Legalized Marijuana-how will it affect my family? (Denver, Colorado Springs: fit in, home)

[claricenb]

My husband and I are considering moving to CO, either Colorado Springs or a Denver suburb depending on job situation. I grew up in Denver proper but have lived in Northern VA for the last 12 years.

Anyway, I'm wondering how the legalization of marijuana will affect my family? We are not pot-smokers and don't want our kids to be exposed to lots of public smoking, etc. We understand that it's part of the state now and we aren't going to be in people's faces about it. But we're wondering if we'll be able to fit in, or if we'll be ostracized for our disinterest and desire to avoid it, etc?

I'm just curious what it's like on the streets and in public places? I am totally ignorant of how this looks on the social level, so any thoughts or descriptions of what it will be like would be really helpful.

I'm not interested in a thread about the political ramifications, moral right or wrongness, and all that. I'm just looking for someone to help me think through what it would be like for my family and my little kids such as it is.

Thank you so much!

[Timmyy]

I don't think you have much to worry about. It is not legal to smoke it outside of your home. I live in the burbs and it has had no effect on my family or my neighbors.

[brown_dog_us]

I smelled more pot on my morning runs when I lived in Atlanta. It's really a non-issue.

[mic111]

I haven't smelled any yet. My husband and I have been reading about the terms but we are so unfamiliar with them we have trouble discussing the issue. We may or may not know anyone who smokes it or eats it. It's probably a don't ask don't tell situation. We don't ask and no one tells. With my closest friends we've discussed it and none of them has ever tried it either. However we live in a single family home in the suburbs so maybe in the city people have more exposure.

[robertgoodman]

You will not be ostracized for avoiding marijuana. The majority of people in Colorado do not smoke marijuana, and an even smaller percentage smoke marijuana regularly. For the most part people supported legalization not because they smoke constantly or are into 'cannabis culture', but for larger public policy reasons.

That said every once in a while you will encounter inconsiderate people smoking marijuana in public even though it is illegal to do so, a lot of conversations and local news stories about marijuana have occurred as a result of legalization, and depending on where you go you may have to drive past a few dispensaries. Those are the only societal things I can think of related to marijuana that are tough to avoid.

[SkyDog77]

I have heard they are setting up mandatory bong hits at all ports of entry. You have to hold it in for a minimum of 5 seconds or you will be denied entry.

[infinitylove]

If you are not looking for it, you won't see it (besides the dispensaries). I have 2 little kids and it doesn't even cross my mind that pot is legal now. I think it really is a non-issue.

[headingtoDenver]

You have nothing to worry about. The press outside Colorado have done a great job of painting Colorado as one giant joint. I'm waiting for new satellite images to come out and instead of the states of CO and WA, you will see a giant cloud like some Cheech and Chong movie.

[proveick]

Originally Posted by headingtoDenver

You have nothing to worry about. The press outside Colorado have done a great job of painting Colorado as one giant joint. I'm waiting for new satellite images to come out and instead of the states of CO and WA, you will see a giant cloud like some Cheech and Chong movie.

I think I can see Denver.

[maciesmom]

Originally Posted by SkyDog77

I have heard they are setting up mandatory bong hits at all ports of entry. You have to hold it in for a minimum of 5 seconds or you will be denied entry.

It can be next to the booth informing you of the Subaru and Northface requirements.