Six Months After Legalizing Marijuana, Two Big Things Have Happened in Colorado

[Baz]

Six Months After Legalizing Marijuana, Two Big Things Have Happened in Colorado - Mic

1. Colorado's cash crop is turning out to be even more profitable than the state could have hoped.

In March alone, taxed and legal recreational marijuana sales generated nearly $19 million, up from $14 million in February. The state has garnered more than $10 million in taxes from retail sales in the first four months — money that will go to public schools and infrastructure, as well as for youth educational campaigns about substance use.

According to his latest budget proposal, Gov. John Hickenlooper expects a healthy $1 billion in marijuana sales over the next fiscal year. That's nearly $134 million in tax revenue. Sales from recreational shops are expected to hit $600 million, which is a more than 50% increase over what was originally expected.

2. Denver crime rates have suddenly fallen.

Marijuana-related arrests, which make up 50% of all drug-related crimes, have plummeted in Colorado, freeing up law enforcement to focus on other criminal activity. By removing marijuana penalties, the state saved somewhere between $12 million and $40 million in 2012, according to the Colorado Center on Law and Policy.

According to government data, the Denver city- and county-wide murder rate has dropped 52.9% since recreational marijuana use was legalized in January. This is compared to the same period last year, a time frame encompassing Jan. 1 through April 30.

As the Huffington Post notes, this is a far cry from wild-eyed claims by legalization opponents that legal weed was the devil's work and Colorado would see a surge in crime and drug use.

[Scott R]

And no Zombies!


I love it here.

[speeder]

Not to mention donut and cookie sales are through the roof.

[Nickshu]

Girl scouts setting up outside our pot shops... Making a killing.

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[Joe Bob]

Now if they pull their heads outta there ass on gun free zones.....

[Baz]

Doritos and Fritos sales are also doing quite well!

[Brando]

Wow, the state is making millions and crime is down. Whodathunkit.

[dewolf]

Originally Posted by speeder

Not to mention donut and cookie sales are through the roof.

lol...lol..lol

[chapo]

I think Peyton Manning has gold by owning all those Poppa Johns there.

[dan88911]

Any change in the number of accidents related to being under the influence?

[dewolf]

Originally Posted by dan88911

Any change in the number of accidents related to being under the influence?

Probably not. They can't be bothered driving...

In all seriousness I'd rather, if I had to, get in a car with someone who was stoned than drunk.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by Scott R

And no Zombies!


I love it here.

I think the zombies are still there but sleeping it off on the couch.






.

[dan88911]

Originally Posted by dewolf

Probably not. They can't be bothered driving...

In all seriousness I'd rather, if I had to, get in a car with someone who was stoned than drunk.

Oh not just driving using tools, cooking, climbing ladders, riding the bike to store for more snacks. etc.
Some times those creative juices kick in.

[sammyg2]

And the entire state is being recruited for the next sequel of DUMB AND DUMBER.

Except Colorado Springs, that place is still ok

[sc_rufctr]

[mreid]

Why is this a surprise?

All states should follow their lead.

[72doug2,2S]

The sky hasn't fallen, imagine that.

But those two things were pretty much a given, low crime and high revenues. To really see any effects I'd like to see test scores, work attendance, and some production numbers, before and after legalization. This will really make the case for other states to adopt similar measures.

[Rick Lee]

You heard it here first. The state will take every dime of that new tax revenue and find new programs to fund instead of paying down debt, cutting other taxes or saving for a rainy day. Feeding the beast is all this is.

[john70t]

Originally Posted by mreid

All states should follow their lead.

N.C. signs into law use of medicinal CBD (different from the funny stuff THC)

McCrory signs hemp oil bill into law :: WRAL.com
The measure passed by unanimous vote in the Senate last week and a 112-1 vote in the House. McCrory, along with lawmakers in both chambers, hailed the bill as a blessing for families with children suffering from intractable seizures that have no other effective treatment.

When product manufacturers start demanding access to the long tough natural fiber strands found in hemp, there will be another fallen domino.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

You heard it here first. The state will take every dime of that new tax revenue and find new programs to fund instead of paying down debt, cutting other taxes or saving for a rainy day. Feeding the beast is all this is.

Exsactly mate, Exsactly.