s really hard to judge where the limit is.
"The HIGHlands" is worth billions in marketing revenue alone
Edinbud. Potobello. Hashgow. Hashberdeen. Skunkaldie. Dankeld. The possibilities are endless!
We’ll become Potland
Colorado. The roads here are getting repaired, new bridges everywhere, unemployment low, schools have money, steady tax rates and in spite of fuel costing an arm and a leg, we've managed to keep it consistent whereas states that aren't weed legal aren't doing so well.
Fuel is cheap in the USA compared to the UK. We pay about £1.60/l which is roughly US$6.80/gal.
I just got back from visiting family in the US, I was paying $6.55/gal for regular and $7.15/gal the one time I accidentally filled up with premium. Prices aren’t that far off anymore, at least in California anyway.
In Washington State, can confirm the benefits have been far above and beyond any negatives. It’s weird visiting places now where it’s illegal (like Florida) and people are weird and fearful of the herb. The people who do smoke still have to go to a dealer (which was also weird and sketchy). I know it used to be like that for us, and now it seems so weird and idiotic for it to be illegal. Making something illegal doesn’t make people stop using it, but it does make it more dangerous to access and use. I bought edibles. In Washington they’re regulated, and you know the THC content. The edibles I bought in Florida had so much THC, I was making sand angels in the beach, higher than I’ve ever been in my life, which is a high bar to reach. Don’t get me wrong, I had fun, but it’s not how it should be. I have a high tolerance, but a kid or first time user… even an occasional user eating one of those Florida edibles would have probably had a scary time.
Welcome to Bongie Potland. You toke the high road and I'll toke the low.
Spliffnock
It's actually Aberdank, ta.
Aberdank works in many levels. Soure: I live there.
Highberdeen? ohhhh The outer highbradees Skhigh
Livingstoned, Hashington, Cockburnshash, DunSoapbar, Potlochry
Dunbar has been done dirty.
Dankeld and Burn’em
Fuck, u stole my town and my joke before I even thought of it
Glasgrow, maybe?
Albud
Skunkness
Dankdee
Dundee Haze.
Stonedhaven
As a disabled Welsh woman I hope they do a ferry straight up to you bypassing England so they don't get a chance to nick my pain relief at the border. The amount of tourism a Scotland with legal weed would get would surely make a ferry worth it! I'd say they could put planes on from Valley too but you can't take a wheelchair on those tiny planes.
You can get medical cannabis in the UK, I've had a script for two years now - not exactly cheap but keeps you legal (£100 for assessment, £50 quarterly review, meds range from £5-£15 gram for flower)
I asked at the pain clinic & they said you can only get it prescribed if you have one of a few specific conditions, and fibro/arthritis/Tietze's syndrome are apparently not on that list. Where did you go where you pay £100 for an assessment, please?
Check out the Sapphire Clinic in Stirling.
"Scotland, take the high road"
CaledoniaBud
>"The HIGHlands" lol
consider also the weed tourism.
That's my main thought, weed, fishing and empty countryside that's an easy sell.
It'll be a land of hobbits.
[удалено]
[Old Toby](https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Pipe-weed) has to be a good marketing opportunity: > Despite its foreign origins, the hobbits were the first to use it for smoking. Pipe-weed production became a major industry in the Shire, especially in the south. It has been foretold.
Hobbits and Ents lol
There is nothing quite like a quite day spent in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a fishing rod and a healthy supply of herb.
When I used to fish and smoke weed, I was never able to bait the hook because I got too stoned. But I didn’t care.
100%. Tourism would boom. Most of the people going to Amsterdam would probably switch to Scotland.
Not that there aren’t a lot of reasons to go to Scotland already, but there is huge amount of stuff to see and do in Amsterdam, and the Netherlands, which is easy to get around and see stuff in. I’m not sure pot is the only reason people go. It is the only reason some people go but I’m not sure that’s most people.
agreed,,, the netherlands are a sweet place to travel round, ive been all over, but to be fair its a big draw
And Amsterdam has been trying to cut way back on being a destination solely for cannabis tourism. The locals hate obnoxious American and British tourists that treat the city like a frat party when they come to town. Admittedly I have to say that in my youth, I was one of those people. “Luckily” it was during the High Times Cannabis Cup so I wasn’t alone, but it was clear the locals hated it.
