CC 2017-06-27_11a Policy Direction_Non Medical Marijuana
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JAMES A. BERGMAN, CITY MANAGER
TERESA MCCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BEAU PRYOR, ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A STAFF PRESENTATION, RECEIVE PUBLIC
COMMENT, AND PROVIDE KEY POLICY DIRECTION TO STAFF
CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL REGULATIONS FOR
NON-MEDICAL MARIJUANA INCLUDING LAND USES UNDER THE
CONTROL, REGULATE, AND TAX ADULT USE OF MARIJUANA ACT
DATE: JUNE 27, 2017
ISSUE:
Although soon to be allowed and regulated by State law as a result of the adoption of
Proposition 64, the City has not yet considered the need for local regulations for land
uses associated with the adult use of non-medical marijuana. Potential land uses that
may be allowed by the State if such uses are not regulated or prohibited by a city
include personal indoor and outdoor cultivation, commercial indoor and outdoor
cultivation, distribution facilities, delivery services, retail sales, testing laboratories, and
manufacturing facilities. Although the City’s zoning ordinance only allows those uses
expressly identified, the lack of established City policy can create situations that may be
detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare. Direction from the Council will allow
staff to develop draft regulations that can be reviewed by the Planning Commission and
considered for adoption by the Council.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council: 1) receive an analysis of issues including
preliminary recommendations from staff, 2) receive public comment, and 3) direct staff
to develop an ordinance regulating personal indoor cultivation and restricted deliveries
in a manner similar to the City’s medical marijuana regulations and prohibit all other
non-medical marijuana related land uses at this time.
BACKGROUND:
In November 2016, California voters approved Proposition 64 (57.1% Yes and 42.9%
No), the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA). The stated
purpose of the AUMA is to establish a comprehensive system to legalize, control and
regulate the cultivation, processing, manufacturing, distribution, testing, and sale of non-
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medical marijuana, including marijuana products, for use by adults 21 years of age and
older, and to tax the commercial growth and retail sale of marijuana.
The AUMA creates a statewide licensing and regulatory program for non-medical
commercial marijuana businesses, including retail sales, cultivators, manufacturers,
distributors, and testing labs. The licensing program is similar to the laws adopted in
2015 relating to medical marijuana, and such businesses will need State licenses in
order to operate. Such licenses are to be issued by the State by January 1, 2018. A key
aspect of the AUMA is the retention of local control by cities. This local control
component is broadly crafted and includes the ability for a city to develop regulations
that range from prohibiting most activities to regulating land uses through zoning or
other local licensing processes. Under the AUMA, the State cannot issue licenses that
are contrary to these local regulations.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The AUMA gives cities the ability to determine the appropriateness of land uses related
to personal cultivation and commercial cultivation, processing, and sales of non-medical
marijuana. Under the AUMA, cities can no longer ban indoor cultivation for non-medical
use and must allow cultivation of up to six plants per residence. The City may permit
this use through “reasonable” regulation. Cities retain the authority to regulate and ban
all other cultivation and commercial marijuana activities.
Key Questions for Direction
1. Does the City want to establish regulations on the personal indoor cultivation of
non-medical marijuana?
2. Does the City want to allow the personal outdoor cultivation of non-medical
marijuana?
a. If personal outdoor cultivation of non-medical marijuana is to be permitted
by the City, what level and topics of regulations should be developed?
3. Does the City want to potentially allow any of the following land uses associated
with commercial non-medical marijuana?
a. Cultivation
b. Manufacturing Facilities
c. Volatile Manufacturing Facilities
d. Distribution Facilities
e. Testing Laboratories
f. Retail Sales Locations
g. Delivery Services
Below is a summary of issues followed by a table of staff’s preliminary
recommendations for Council’s consideration.
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Personal Use
The AUMA makes it legal for persons 21 years of age or older to smoke or ingest
marijuana products, as well as possess, process, transport, purchase, obtain, or give
away to persons 21 years of age or older, without any compensation, 28.5 grams of
marijuana (1.005 ounces), or 8 grams of concentrated marijuana, including as contained
in marijuana products.1 They can also possess, cultivate, harvest, dry or process up to
six living marijuana plants for personal use.
Personal Cultivation - Indoor
The Arroyo Grande Municipal Code currently contains restrictions on cultivation of
marijuana for medical purposes for a qualified patient living full-time in a residence and
requires very specific performance standards. The AUMA requires local jurisdictions to
allow up to six plants to be cultivated for medical or non-medical purposes within a
residence and in accessory structures that are enclosed and secure. The AUMA does
contain provisions that authorize a city “to enact and enforce reasonable regulations to
reasonably regulate the actions and conduct.”
