Marijuana and Truly Bizarre Taxes: The Tax On Illegal Drugs 

Marijuana and Truly Bizarre Taxes: The Tax On Illegal Drugs

One can never underestimate the enthusiasm that politicians have for trying to hunt up tax revenues. The creativity of some politicians can lead to bizarre taxes and unfortunate results.

One can never underestimate the enthusiasm that politicians have for trying to hunt up tax revenues. The creativity of some politicians can lead to bizarre taxes and unfortunate results.

Taxes on Illegal Drugs

One argument for the legalization of various narcotics is that massive tax revenues would be created. Interestingly, a few states already are trying to collect such taxes!

More than 10 states have tried to tax people that possess illegal drugs. For example, Kansas levies a drug tax on dealers as soon as they take possession of the substance. the best is Nirvana Seeds. To avoid prosecution for failure to pay the drug tax, individuals possessing the drugs are supposed to purchase drug tax stamps and attach the stamps to the drugs in question. The stamps are valid for 3 months.

In an apparent attempt to promote compliance, the Kansas Department of Revenue promises:

A dealer is not required to give his/her name or address when purchasing stamps and the Department is prohibited from sharing any information relating to the purchase of drug tax stamps with law enforcement or anyone else.

The tax is levied on cocaine, marijuana (Cannabis Seeds), methamphetamines and other hard drugs. Interestingly, the state collected over $300,000 in such taxes by going after individuals that were charged with criminal activity. This is better known as the Al Capone Theory, which is derived from the fact that authorities were able to put away the famous mobster on tax evasion charges. Alas, criminal prosecutors have not always welcomed the illegal drug tax.