In altitude and attitude, Colorado is living up to its image of “Rocky Mountain High,” becoming the world’s first fully legal recreational marijuana “industry” on January 1. But what exactly does legalization entail and what impact will it have on Colorado?
Thousands waited in line for hours to be a part of opening-day history on New Year’s Day when Colorado became the first state to sell marijuana legally for recreational use. Other countries allow you to buy weed online canada and now Colorado will join them. With marijuana being so popular, it’s no surprise you can buy weed online. Sales the first day alone exceeded one million dollars, and sales continue to be brisk. As CNN reported, “Now, Colorado’s historic legalization policy is being touted as a springboard for the other states.”
Both Colorado and Washington state approved the sale of recreational marijuana in 2012, but Colorado made history by becoming the first to sell pot under new regulations established by both state and local governments. Colorado Amendment 64 requires state officials to regulate marijuana like alcohol.
So how does the new regulation work? According to Colorado.gov, anyone 21 years of age or older can purchase marijuana, but only Colorado residents can purchase one ounce of weed while out-of-staters are limited to one quarter of an ounce. Only licensed retail marijuana stores may sell recreational pot. Currently nine cities and seven counties in Colorado allow retail marijuana sales and, as of January 1, the state had already approved 348 marijuana business licenses, with additional licenses pending.
Resale is prohibited, but sharing is allowed as long as it’s less than an ounce and no money is exchanged.
In addition, there is a distinction made between retail and medical marijuana. Medical marijuana still requires a state red card, which only Colorado residents may obtain by providing proof from a doctor that they suffer from a debilitating medical condition which would benefit from medical marijuana. Medical marijuana patients may procure medical marijuana from a licensed center, their primary physician, or grow it themselves. You could also look at an alternative like CBD, there are many different kinds that you could pick from, for example, you check out something like Pure Green Living – CBD Reviews, as this can show you what else is on offer. (Information provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment).
Under Amendment 64, the use of retail marijuana is intended for private, personal use and cannot be consumed or smoked openly in public, including such locations as bars and restaurants. In addition, marijuana may not be smoked or consumed on any type of public transportation (buses, trains, taxis, planes). One exception, however, is that retail marijuana may be smoked inside a “smoker-friendly” hotel room when said hotel allows marijuana smoking in their smoking rooms.
Anyone found in violation of the new marijuana regulations will face penalties ranging from fines to possible jail/prison sentences. The Colorado State Statutes detail the specific penalties for the various types of violations. In addition, “schools, universities and employers are allowed to put in place their own disciplinary actions for marijuana-related infractions.”
Driving under the influence of marijuana is a major concern and will be dealt with similarly to driving under the influence of alcohol. While marijuana may be carried in vehicles in a closed container, it is illegal to cross state lines with it as well as smoke or consume it while in the vehicle. Driving under the influence of marijuana can result in a DUI. The legal limit is 5 nanograms THC per millileter in whole blood (CRS 42-4-1301). Colorado drivers may refuse the blood test, but doing so risks stronger penalties than a DUI according to Colorado State Patrol Public Information Officer Josh Lewis.
“A person who refuses to cooperate with the expressed consent blood test will automatically have their license revoked for a year. Obviously, every situation is different—it comes down to DAs and judges, but ultimately that person’s license will be revoked on the spot for a year no questions asked versus if they were compliant and came back positive for marijuana or something they can actually get it back within a few months—much sooner than if they had refused,” said Lewis.
Each of the cities and counties where retail marijuana sales are allowed will have their own sale and consumption laws. Consumers are advised to check the particular municipality’s or county’s website for complete regulations.
Because Colorado has no statewide pricing structure in place, dispensaries may charge whatever they desire. This situation has led to price gouging. “According to the Associated Press, one Denver dispensary was selling high-quality marijuana on Wednesday (January 1) at $70 for one-eighth of an ounce–a markup from $25 for the same amount the day before.” But a study conducted in Fort Collins at Colorado State University last April “predicted that the retail price of an ounce of weed would eventually settle at around $185.”
Because of increased costs and price gouging, Colorado stands to benefit greatly economically. Retail marijuana is being taxed heavily, with a 10 percent tax per sale and a 15 percent excise tax based on the average market price. KUSA-TV reported that “the state won’t have the first round of receipts until late February, but it seems clear demand is strong.” Colorado is projecting at least $67 million in annual marijuana tax revenue, and much of that money will be spent on improving roads, bridges, and other infrastructures.
While the state stands to benefit economically, not everyone is happy about the new regulations. Many Coloradans are concerned about “hemp hunters” or pot tourists flooding the state, fearing Colorado will become like Amsterdam. As comedian Jimmy Kimmel joked recently, “The new state slogan is ‘Come for the legal marijuana, stay because you forgot to leave.’”
And KUSA-9NEWS reported that “another implication of Colorado’s brave new world of legal marijuana is affecting apartment renters.” A growing number of tenants are “fed up with their neighbors’ smoke habits.”
“It’s been a steady stream of phone calls from our clients,” said attorney Vic Sulzer, who represents the Apartment Association of Colorado. Sulzer says that in spite of Amendment 64, landlords “…still have the power to decide whether they allow their tenants to smoke pot. Much of that say-so is dependent on the rental agreement.” He added that “most leases operate under a federal law and drug-free addendum, which considers marijuana an illegal and controlled substance.” His advice? Ask the landlord, not the lawmakers.
It remains to be seen what the long-term effects of pot will be in Colorado. For now, humor seems to sum it up best. “Colorado marijuana sales reported to be three times as high as they were before legalization, which is also true of the customers.”
Link to article on network’s website: http://www.gcnlive.com/CMS/index.php/component/k2/item/302-barb-adams
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