Cypress Hill's B Real Gets Mad: Cannabis Goldmine Choked By State Taxation

The embers of the cannabis industry have been stoked by advocates and aficionados alike, with the influence of hip-hop maestro and cannabis entrepreneur, B Real of Cypress Hill and Dr. Greenthumb's, blazing bright. In a recent tweet, B Real succinctly encapsulated a paradox, stating that while many states relished the financial windfalls of cannabis legalization, these very states paradoxically suffocate the industry with burdensome taxation.

Some of theses states that have legalized cannabis have benefited from the revenue the industry generates yet they go out of their way to overtax and punish the industry. The cannabis industry has brought some of these states back out of debt and even gave them ability to have a…

— B Real ™ (@B_Real) September 7, 2023

"Some of these states that have legalized cannabis have benefited from the revenue the industry generates yet they go out of their way to overtax and punish the industry," observed B Real, pointing to the economic resuscitation that cannabis has ushered in for some beleaguered states.

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It's not a solitary sentiment. Echoing this sentiment, Steve Brusell (@CVOSteve) tweeted, "It's like biting the hand that feeds you." For Larry Livin’ aka Diamond Larry, the stakes are even more personal. Despite contributing to an industry bolstering state economies, he was "blacklisted from the local mortgage brokers" for working within it.

Sara Payan underscored the dire need for civic engagement, highlighting that outdated perceptions threaten to derail progress. "That’s why voters need to come out and show that politicians' views on the average cannabis user is outdated," she tweeted, underscoring the monumental shift in the public's perspective.

Even famed chef Dee Russell weighed in, saying, "Preach... and say it louder for the states in the back that can’t get their ish together (cough cough VA)."

This discourse underscores a larger narrative – one where the cannabis industry, once lurking in the shadows, now stands center stage, driving economic surpluses and shifting societal perceptions. Yet, as it shines under the spotlight, challenges persist. The question remains, will policymakers nurture this golden goose, or risk it with excessive levies?