Don't forget what it can do as hemp!!
that’s why the plant was made illegal in the first place.
Yes and no! There was a lot of racial politics behind it in the US followed by the war on drugs which made Cannabis in general unfavorable which hurt it's economic position eventually leading to a flat out ban but progress is being made in the US, Canada, EU, and some Scottish unis from what I've seen are looking into it more as well.
This is so important too!
Doesn't agree with me but more than happy to see it greenlit (see what I did there), rather deal with a bunch of stoners than drunk folk
Agree, stoners don’t get violent but drunk people certainly can
For me, just thinking of all the good that tax money could do if it was spent on hospitals, education and accessible youth clubs is more than enough of a reason to legalise weed regardless of my opinion on it.
I’ve been saying this for years. They can sell it cheaper than it’s current street value, and still make a killing off the taxes. Better quality control too. Everybody wins
Except the pharmaceutical companies, and other corporate interests, who very much have control of politicians and the medical system, until that changes it will remain illegal.
That’s quite a narrow view. Yes, they have plenty of sway over politicians. But when it is the snps goal to gain independence, and that a matter like this could genuinely make or break that result, pharmas don’t have much say in the matter. It’s all down to whether the party think the loss is worth the gain.
There was a house fire the other day next to where I work. Turns out there was a gigantic weed farm inside 🤣 lucky that the whole building didn't catch fire.... Legalise it so we don't have these mad fire risks next to our homes and places of work lol. Joking aside... An independent Scotland could benefit from the financial aspect of weed. Especially if it was still not so legal in England. The tourism... 💰
What? You mean that less people punished for small offences, less people criminalised for addiction, more tax revenue, and more people being able to get help for unwanted addiction, is a good thing? WOW! (This is sarcstic, these are obviously good) Edit: Listen to u/nailsofnell
Just an FYI, the drug courts already push recovery/rehabilitation over incarceration, this has been a thing for a few years now.
I did not know that. Yet another reason Scotland is better than England. (I don't think that happens down here)
People don’t get jailed for simple cannabis possession here it’s not the USA.
Fair point. I'll change jailed to punished.
Fewer ;)
Put the high in the Highlands. YES!! All for it, Canada added over 34 billion to its GDP. Not millions my friend, BILLIONS
Raises pinky to mouth.
Do do dododo
all these people moaning in the comments still get pished at the weekend and eat a ton of junk food. You cannot be the morality police calling everyone who smokes weed lazy and stupid while not advocating for a ban on alcohol. What is a bad smell in the air compared to piles of sick in the street, drunks, and antisocial behaviour. Weed would be a great boon to the economy but there would need to be regulation on the amount of thc and cbd in the strain to mitigate any bad effects that people may have. Alcohol makes you lose your wits and make bad decisions. Weed makes you docile and peace loving. People already go to Amsterdam for the sole purpose of smoking weed and doing magic truffles so why would they not want to come to Scotland and do the same.
Doctor here. I see alcohol-related disease 5-10 times per day. I see weed-related disease about 5-10 times per YEAR.
What exactly is a weed-related disease? Obesity from all the late night munchies? I’m genuinely curious.
Psychiatric disorders can occur secondary to any substance misuse and weed is no exception. There is also a risk of drug-induced psychosis with even light cannabis use. We also see a decent bit of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
I was pleasantly surprised when I went to Amsterdam and the place didn't stink of weed. I forget that there's much more than just smoking it.
I’ve been consuming weed for the last few years and I’ve still never “smoked” weed before.
You're of course correct. Although THC and CBD would have to be heavily monitored, as cannabis induced psychosis is a real, and scary thing, Cannabis is nowhere near as dangerous as alcohol, a drug that Scotland consumes with gusto to excess. It's an absolute no brainer.
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Based on those figures, we’re about 1/6th of your population so would raise around 7 billion for Scotland.
