Who Benefits Most from the War on Drugs? After voters legalized marijuana for recreational use in Colorado and Washington state, 2012 was considered, by many, to be a good year for supporters of comprehensive drug reform. As the debate over marijuana legalization continues, however, it is important to identify who benefits most from the war on drugs.
Violation of the prohibition against contingent fees for lobbying under Section 305.022 of the Government Code is a third degree felony, punishable by imprisonment of no more than ten years and no less than two years. Additionally, a fine not to exceed $10,000 may be imposed.
Analyst James A. Thurber estimated that the actual number of working lobbyists was close to 100,000 and that the industry brings in $9 billion annually. Lobbying has been the subject of academic inquiry in various fields, including law, public policy, and economics.