Currently, the City’s performance standards in place for medical marijuana are as
follows:
• The marijuana is cultivated inside a detached single family dwelling on property
where the qualified patient resides on a full-time basis.
• No more than fifty (50) contiguous square feet of the interior of the dwelling shall
be devoted to the cultivation of medical marijuana. The medical marijuana
cultivation area shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height. These restrictions apply
regardless of how many qualified patients are residing on the property.
1 The AUMA does not allow (1) Smoking or ingesting marijuana or marijuana products in any public place.
(2) Smoking marijuana or marijuana products in a location where smoking tobacco is prohibited. (3)
Smoking marijuana or marijuana products within 1, 000 feet of a school, day care center, or youth center
while children are present at such a school, day care center, or youth center, except in or upon the
grounds of a private residence or in accordance with Section 26200 of the Business and Professions
Code or Chapter 3.5 of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code and only if such smoking is not
detectable by others on the grounds of such a school, day care center, or youth center while children are
present. (4) Possess an open container or open package of marijuana or marijuana products while
driving, operating, or riding in the passenger seat or compartment of a motor vehicle, boat, vessel,
aircraft, or other vehicle used for transportation. (5) Possess, smoke or ingest marijuana or marijuana
products in or upon the grounds of a school, day care center, or youth center while children are present.
(6) Manufacture concentrated cannabis using a volatile solvent, unless done in accordance with a license
under Chapter 3.5 of Division 8 or Division 10 of the Business and Professions Code. (7) Smoke or ingest
marijuana or marijuana products while driving, operating a motor vehicle, boat, vessel, aircraft, or other
vehicle used for transportation. (8) Smoke or ingest marijuana or marijuana products while riding in the
passenger seat or compartment of a motor vehicle, boat, vessel, aircraft, or other vehicle used for
transportation except as permitted on a motor vehicle, boat, vessel, aircraft, or other vehicle used for
transportation that is operated in accordance with Section 26200 of the Business and Professions Code
and while no persons under the age of 21 years are present.
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• The area used for cultivation complies with California Building, Electrical and Fire
Codes as adopted by the City of Arroyo Grande.
• The marijuana cultivation is concealed so that it is not visible from the exterior of
the property, the public right-of-way, and/or neighboring properties.
• The lighting for the cultivation shall not exceed one thousand two hundred
(1,200) watts. The use of flammable or combustible products, including but not
limited to, propane and butane for cultivation and processing is prohibited.
• The cultivation of marijuana shall not take place in a garage, kitchen, bathroom
or occupied bedroom of the dwelling.
• The marijuana cultivation shall not adversely affect the health or safety of the
occupants of other properties in the vicinity by creating dust, glare, heat, noise,
noxious gasses, odor, smoke, traffic, vibration or other impacts and shall not be
maintained in a manner so as to constitute a hazard due to use or storage of
materials, processes, products or wastes.
Staff Recommendation 1 - Make current regulations for medical marijuana
applicable to non-medical marijuana.
Rationale – Based upon the lack of significant complaints, current
performance standards appear to be adequately controlling potential
neighborhood compatibility and safety concerns.
Staff Recommendation 2 - Make current indoor medical marijuana performance
standards consistent with the AUMA specifically related to the ability to grow in
all private residences (''private residence" means a house, an apartment unit, a
mobile home, or other similar dwelling) and not just in detached single family
dwellings.
Rationale – Since the AUMA is less restrictive for non-medical use,
medical users should not be held to a more restrictive standard based
upon residence type.
Staff Recommendation 3 – Direct staff to develop policies and definitions
related to indoor cultivation in accessory structures that are enclosed and secure
for cultivation of medical and non-medical marijuana.
Rationale – Since the AUMA prohibits cities from banning indoor
cultivation in accessory structures, regulations need to be created defining
accessory structures and creating development standards related to the
meaning of “enclosed and secure” and location specifications such as
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setbacks and heights. The less restrictive AUMA language for non-
medical use should be applied to medical users so they are not held to a
more restrictive standard.
Staff Recommendation 4 – Delete the prohibition of cultivation in a garage,
kitchen, bathroom or occupied bedroom of the dwelling for both medical and non-
medical cultivation.
Rationale – The prohibition seems overly restrictive and may not provide
sufficient opportunities to cultivate. In addition, prohibiting cultivation in a
secured garage may violate the AUMA.
