A reader writes:
Regarding your post on "Big Canna," I largely agree with Keith Humphreys that cannabis would become a corporate enterprise, but it would go way beyond the cigarette industry. In some ways it already has. How many people grow their own tobacco? Very few. Yet if marijuana were legal, I'd bet quite a few people would grow their own, which would lead to a massive expansion in the "homegrown" industry (which includes lighting systems, hydroponics, etc).
I used to brew my own beer at home. My beer was good, really good. But it didn't travel well. I made it in mini kegs (the kind used for soda) and it just wasn't convenient in most situations. If I could, I would drink nothing but my beer, but it's not practical.
Marijuana is entirely different. One plant can last a very long time. There are millions of Americans who enjoy gardening and there are millions of Baby Boomers who will be needing marijuana for medicinal purposes (and so they can flash back to their youths, no doubt.)
I don't know if you garden, but let me tell you, people who grow their own vegetables are extremely proud of their efforts. My guess is growing marijuana would be like growing golden vegetables injected with steroids. If you think folks are proud of their tomatoes now, wait until you see them showing off their latest cross of Headband and AK47.
(Photo by Niek Sprakel)
The Dish 