According to a recent study, about $32,275 was withdrawn from marijuana dispensaries in Colorado by EBT recipients, in order to purchase marijuana on the tax-payer dime.
This abusive behavior has led GOP lawmakers to introduce a bill which would prevent the usage of EBT cards at ATMs in marijuana dispensaries. The first bill failed to pass after democratic opponents argued that low income residents without a bank account rely on those ATMs for their day-to-day needs.
According to Representative Tim Dore (R-Colorado) of State House District 64.“This is not about punishing people in a situation where they’re having to use public benefits. This is about potentially punishing people who decide it’s OK to abuse taxpayer money.”
Dore says he plans to introduce another bill this year to stop the abusive practices.
The Marijuana lobby agrees with the Republicans and support a bill being passed. Michael Elliott, Executive Director of Colorado’s Marijuana Industry Group told Fox-31 in Denver:
“I can see the frustration of taxpayers and I think that’s why the industry is going to be a willing participant in solving this issue. We`re not interested in ripping off the taxpayers.”
We know what side the politicians across the isle lie, but the most important issue is what taxpayers think of the practice. Are you okay with EBT benefits being used in marijuana dispensaries are should it be abolished? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
