New York can’t abide illegal marijuana shops, but neither can it get its licensing up to speed.
The law of unintended consequences refers to government actions that have unanticipated outcomes. It’s a concept often ignored by short-sighted politicians and policy makers. And it’s why New York’s clumsy effort to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in the name of social justice has turned into a farce.
Two years ago, New York passed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act and became one of nearly two dozen states that have authorized the sale of pot. Gov. Kathy Hochul has said that the law is about “creating jobs and opportunities” and “supporting small businesses.” Proponents estimate that legal marijuana sales will generate $4 billion over the next five years.
Continue reading the entire piece here at the Wallstreet Journal (paywall)
_____________________
Jason L. Riley is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a columnist at The Wall Street Journal, and a Fox News commentator. Follow him on Twitter here.
Photo by Kimberly Delaney/iStock