Tobacco Trade Association calls for legalizing hash

The government could impose a 50 percent tax on this trade through a long-term strategy
The Cairo Post (Egypt)
Tuesday, April 7, 2015

The Cairo and Giza Tobacco Merchants Association submitted a proposal to the Cabinet to legalize the use and trade of hash, arguing the measure could prove an effective means to reduce the state budget deficit, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm. Association head Osama Salama said he submitted the proposal to the Legislative Reform Committee headed by Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab. “We urge the state to use the ‘forbidden fruit’ rule,” said Salama explaining that “imposing 10 taxes on hash sales could generate EGP 5 billion ($700 million) in state revenues every year.” (See also: Political leader calls for legalizing hashish trade)