1809 Potsco

With the recent election cycle has come the various recurring initiatives. Which means we're once again facing a decision about the legalization of Marijuana. Whether this stems from an urge to transcend the ordinary or is rooted in the seeds of discontent I don't know. But I do like the mellow tone the “for” ads have taken.
They just say it's time to have the conversation. Nothing histrionic, nothing demanding, just a low-key laid-back suggestion that instead of spending billions on interdiction, it might be time to legalize and make some tax revenue.
Instead of preventing use, make some scratch off the use. Regulate the flow, regulate the product, increase state revenues. An idea whose time has come. Sin taxes generally have worked pretty well. And ending prohibition on alcohol showed it didn't cause more alcohol use. In fact, alcohol abuse went down when it became legal again. Less deaths from bad product, less binge and excessive drinking.
Still, I'm not sure I'm ready for a commercial saying the money could be used for our school system revenue shortfall. "Get stoned---it's for the kids..." is not my cup of tea.
But I think we're ready. And one day, if it takes hold and the state makes lots of money off it, they'll be a push to privatize, and we'll see another initiative, this one backed by Costco. Taking it out of the medicinal dispensaries and into the warehouse.
Imagine the aisle-end samplers. "Dude, ready to try some Bucoda Bud?"
"I can't believe it, I got a three-pack of shrink-wrapped ozzies for only 200 bucks."
Big Box stores would love it. Sell some quantity ganja… and then really clean up on a 10-pound bag of Funyons.
And in-store branding? I can see it now.
Kirkland Natural Botanicals.
America, ya gotta love it.