Medical pot could Boost Fla. in sales tax revenue

Florida could rake in big bucks in sales and in tax revenue if medical marijuana becomes legal with the passage of an amendment in November.

State projections of sales range from $138 million to $5.6 billion. State projections of tax revenue range from $8.3 million to $338 million. Amendment 2 to legalize medical marijuana in Florida is on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The numbers are based on the number of medical marijuana patients, the amount of pot they may use and the price per ounce.

The state Department of Health estimates there will be 417,000 patients. In addition, the department estimates 250,351 personal caregivers will be needed as well as 1,789 "treatment centers," or dispensaries.

Meanwhile, the estimated cost of carrying out the amendment is just a fraction of possible revenue: About $1.1 million for each of the first two years.


Source: News-Press (Fort Myers, Fla.) N