High Profit Analysis

The series “High Profits” demonstrates the works and restrictions of the United States government regarding the issue of legalizing recreational marijuana. Breckenridge Cannabis Club business owners, Caitlin Mcguire and Brian Rogers, demonstrate both the struggles and profits of this up and coming industry. This series portrays virtually every viewpoint possible by including opinions from an array of political actors who discuss the influence of the government on this topic and the impact this topic has on the general public.

With the various political figures who are shown in this video, a variety of interests and opinions are bound to come forth, often conflicting with one another. There are many figures who support Brian and Caitlin’s

business and the state-voted legalization of recreational marijuana.

One of the most important is John Warner, mayor of Breckenridge, Colorado. While he did vote in favor of recreationlized marijuana, he does belong to the council who decided that the business would have to be relocated to Airport Road due to the lack of tourists in that area. Investment banker, Larry Charles is in favor of legalization because he believes we should see marijuana as a commodity, just like any other profit making item. Another person who supports the legalization of marijuana is town council member, Mark Burke. He addresses the fact that when a tourist comes to Colorado, they probably are already aware of the legalization of marijuana, so there is no point in hiding the business and pretending it doesn’t exist. With the many people who support Brian and Caitlin’s business, there are several people who believe it should not be in the face of tourists, for fear it will give the town a bad reputation. Officer Shannon Hayes states that a lot of residents don’t want to see a cannabis shop on Main street. Local realtor, Karyn

Contino as well as boutique owner, Susan Manis, believe that Breckenridge has a family and tourist friendly reputation to withhold and fear that a recreational marijuana business on Main street has the potential to ruin this reputation. That being said, Gary Freese worries that this shops will trigger other illegal activities in the currently peaceful town. The various opinions about this issue from a variety of people, both political and not, demonstrate just how much the government is able to influence the businesses in its country.
This video highlights the influence of government institutions on several occasions.

To begin, there is a 24% tax on all cannabis sales. In just a few days of sales, Breckenridge Cannabis Club has given $120,000 of tax money to the same people in the council who voted to move the location of the shop. This relates to the universal American value of consent of the governed. The locals have elected the government officials who ultimately decide what they can and cannot do, the amount they are taxed on what they can do, and how and where one is allowed to run a business. This proves that even when a business is making money for the government, they still are essentially under the control of those who rule their town, state, and country. The idea of federalism is a major factor in the general legalization of marijuana. Each states has a right to legalize recreational marijuana even though it is still federally illegal. That being said, there are several federal restrictions that come with these freedoms due to the supremacy clause that gives the federal government supreme law of the land. For example, the states who choose to legalize marijuana are required to sell only to those over the age of 21 and have a proper ID, as well as only allowing people to smoke in private. Another issue Brian and Caitlin discovered was the inability to join a local bank since their business is considered a federally illegal profit. While the value of individual freedom is technically fulfilled

by allowing recreational marijuana, there are several restrictions that are put in in place by the federal government.
Brian and Caitlin’s business, as well as the general legalization of marijuana has left a huge impact on the greater community. One of the major factors mentioned in the video is the fact that people want to be involved with legalization because they want to be a part of history. Additionally, Mayor John Warner suggests that legalization has the ability to eliminate the criminal act of buying marijuana which would leave an extremely positive impact on the community. Illegal dealers will be put out of business which will, consequently, reduce gangs and cartels and replace them with legitimate and legal businesses like Breckenridge Cannabis Club.