After 6 months, legal pot in Colorado a mix of highs, lows

[Donger]

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news...ing-up06262014



DENVER - Nearly six months after Colorado became the first in the world to sell legal recreational marijuana, industry advocates are playing up the high points -- specifically an economic boom and crime in Denver actually declining.

"I think a lot of people are looking at Colorado, and when you see crime going down, that’s a huge sign of success," said Michael Elliot, executive director of the Marijuana Industry Group. "I think so many things people were scared about have been shown to be nonsense."

The first four months of recreational pot sales has brought in nearly $11 million in tax revenue, demand for real estate has gone up, and the marijuana industry estimates there are currently 10,000 people working in the business.

On Thursday, the state announced that during 20 undercover operations to test if pot shops would sell to minors, not a single store sold to a child.

"The Division prides itself on ensuring public safety; we are pleased with the results and will continue to monitor the businesses to ensure that the compliance efforts are maintained," said Lewis Koski, Director of the Marijuana Enforcement Division.

But while the state hasn't gone up in smoke, not everyone agrees Colorado is better off and safer.

The state's largest provider of community detox centers, Arapahoe House, reported this week that DUI admissions involving marijuana have nearly doubled since legalization.

In 2013, 8 percent of admissions were accused of driving under the influence of marijuana, and now that's up to 15 percent.

"We're only seeing recreational legalization in it's infancy, but it's already having an impact on public safety," said Araphoe House spokeswoman Kate Edmundson.

7NEWS found small children continue to get their hands on marijuana, particularly edibles.

The Rocky Mountain Poison Control Center said, so far this year it's had 19 calls from people reporting pot ingestion by children younger than 5 years old.

Children's Hospital Colorado said it's treated 11 kids who've ingested edibles marijuana, six of whom have become critically ill.

[Simply Red]

That dude lives in Mission Viejo Ca. and posts nowhere - as he owns no PC.

only chips and pot and pop.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Donger

Am I disappointed that Colorado chose to legalize pot in some locations? Yes, I am. I voted against it.

I don't really see why that is funny or unfunny.

Because you have a terrible sense of humor.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Pasta Giant Meatball

That dude posts here

It's Bump.

[Prison Bitch]

Originally Posted by KC native

Because the hiring took place long before weed became legal there. I already embarrassed you in DC when you tried this nonsense argument once. Just go reread it instead of rehashing it in the lounge ****stick.

The only person you've ever embarrassed on this board is yourself.


Hiring wasn't big before the law became live either, nor are tax receipts YTD up in any meaningful way either. It's great we have actual data so we don't have to listen to your insane stupidity.

[Otter]

Originally Posted by Donger

Children's Hospital Colorado said it's treated 11 kids who've ingested edibles marijuana, six of whom have become critically ill.

Hehe, I've seen adults over do it on the edibles more than once and I'd love to see the authors definition of "critically ill". Because if "critically ill" means means 'holy shit, that tree is talking to me, I don't know where am I at, take me to the hospital because I'm freaking out', I'll agree with them.

Otherwise I'm going to have to call bullshit on using the term critically ill.

Durango still doesn't have any stores that sell weed. But that's kinda like saying Durango doesn't have any stores that sell pictures of mountains.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by KC native

Because you have a terrible sense of humor.

Of course I do. It's just a little dry.

[Chief_For_Life58]

why does weed being legal affect you?

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Donger

Of course I do. It's just a little dry.

I bet you're a huge Mr Bean fan.

[Chief_For_Life58]

do you own a private prison?

[Johnny Vegas]

Originally Posted by Chief_For_Life58

why does weed being legal affect you?

supposedly his kids have easier access to it as well as he fears his face could get eaten off while still alive by some stoned out crazy homeless person.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by Chief_For_Life58

why does weed being legal affect you?

Pretty much the same way that legal alcohol (or any other drug for that matter) affects me.

I do hate that my state now has become rather synonymous with pot. We have fantastic weather, beautiful scenery (see mountains and Katipan). We really didn't need anything else. Kansas or Misery? Sure, legalized pot would have made them much more attractive.

[Otter]

Originally Posted by Johnny Vegas

supposedly his kids have easier access to it as well as he fears his face could get eaten off while still alive by some stoned out crazy homeless person.

"I could have sworn he was a giant Cheeto man!!!".

[Donger]

Originally Posted by KC native

I bet you're a huge Mr Bean fan.

I actually had to look that up.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Donger

I actually had to look that up.

lies

[Donger]

Originally Posted by KC native

lies

No, truth. I had heard the name before, but didn't know that it was Atkinson. I've never seen it before.