Personal Cultivation - Outdoor
The City has experienced neighborhood complaints regarding outdoor cultivation
operations mainly due to odor, glare from artificial lighting, noise, vibration from fans,
and security issues and currently prohibits personal outdoor cultivation of medical
marijuana. Under the AUMA, the City may continue to prohibit outdoor personal
cultivation or allow it with reasonable regulations. Area restrictions and performance
standards related to noise and odors are difficult to meet and water and energy uses
are also potentially problematic.
Staff Recommendation 5 – Prohibit outdoor personal cultivation at this time and
allow for reconsideration as the industry and public familiarity increases.
Rationale – Due to experience gained through staff involvement of issues
surrounding neighborhood compatibility including odors and security, staff
is concerned with the efficacy of performance standards and impacts to
staffing resources already dedicated to currently identified City goals and
projects.
Commercial Cultivation
Commercial Cultivation can occur outdoors, in greenhouses, or in industrial buildings
under artificial lighting. Consideration of impacts from each of these options on
surrounding uses and community character is a key consideration.
A California Department of Food and Agriculture Cannabis Cultivation License would be
required by January 2018 if a local jurisdiction allows commercial cultivation. Some
operations may need to provide documentation of water supply source. Generally,
concerns regarding cultivation from the State Water Board include illegal diversions,
sediment pollution from soil erosion, wetland and riparian impacts from fill and
excavations, impacts from soil additives, trash and domestic waste and tree removal.
However, most of these concerns surround large scale cannabis cultivation operations
in non-traditional farming locations. Due to the unique nature of the City, including 296
acres of agriculturally zoned land, it is possible that there may be a desire by some to
establish commercial non-medical marijuana cultivation operations within the City.
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Potential community issues could include compatibility situations between agriculture
and sensitive uses, such as schools and residential uses, and include sounds, odors,
dust and chemicals that may accompany agricultural operations and aesthetic changes
to the rural character due to the construction of greenhouses and security fences on
large agricultural properties. This issue is also complicated by the transition of
marijuana from an illegal substance to a crop being regulated by the Department of
Agriculture and the City’s own Right to Farm Ordinance which serves to protect farming
operations from nuisance complaints due to off farm impacts such as odors.
Staff Recommendation 6 – Prohibit commercial cultivation at this time.
Rationale – Due to both experience related to neighborhood compatibility
for small operations and the potential for significantly increased impacts
for larger operations on City agricultural lands surrounded by sensitive
uses, commercial cultivation is not recommended at this time.
Other Commercial Marijuana Businesses
In order to operate commercial medical cannabis uses in the City, a two-step process
would be required in addition to State licensing. First, an approval process would be
established for location, size and types of uses allowed. Second, an applicant would be
required to receive approval of a permit by the City to assure that all regulatory
requirements are met. The State is scheduled to begin accepting license applications in
January 2018 for both recreational and medical marijuana businesses and will also
require a local permit be approved, if the local agency adopts an ordinance allowing for
commercial uses.
In order to reduce potential impacts related to marijuana related brick-and-mortar retail,
manufacturing or testing, jurisdictions can adopt a per capita formula or other limit on
how many dispensaries or retail outlets to allow or to restrict an area to marijuana
related industry. Such limitations would reduce the overall number of businesses and
thus the regulatory burden for the City. This may address impacts to staff resources to
perform necessary audits of marijuana businesses, which may be critical for public
health and safety compliance as well as for financial audit requirements. As businesses
must deal in cash due to federal banking regulations, the City would need verification of
gross revenue and volume of business for any local tax revenue projections.
Regarding dispensaries, State law requires dispensaries and cultivation that contains
storefronts be located a minimum of 600 feet from schools (kindergarten and grades 1-
12, public and private). Local agencies can be more restrictive and include other
sensitive uses such as parks, preschool/daycare centers, and churches. Issues
regarding dispensaries include adverse impacts to surrounding areas that could
potentially be addressed by requiring design standards, limitations on the size and type
of uses, limiting hours of operations, or other methods.
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Regarding marijuana manufacturing businesses, there are two regulatory levels under
State Law as overseen by the County Environmental Health Services Division
depending on the use of volatile fluids or solvents. Safety of the use of these
compounds is dependent on the care, proper storage, vessel size and vessel orientation
to the manufacturing facility as well as adjacent existing structures. Additionally,
manufacturing processes related to marijuana products require expensive certified
extraction/processing equipment. Allowing marijuana related manufacturing businesses
to operate requires significant attention to permitting and monitoring and ultimately, a
certain acceptance of risk. Alternatively, if such businesses are market driven but
opportunities to establish them are too scarce and/or burdensome, they may operate
illegally, creating potential impacts to public safety as well.