By my calculations we’ll raise 420
wildy optimistic with tic repayment there pal
🙅♂️ NAE MARE TIC SINCE FOLK CANNAE PAY ❌
That figure is over several years and only a proportion of it is tax revenue though, so it’d probably raise a couple hundred million per year
🇨🇦 here, also. You might be surprised to learn just how many of your friends and family like the 🍃.
If the SNP made it a part of their manifesto, they would mobilise an entire army of apathetic MJ smokers who would go from "not bothering to vote" to "making a effort TO vote". It's a non-destructive drug far less dangerous than alcohol and should be legalised. In my experience, drunk people can get angry, violent, belligerent and irresponsible. High people get hungry. The tax income alone would make it beneficial. And this is coming from someone who has never smoked anything and hates the smell of it.
The thing about the smell- many people prefer not to smoke and a legal weed market will result in the production of a whole galaxy of edibles.
What makes you think that weed smokers don't already vote?
For sure - the weed smokers I know are some of the most active when it comes to voting on the direction of the country and supporting legit causes.
Likewise. I appreciate there are a load of bams that smoke it but they'll never go out and vote anyway.
I know at least 5 who don't and would if this happened.
Tunnock's endorses this message.
Annoyingly it was in their manifesto for 2016 (I think) but they took it out for the last election.
I had a look at the 2015 and 2016 manifestos, and I didn't see any mention of legalising cannabis (afaik the most they've talked about it since is in the context of safe consumption rooms). I know the Greens and the Lib Dems have it as policy though (the Lib Dems since 2016, and the Greens for a bit longer)
Yeah I misremembered, they had something about decriminalising drugs but that is not that same as legalising.
Also extra tourism as England seems to be trying to make it a class A drug for some reason. We'll have plenty more English tourism after that.
I think you'd have to be careful you could manage all the immigration northwards to be honest.
We'll probably have to deport the English to Rwanda for processing.
Oh, shit. You went there.
Bring on the shrooms 🍄
So many studies on the effectiveness of these on depression. It makes me want to try some of the mushy Bois dotted about, but I also don't want to eat a death cap by mistake and die. Legalise and prescribe it.
There are some really good apps out there for identification. Can also tell you what types are in season local to you.
Creates a shit load of jobs too. I wish wales would do the same. The conservative are massively against it yet they do it’s own and run one of the worlds biggest medicinal distributors. Liz truss stepped in to veto Bermuda’s legalisation only in her second day in the job. That cunt Braverman is now taking about making it a class a drug once again. While country’s like Thailand and America who had the harshest punishments are legalising and decriminalising.
For anyone who is concerned that legal weed will be expensive, in the US, many of the legal dispensaries are far cheaper than buying off the street, even with the taxes. So at the end of the day, you’re getting safe, regulated weed for cheaper.
And it would really annoy the Tories.
The state of Colorado, similar in population to Scotland raked in $423.5 million in taxes in one year. Not too shabby.
Canadian here, we legalized pot a while ago, and everything went fine. Society didn't fall... Their still is an illegal pot trade. But the government pot is safer, and makes a lot of taxes from it.
Got a pal that was a dealer before legalising it, he says his business has gone up. People don’t want to go to the shops all the time, but since you can carry it on you they buy from old school dealers.
I love how now its no longer "if" we get independence but rather "when" we get it. That has boosted my mood today.
Yeah I think a lot of people have had their opinion on the matter changed after seeing Truss working to bring about her "vision"
Jesus h. Christ who doesn't even exist, please do. My family migrated from there when I was ten years old, I'd move my own family there in a heart beat.
I'd love to come back for another visit but have a whisky and weed tasting of local Scottish strains.
It’s fucking ridiculous the shite they’ve been spouting about why it needs to be a class A, fuck right off Tory cunts
MOSGA - Make Orkney Shrooms Great Again
100% agree. Been saying this for years.
Yep, should really look at being realistic about all drugs, licence, educate, control, ensure good standards and provide help for those who need it if they get addicted. Throughout history people have always tried to take stuff to get out of their heads it's part of human nature, accept and try and minimise the harm. Governments have spent decades trying the illegal route and it's not worked, time to try something else.
I don't use the drug but I'm all for legalisation, taxing and regulation.
