2014 Predictions Regarding Recreational Marijuana? (Denver, Colorado Springs: sales, crimes, buying)

[Terytee]

Been thinking about this over the last couple of days. As you all know, after 1 Jan, CO along with Washington will be the first two states to enact laws regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/28/us/10-...nal-marijuana/

Yes, I know it's too early to say how it will affect our state and our fair city, but that's why I called the post "2014 Predictions."

I've never used marijuana, don't plan to start, and have no idea how this might affect our town (good or bad). At first blush, I'm not exactly thrilled at the notion, but again, don't have any real knowledge about it.

There's an argument that it will help the economy, raise state revenue (taxes), increase "marijuana tourism," and be an overall benefit to the state/town.

Of course, there's an argument that it will result in an increase in crime, teenage marijuana usage, DUI crimes, is a gateway drug, and the like.

I suppose there's also the thought that it may just be a blip on the radar for a little while, and everything will settle down, and it'll be just fine.

I'm just curious as to how some of my neighbors feel about it. Your thoughts on it's affect positive or negative to CO Springs?

Again, no personal judgements here.

[Mike from back east]

MODERATOR SPEAKING: I will not allow this thread to become another round of pro / con on the issue of MMJ or RMJ; infractions will be handed out as needed. Stick to predictions on how it will affect COLO SPGS; use the other threads to discuss issues of safety, legality, etc.

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I see little change in COLO SPGS since our city and county both refuse to allow recreational MJ (RMJ) sales and thus will not benefit from increased sales tax revenue. Our infrastructure will continue to crumble, storm water runoff issues will continue.

Medical MJ (MMJ) sales will continue, BUT, if RMJ is cheaper than MMJ we may see people drive to Pueblo or Denver for their purchases, increasing traffic on I-25 and maybe increasing the accidents - this is a bit of a stretch as no one yet knows what RMJ pricing will be.

Perhaps we'll see RMJ bus trips to Pueblo for savvy shoppers, like the buses taking people to the casinos up in Cripple Creek. Ride the Weed Express and get a 10% discount with your frequent flyer card. Whattsa good name for the service? Weed R Us? Yabba Dabba Doobie Bus? Bomber Express? Bong Bus?

If Manitou Springs legalizes RMJ, we *could* see lots of traffic on Hwy 24 / Colorado Ave and within Manitou.

[Terytee]

Interesting take on it Mike. I didn't think about it from that perspective: traffic! Tks!

[beezle1]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

Medical MJ (MMJ) sales will continue, BUT, if RMJ is cheaper than MMJ we may see people drive to Pueblo or Denver for their purchases, increasing traffic on I-25 and maybe increasing the accidents - this is a bit of a stretch as no one yet knows what RMJ pricing will be.

As I understand it, RMJ will NOT be cheaper than MMJ as RMJ is subject to an additional tax.

10 things to know about Colorado's recreational marijuana shops - CNN.com

[Sonic_Spork]

Interestingly, twice in the last few days I've been in some random public place and smelled the intense skunkiness that someone nearby was saturated in. Once in Platte Furniture, once in the parking lot of Petco on Powers. Random. I didn't see smoke but I sure smelled the smell! Looking around in the parking lot, the only possible culprits I spotted were two clean cut young dudes getting out of a Jeep. I dunno!

@Mike: Your weed bus names cracked me up.

I predict that some kids will come here hoping to be in pot utopia and without a solid plan, and because they didn't really have a plan, some percentage of them will wind up homeless at the entrance to the parking lot of the Walmart on Platte. In fact that might explain the very young lady with the lip piercing I saw there the other day.

Hopefully people will discover a whole new world of vapes and edibles so that they don't stink up the gridsquare when getting out of their Jeeps. Possibly local convenience stores will sell more tasty snacks. Other than that...people who used before still will, and those of us who didn't still won't. Our police and courts locally will hopefully be able to devote resources to more meaningful activities without as many pot cases to pursue?

Here's a question...what about people who were previously jailed for pot related offenses that are no longer considered criminal under state law? Do they still have to serve out their sentences? I'm curious.

[Carrera32]

I suspect the impact will be less than some of the more dire predictions for a reason that seems lost in the discussion. Employers (public and private) with drug policies in place, including drug testing, can still take disciplinary action up to and including dismissal for cause against those violating their policy. My understanding is that THC stays in the bloodstream for a much longer period than other drugs, so usage will show up in drug tests for an extended period of time. In this economy, with one's job on the line, I would guess the possibility of being fired for drug use would have a chilling effect on usage, especially on those already refraining from using. I think the area's large number of military and civilian Federal government workers, many of whom are subject to one or more the following: pre-employment drug testing, post-hire random testing, periodic background investigations (where there are specific questions on drug usage, including marijuana) and polygraphs, will probably not be lining up at the marijuana shops. Remember that the military and Federal agencies don't care one bit whether marijuana use (recreational or medical) is legal in CO. It's still a Class I narcotic (equivalent to heroin) in Federal law, and that's how it's treated in Federal employment. So, beware all you Feds. Nothing has changed as far as you're concerned.

With El Paso County and COS both opting out of retail sales and taking into account the above, somehow I just can't see "Reefer Madness" taking hold in COS.

[Vision67]

Mike, lol "Yabba Dabba Doobie Bus?" Wow Man!

Seriously, you just need to think about what happened when alcohol prohibition was repealed.

First, expect a lot of partying. Many people who were hesitant to try illegal weed will give it a try. Most will try it just once and discover it's no big deal. As for me, I have no interest. When I was young I tried it and I did inhale. But I didn't like it. I expect that same reaction from most people.

Colorado will initially benefit from pot tourism. When some neighboring states observe that Colorado is generating significant tourism and tax dollars, they will quickly legalize weed as well. The Bible belt states will maintain illegality. Some folks will move to be closer to their like minded friends.

The prison industry will get fewer customers. The drug dealers will have lost customers.

Life will go on.

[Terytee]

Ya, Doobie Bus is my favorite one too.

Great predictions, good post!

[lurtsman]

Vision hit the nail on the head.

I would also suggest that more people in Colorado Springs will receive infractions for intelligent comments that do not fit the dogma.

[Maynerd]

I don't think it will have any noticeable effect on our fair city. The MMJ industry created a lot of advertising in the back pages of the Indy, and more than a handful of shops with green crosses out front, but it certainly didn't have any bearing on the overall culture of the community. RMJ shops aren't going to be allowed in Colorado Springs, and folks who go to Pueblo or Denver to make their purchases are already buying the same product, but from illegal sources.

I just don't see the average citizen even noticing a change.