Now that our delegates for 'democracy' in Albany have passed a budget (by law supposed to be a 'balanced' budget but if I used their balancing methods I'd be in a debtor's prison a la Dickens), we now may be witness to their wrangling over 'legalization' of marijuana as a recreational drug. The camel's nose is in the tent and it smells money. Big money.

Just to give you a taste of the dollars involved in the cannabis equation, here's a couple of numbers to help you realize why 'follow the money' is relevant to this wrangling. Projections are that legal cannabis sales are growing (will grow) at an annual rate of 15-20%, a global market of $150 billion a year as we progress into this coming decade, and most of this market is cash for some reason, which is why the banking industry is so hesitant to get involved. Cash invites illicit business such as drug running, child pornography, and money laundering. These concerns are allegedly addressed by what is called 'Suspicious Activities Reporting' but we can bet that some states are finding ways to circumvent this federal restriction. California raised $950 million in taxes since 2014, just as an example. It's a big business and with that kind of money changing hands you can also bet that our sticky-fingered friends and lobbyists are looking for ways to join and extend the party.

This note is written to activate our Lansing Republicans and encourage participation. A suggestion for those who possess the ambition to help the party to progress and strengthen:join the active Town Republican Party the second Monday of each month at 5PM at the Clarion on Triphammer Road. The next meeting is Monday 13 May. Many of you are multi talented and can bring fresh progressive talents to the Town of Lansing.

Republican leadership has greatly contributed to the growth and many successes in the Town of Lansing. Please join us and be a contributing part of our energy.