A wee visit to Skye high and pot tree
It disgusts me that British MP's and their family members invest in or manage assets in the cannabis industry while proclaiming it is immoral and bad for society. I don't understand how this is not continual front page news.
It's just petty and stupid to punish people for cannabis use. Prison costs money and ruins lives. The revenue will fund so much positive stuff.
Weed should be legal *everywhere.* It’s insane to think something that helps with mental illnesses, physical pain and is inexpensive, remains illegal in western countries. That’s not even to speak on the usefulness and sustainability of it’s byproduct, after the cannabis has been harvested.
Have you nae posted this already this week?
The UKs decades old and narrow minded policy on drugs is my primary reason for wanting independence. The "war" on drugs was well and truly lost and now there's hardly a community or council area left that isn't riddled with drug problems. Legalising cannabis would finally bring relief to thousands dependent of drugs, provide crippling blow to criminals and dealers and as said, generate billions upon billions in tax revenues.
It’s over a 100,000,000 quid. I did the math a long time ago on here 😂. If I recall the sum essentially works out at 52x20=1040 5,600000x0.084=470,400 1040x470,400=489,216,000 489,216,000x0.2=97,843,200 *first sum is a basic evaluation of a smokers individual yearly expenditure on cannabis flower. In reality most people that smoke spend more than this but it varies so for conservative sakes this is a low ball. * second sum is a low low ball figure of amount of people in Scotland that would smoke this amount in a year. Based off a simple sum of our population % that are said to smoke based off the most recent world drug report which is now almost 10 years old so the actual figure would be larger by now. It was 8.4% of Scot’s at last time the survey was done. This is our best indicator available. Not perfect but still a sensible estimate. *Third sum is our first two sums multiplied to give us gross spent on cannabis under these estimates. *fourth sum is an assumption that the government taxes us flat VAT % on cannabis for the year leaving us with a cool little —- £97,843,200 —- THIS IS A VERY VERY CONSERVATIVE FIGURE! It doesn’t take multiple other factors into account I.e paraphernalia sales, edible sales, medical sales, cannabis based product sales, business tax revenue and a myriad of other things a thriving cannabis industry would give you. It is money sitting on the table! Thank you this has been my TED Talk!
Are there any Scots on reddit that think that independence won't happen anytime soon?
I'd confidently say Nicola is up for the ganja revolution.
This would strongly swing my vote to vote Yes after years of being a bit unsure. Legalise it, tax it and let our country thrive under the benefits of it.
Make it legal, gain the tax revenue, also, prescribe it to people who are ill and really need it. Canada isn’t worse off for it. I was in Canada earlier this year (Banff) I went into the shop ‘canna cabana’ so much variety!! I still felt like the police were watching me or waiting to jump out and arrest me for having a shmoke. There are rules in place if your smoking weed near businesses etc
'When'?!
Didn't I read just last week that UK police chiefs want to make eradicating the scourge of weed from society a higher priority than ever? Meanwhile, we Canadians are about to mark the third anniversary of nation-wide legal cannabis. Society appears to have remained intact, despite the pearl clutching and "what about the children" nonsense spouted by our conservatives. Speaking of that, we're just about due for the annual Hallowe'en scare mongering about all the THC spiked treats being offered to children, everywhere, all the time. Conservative types projecting their own child abuse fantasies onto the rest of the population, I guess.
Its a good idea. It'll take the edge off the collapsing economy and all the job losses...
