Although I can understand the frustration felt by Matthew Vann in his letter to the editor and tobacco farmers in general, I also understand the reasoning behind taxing a dangerous product that creates a huge burden on the state's health care system.
Like every other industry, these tobacco farmers need to adapt to the changing political and economic climate.
Rather than dwell on the numerous negative effects of tobacco taxation, these farmers need to be looking at other profitable farming options.
Fortunately, Florida is ideal for growing hemp, and perhaps these struggling tobacco farmers should demand from our government that medical marijuana and hemp farming be legalized.
These farmers would be able to greatly profit from the sale of hemp, which can be used to make rope and paper products among many other things.
Also, the medicinal purposes of marijuana have proven to be highly effective, safe and could possibly benefit millions of Florida's elderly patients in need of care.
Furthermore, it costs about $20,000 per year to house an inmate in a Florida prison.
If marijuana were decriminalized, the state would be able to save countless millions of dollars in prison costs due to a decrease in nonviolent marijuana crimes.
