State Senator wants bong buyers to take a (tax) hit
Ken Pitts
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: News
It's a government conspiracy, man!
These words may be echoed by Cheech and Chong fans across the state if the General Assembly approves legislation that places a $20 tax on tobacco paraphernalia products and requires retailers to record buyers' identities.
Introduced in two bills Wednesday by Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince George's County), the tax would apply to everything from Bob Marley-adorned bongs to those pipes with the righteous little skulls.
But it isn't stoners Muse is trying to clamp down on - it's children.
"Kids going into gas stations in my neighborhood, going into record shops, and buying not only bongs, but screens for the rocks with the picture of marijuana" are what the legislation would target, the senator observed. "I'd like to have it outlawed completely," the senator added.
However, because such paraphernalia is legal to sell in the state under the guise of tobacco use (let it be known that Muse isn't buying that jive, though) the senator must resort to shaking up the head-shop establishment on the financial front. Taxes and records will create a paper trail that he hopes will eventually draw manufacturers and retailers out of the smoke to discuss what the devices are really used for.
"My contention," Muse said, "is that it is no more than drug paraphernalia - not tobacco paraphernalia."
If approved in hearings next month, the additional tax revenue would add to the state's health fund for children and could bud into hearings that will redefine tobacco paraphernalia as illegal, Muse said.
The legislation will be amended to exclude rolling papers, per a "friendly amendment" to be presented by tobacco giant Philip Morris USA at the hearing, Muse said.
In response to the buzz-kill legislation, some Marylanders have smoke blowing out their ears.
"Oh, that's ludicrous," said one manager of a smoke shop in Towson who declined to be identified. "I understand what [Muse's] quest is, but when somebody purchases something from me, what he does with it afterwards is his business."
These words may be echoed by Cheech and Chong fans across the state if the General Assembly approves legislation that places a $20 tax on tobacco paraphernalia products and requires retailers to record buyers' identities.
Introduced in two bills Wednesday by Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince George's County), the tax would apply to everything from Bob Marley-adorned bongs to those pipes with the righteous little skulls.
But it isn't stoners Muse is trying to clamp down on - it's children.
"Kids going into gas stations in my neighborhood, going into record shops, and buying not only bongs, but screens for the rocks with the picture of marijuana" are what the legislation would target, the senator observed. "I'd like to have it outlawed completely," the senator added.
However, because such paraphernalia is legal to sell in the state under the guise of tobacco use (let it be known that Muse isn't buying that jive, though) the senator must resort to shaking up the head-shop establishment on the financial front. Taxes and records will create a paper trail that he hopes will eventually draw manufacturers and retailers out of the smoke to discuss what the devices are really used for.
"My contention," Muse said, "is that it is no more than drug paraphernalia - not tobacco paraphernalia."
If approved in hearings next month, the additional tax revenue would add to the state's health fund for children and could bud into hearings that will redefine tobacco paraphernalia as illegal, Muse said.
The legislation will be amended to exclude rolling papers, per a "friendly amendment" to be presented by tobacco giant Philip Morris USA at the hearing, Muse said.
In response to the buzz-kill legislation, some Marylanders have smoke blowing out their ears.
"Oh, that's ludicrous," said one manager of a smoke shop in Towson who declined to be identified. "I understand what [Muse's] quest is, but when somebody purchases something from me, what he does with it afterwards is his business."
Submit a letter to the editor or post a comment below.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 13
Albert Burfel
posted 2/03/08 @ 8:10 AM EST
No taxation without representation! Legalize Marijuana then we'll talk Senator.
Thomas C
posted 2/03/08 @ 8:48 AM EST
Hah, lovely. You want to tax us for the paraphrenelia, and imprison us for what they're used. More nonviolent drug offense prisoners to pad your prison system, and more tax revenue on top of it! Why, it looks like everyone wins! Especially the CHILDREN! Won't somebody think of the children?
phillydrifter
phil e. drifter
posted 2/03/08 @ 8:53 AM EST
Too bad it's not a war on drugs, it's a war on minorities. Get yourself a copy of 'The Marijuana Conviction' available now at half.com: http://product. (Continued…)
mike
posted 2/03/08 @ 10:59 AM EST
This accomplishes absolutely nothing at all. If it were to go through by some chance, all it would do is cause people to order online tax free while hurting the local economy. (Continued…)
Friendly Phil
posted 2/03/08 @ 3:31 PM EST
Fight on brave little drug warrior. The war of drugs is a war against the people.
phil e. drifter
posted 2/04/08 @ 10:08 AM EST
Mike, making purchases online is hardly anonymous, although It would be a good way to dodge the state's bong tax, if it does pass. Sadly too ignorant citizens of the state will buy it (no pun intended) because they've been brainwashed to believe these completely natural substances that grow right from the ground are actually dangerous, even though manhood has not only survived but thrived despite their existence. (Continued…)
Zenmaster
posted 2/04/08 @ 11:21 AM EST
Of course, the state COULD regulate marijuana, have it sold exclusively by tobacconists (like booze is sold only by liquor stores and bars), and make headshops get licensed as tobacconists. (Continued…)
Mike
posted 2/04/08 @ 12:51 PM EST
More big government trying to micro manage your life. Why let Tony Muse run your life?
When will this end?
Stop the nonsense and VOTE RON PAUL. (Continued…)
phil e. drifter
posted 2/04/08 @ 4:04 PM EST
Zenmaster, that would make too much sense, and then the gubment couldn't stuff it's prisons with minority offenders.
If cannabis were legal the DEA would never be able to suck millions out of the federal budget the way it does today, and it wouldn't even be able to sustain itself as a federal office. (Continued…)
Joe_Cancer
posted 2/04/08 @ 8:16 PM EST
Well they better outlaw apples, carrots and potato's because kids can make bowls to smoke with out of those items too.
Where do morons like Tony Muse come from?
Post a Comment