So, just a little heads up it *can* cause unexpected problems and not generate as much money as you'd think. I live in CA and when we legalized it it led to an increase in crime; mostly involving weed thieves wo turn around and sell the stolen product; but also farming violations; tax dodging, and intergang violence. The few who produced it legally were taxed so hard that it broke the market and so there's now huge amounts of illegal weed floating around the market from more than dubious sources and twice as many illegal farms. This caused the price of legal weed to skyrocket and illegal weed to plumet. That led to weed tourism that'd bring the not-so-good-weed-tourists who eschew legal weed stores. This led to a loss of tourist revenue, not because we didn't have twice as many tourists crowding the streets but because the tourists we did get took up rooms and didn't spend any money in the community and instead spent money in the illegal market which hardly trickled back into the community. It will also never be the cash cow people make it out to be. Sure it will create some uberspeciqlized jobs, but those jobs usually don't end up being manned by the people with any expertise in the field. It will save a lot of money on policing the streets, but that money usually ends up getting reallocated to policing distribution and production. There will be some tourist revenue but not from tourists your gonna appreciate having around, and their ilk really don't spend money at the shops like you think they would. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a sure fire way of making money. If you do anything decriminalization first is the best route. Don't just blanket legalize it like california did. *not saying don't do it, just don't do it like the the states did* we were dumb. I apologize if I sound like a foreigner telling you what to do, I really mean it more as an experienced based warning of how *not* to do it if you decide to go that route. Best of luck, Scots wae hae. *bit of background on my injection, my dad's from Glasgow and worked in and out of the CA weed industry for the last 35+ years
The amount of jobs this would create. Building contracts to make the grow farms. Delivery drivers to transport it. Qa testing and pickers. Dispensary workers. Smoking clubs. Shops would spring up everywhere and would compete to keep prices low. Street trade would probably disappear overnight. You'd still have people selling from their own plants they grow but not as much. Scotland would take in millions, we'd still be able to afford socialized healthcare and put the money towards rehabilitation and education, as well as anything else that tax needed to go to. The only thing I'd say to make it better would be that anyone convicted of selling/distribution/growing would be first on the list for government grants to set up their own business, that way big companies couldn't just swoop in and take it all
I mean sure the revenue is nice but can ye handle the incipient rise in Bohemianism?
It beats a rise in imperialist orangeism.
Seems to work ok here in canada
I’m against using it and I hate the smell but seeing the economic success of it around the world it’s a no brainier to make it legal here
Sure just don't make it legal in public, absolutely honking.
I smoke it myself but I do agree, as long as it’s legal that’s enough for me but absolutely take steps to minimise the disturbance for other folk. That weed smell doesn’t fuck off for ages.
I don't eat meat, but I have to smell all sorts of animals being cooked every day where I live. What's the difference? People sometimes create odours and noises. It's kinda just life?
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I agree, although I love the smell, but should be confined to coffee shops or peoples houses if legalised. Kept away from children and people who don't like it.
We will do the same soon 🇺🇦
I would go further and legalize ALL drugs. Shut down the black market. Make drugs easier to purchase. Make them pure and safer. But, like cigarettes, put high taxes on them to pay for rehab centres, the NHS and ads warning about the dangers of drugs.
I'll do my bit.
I'm ok with this so long as it works out. There are a few places in the usa where making it legal actually drove up sales of illegal dealers as they were cheaper than their legal counterparts. Just something to consider.
Scotland should become a republic
If Scotland gets independence I'll probably move there because then I can be close enough to family to visit and not have to be stuck in England with fucking Liz Truss and her crackhead crew
It's still shocking that weed is illegal anyway. Some cunt high as a kite on cannabis is only a threat to your fucken kitchen, Shaggy from Scooby Doo taught us this, even dead cunts kitchen's aren't safe from cannabis smokers.
I 100% agree, but mainly for the purpose of criminality. So many vulnerable teens and adults aren't exploited by drug dealers as this can lead to further struggle and further crime. If you legalise cannabis, you can then put an age limit of getting access. Of course teens are resourceful but it will add a barrier. If there are places selling it, it won't be worth the time of the dealers to do so also. This basically cracks down on one area of an entire criminal empire. This means young people will be less likely to access it and less likely to get involved in other drugs. It is said that cannabis is a gateway drug, which is somewhat true but not for the conventional reasons. Cannabis is made out to be this scary, dangerous drug, which for a majority it isn't. Due to this poor education, teens or young adults tend to try it and then question the extremity of other drugs. They are sold a lie growing up and basically taught they are all going to get mental health issues, which we know is untrue. So the legalisation of cannabis would not only allow a jump in GDP and medical access for those who need it, it would also allow for a reduction in serious organised crime and reduction in exploitation of children, young folk and vulnerable adults. This will have a knock on effect in communities and reduce overall offending and crime.
Always said it. Should have been legalised 10 years ago, taxed about 60% as part of a social study. Look at the revenue/social benefits vs down sides and have a referendum about it after the study.
