In its constant quest to increase the tax base, voters and the state of Washington have approved the sale of marijuana for recreational use. Being old, this takes me back to the sale and taxing of “fortified wines.” This wine commonly called “re-wash” was made from previously processed grapes, with the grain alcohol added to “spike it up.”
Over time, this mixture reportedly caused damage to the membrane surrounding the brain. Many people were reportedly institutionalized during this period. Therefore, the problems caused outweighed the tax revenue and the practice was terminated.
Are we looking at a long medical, social and economic problem here?
I hope not.
Jerry R. Miller
Vancouver