Staff Recommendation 7 – Prohibit dispensaries, manufacturing and related
commercial marijuana businesses at this time.
Rationale – Such uses are not recommended at this time due to limited
land area available for such uses and the proximity to schools and
sensitive uses, as well as rigorous permitting and monitoring requirements
that would significantly impact staff resources already dedicated to
currently identified City goals and projects. If such uses are desired, a tax
mechanism should be in place prior to or concurrent to implementation of
regulations.
Deliveries
To date, the City has nearly approved one medical marijuana mobile delivery permit as
currently regulated. Up to three such permits may be allowed under the City’s current
regulations. A significant amount of Police staff time has gone into ensuring the
regulations are feasible to enforce. While currently restricted to medical marijuana
operations, the regulations could be modified to apply to non-medical operations as
well. Additionally, the number of permits can be increased; however, it has been
indicated by law enforcement agencies that it is more difficult to track and enforce
regulations with a large number of operators, and if mobile delivery operators do not
distribute from a facility inside the jurisdiction.
Staff Recommendation 8 – Allow limited deliveries to be permitted in a manner
similar to the current process and rules in place for medical marijuana deliveries.
Rationale – Limited deliveries are not likely to create adverse impacts as
currently regulated. Additionally, the generally less restrictive AUMA
language for non-medical use should be applied to medical users so they
are not held to a more restrictive standard.
Licensing, Taxes and Fees
Although the AUMA pre-empted additional sales taxes for marijuana, other excise taxes
may still be levied on medical marijuana, including taxes on cultivation and
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manufacturing. The AUMA differs from the Medical Marijuana Regulation & Safety Act
(MMRSA) because it does not require evidence of local approval to be submitted with
an application for a State-issued recreational marijuana business license, rather it
provides that a State license cannot be issued if the activity is in violation of local
ordinances.
Retailers who sell cannabis and cannabis products will be required to register with the
State and begin collecting the 15 percent excise tax on their gross receipts by January
1, 2018. Cultivators will also be required to register by January 1, 2018, to collect and
remit the cultivation tax currently set at $9.25 per dry-weight ounce of flowers, and
$2.75 per dry-weight ounce for leaves. Cities are also authorized to impose additional
taxes to cover the costs of services to enforce the marijuana regulation. However, a
ballot measure would need to be prepared and presented to the voters in accordance
with the requirements of Proposition 218. Revenues would be entirely dependent on
the number and extent of businesses allowed to operate in the City.
Public Health and Safety
Many organizations have worked hard to destigmatize marijuana, legitimize the
industry, and assist in the development of regulations to protect public safety. Some
data has emerged regarding potential impacts to public health and safety. Nonetheless,
general consensus likely will not be reached for some time. Generally, there are
reported correlations, dependent on a multitude of various factors which may or may not
be applicable to the decision to locally regulate, regarding potential health and safety
impacts after legalization of recreational marijuana (Attachment 2). Reported impacts
potentially include:
• Increase in homeless population
• Increased marijuana use by teens
• Increase in marijuana-intoxicated driving
• Increase in crime and arrests
• Decreased pricing linked to increased access
• Increased hospitalizations related to marijuana due to accidental ingestion or
overdose
• Misuse of pesticides
Neighboring Jurisdictions and Community Sentiment
Attachment 4 includes a table of the status of marijuana regulation in jurisdictions within
San Luis Obispo County. They vary, with agencies in the midst of conducting research
or gaining public input. The Grover Beach City Council very recently adopted an
ordinance that allows commercial medical cannabis uses in each of the City’s industrial
zones. Commercial medical cannabis uses include: inside cultivation, nurseries,
manufacturing, testing laboratories, transportation, delivery, distribution (includes
storage), and dispensaries (retail sales). The number of dispensaries is limited to two.
All greenhouses and outdoor cultivation and nursery uses are prohibited. They also
adopted a tax on gross receipts for medical and non-medical commercial cannabis uses
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and a square footage tax on cultivation consistent with Measure L-16 approved by their
voters in the November 2016 election. That tax structure will be implemented in
conjunction with any establishment of commercial cannabis businesses. Currently, the
City of Grover Beach restricts commercial marijuana to medical purposes except for
personal possession and cultivation consistent with AUMA.