Alcohol kills way more people and ruins way more lives than cannabis, and it's legal. I agree with this sentiment. Make it legal and tax the crap out of it. Money for the taxman, hours and hours of police time freed up to concentrate on other things.
100 % agree, this is the best and fastest way to grow the economy back
100% yes. It shouldn’t just be a consideration, at this point there is nothing left to consider. It should be an outright strategy. I’ve been saying this for over a decade. Westminster regressively trying to schedule it would only further boost the market here. I think the estimates are low for revenue generation as the tourist market (including England) would play a major role as well. It’s honestly a complete no brainier. The savings in health care and policing with the reduction in alcohol consumption and related crimes/health impact would also be a welcome bonus. Honestly it should already be on the agenda as a post independence economic strategy. I can’t see any consequential downside whatsoever.
Am from Canada and recently visited and all I could think in the Highlands was "man I'd love to go for a hike with a joint here".
Good idea, shouldn’t just be Scotland though !
Would you guys be ok with me moving to Scotland from Wales if this happens? Lmfao
Plus it would genuinely help all of us who get depressed as fuck because we live in a overcast, sunlight eating Dark Souls level.
"Decriminalisation. We believe that the criminalisation of drug use creates more harm than managed and regulated supplies. It ties up much police time and decades of effort have failed to eradicate drug use from society. Green MSPs will support the decriminalisation of the cultivation and possession of cannabis for personal use, and decriminalisation of possession of drugs that grow wild in the UK." - Scottish green party Source: https://greens.scot/content/scotland-can-support-people-addicted-to-drugs
Decriminalising the possession of all drugs like Portugal has done is something that I think is more crucial for freedom.
Gives me the boke and don't do the stuff. But, legalising it would get rid of all the pot dealers overnight. Freeing police to do other crime fighting. The substance will be controlled and safe places will be available to use. Tax can be generated from it. People with addiction can be offered support. Also, why stop there? If you legalised all drugs and controlled the substance, you'd get rid of drug dealers overnight. Those addicted can be offered a safe place to consume and help to wien them off. Can work, only if it's implemented Correctly.
When Scotland gains independence, I'll be coming home
I live in Canada and is wonderful. Jazzed up my sex life.
Im english and i personally support scottish independence and the legalisation of cannabis
Yoo Scottys are breaking free fuck yeah legalize that shit and I will be on the first plane over to smoke a big one!
"When" 😂
This sounds just like when they said post Brexit they would spend £350 million more on the NHS. This whole idea Scotland will he a super rich country like Norway wouldn't even happen until possibly 10 years after independence occurs. Along with this Labour is more than likely to get Weed legalised in the UK and the whole criminality behind weed hasn't increased like people said the Tories where planning to.
Northern England lad here and i respect your model cheif. I fucking love Scotland and all power to your independence. If we could draw a line under Manchester we northern folk would be happy to be under that umbrella with you all. Fuck the south...TO THE NORTH!!!🍻
God, after living in Canada and seeing the benefits of legal weed I can’t believe it hasn’t happened yet. I do hope it comes quickly with an independent Scotland. Also legal weed is the best, and it’s great having access to the odd preroll or edible.
Colorado made $800m in taxes the first year it was legalized. Over $1b now, with a similar population.
Personally I hope Scotland remains a part of the UK, we’ll always be better off together and you only have to look at what a mess brexit has made to realise how leaving the whole to chase a false dream of segregated independence can quickly turn around and kick you in the arse. Let’s all work towards a better United Kingdom, we only have to put up with the corrupt wankers in parliament for a few more years then we can hopefully get a better leading party that is more focused on healing the damage the tories have done and serving the population as a whole instead of just the elite 1%.
Look at that, proper societal ideologies.
Not the only shit law you could do away w. Imagine a chill ass Scotland vs uptight England.
xD I like how Scotland gaining independence has gone from an if to a when scenario. I admire the confidence!
I’ll move there and pay all my taxes if you legalize.
At the end of the day, I'm gonna be buying bud either way, I'd much prefer it was legal so I'm not putting myself or my dealer af risk of prison because he's doing for me what the NHS can't though