A "High"-Tech Economy?

Published Dec 19 2006, 11:20 PM by David S. Bernstein

In recent days I've been looking at gloomy reports on the Massachusetts economic-growth and labor-supply outlook from MassInc. (link doesn't seem to be working), and from Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, and thinking about the tough job the Patrick administration has ahead of it.

Then, I see a report released today in the Bulletin of Cannabis Reform, in which Massachusetts ranks a lowly 44th among US states in total marijuana cultivation. According to the study's author, who claims to be using US government data, the state's entire annual pot crop is valued at a mere $20.3 million. Maine, which ranks in the middle at 25th, grows six times as much, at a value of $122.8m.

Am I wrong to see an opportunity here for a targeted economic-stimulus package?