MMRSA v. AUMA
Although, this report focuses on non-medical marijuana regulation, the Council may
wish to explore allowing commercial industry if restricted to medical marijuana purposes
similar to the City of Grover Beach. However, it is anticipated that restrictions relative to
medical marijuana under the MMRSA will eventually merge as the State implements its
regulatory scheme for the industry relative to the AUMA starting in 2018 (Attachment 3).
City Options
Both the MMRSA and the AUMA preserve local control with respect to allowing for
reasonable regulation. The City has generally taken a fairly conservative approach to
the regulation of medical marijuana. Public comment during consideration of the
medical marijuana ordinance was very specific to concerns relating to neighborhood
nuisances and the benefits of medical related use. To date, staff has not heard or
received comments or correspondence to indicate strong support or opposition to a
significant expansion of local regulations for non-medical marijuana cultivation or
commercial businesses. Due primarily to potential impacts to public health and to staff
resources, the preliminary recommendation shown in Table 1 is measured, and
primarily keeps the status quo at this time by utilizing existing regulations for personal
indoor cultivation and restricted deliveries. The rationale for staff’s recommendation for
regulation at this point in time, is based on the following ideas:
Unknowns - The State is still in the process of developing its licensing process
and the regulations needed to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
Without knowing the details of future State regulations, it will be difficult and time
consuming to create effective, enforceable, and fair rules.
Timing – Establishing land uses prior to the voter’s consideration of taxing
opportunities to recoup the cost of mitigating impacts may force the Council to
reallocate funds from current projects and priorities as established in the FY
2017-18 budget.
Another aspect of timing is that unless there is a clear need to create regulations
for an entirely new industry with few comparable experiences of other
jurisdictions, doing so carries much more risk related to minimizing conflicting
land uses.
City Land Use Attributes – Most commercial non-medical marijuana land uses
with the exception of retail sales, will most likely occur on land zoned industrial or
agriculture. The City has a relatively small area zoned for industrial uses (22
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acres out of 3,795 acres). The industrial zone also allows a mix of uses including
limited residential and is located near school sites.
Land Speculation – Staff is seeing local speculation resulting in substantial
increases in land values. While this is not necessarily considered a detriment,
the potential rapid and singular intensification of the marijuana industry in a
limited area may disrupt the ability of existing local businesses to compete fairly
due to the mostly cash marijuana industry and thus it may be prudent to allow the
industry to stabilize at this time. The following General Plan policies may be
considered applicable:
o Economic Element Policy ED3-4: states: Continue to balance economic
goals with strong policies and programs that promote and maintain the
community’s environment, quality of life, and rural character.
o Land Use Policy LU5-1 Provide for a diversity of retail and service
commercial, offices, residential and other compatible uses that support
multiple neighborhoods and the greater community, and reduce the need
for external trips to adjacent jurisdictions, by designating Mixed Use areas
along and near major arterial streets and at convenient, strategic locations
in the community.
o LU5-6 Allowable uses within the MU category shall not include uses that
adversely affect surrounding commercial or residential uses, or contribute
to the deterioration of existing environmental conditions in the area.
o LU5-8 Provide for different combinations, configurations and mixtures of
commercial, office and residential uses designating the East Grand
Avenue, El Camino Real and Traffic Way corridors as Mixed Use (MU).
Community Character – A major aspect to the uniqueness of Arroyo Grande is its
rural character which is rooted in large areas of prime agricultural soils adjacent
to the Arroyo Grande Creek and the row crops grown in them. Staff believes that
large scale outdoor growing of marijuana will either take place in greenhouses or
behind fences to protect the crops or both. A transition to this type of agricultural
crop should be completed gradually, with input from the farming industry as well
as with the larger community.
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TABLE 1 Preliminary Staff Recommendations for Non-Medical Marijuana Regulation
Staff Re-
commend
ation No.
Potential Changes To
City Regulations
Prohibit Allow Potential City Regulations If Allowed
1-3 Personal Cultivation (six
plants; Indoors)
Cannot
prohibit
under
AUMA
X
Make current regulations for medical
marijuana applicable to non-medical
marijuana as well
4 Personal Cultivation
outdoor X
Limitation on number and area ; setbacks;
owner authorization; performance measures
for odor, noise, etc.
5 Commercial Cultivation
(Indoor or outdoor) X
Limitation on number and area; ventilation,
setbacks, performance measures for odor,
noise, etc.
6 Retail
X
Limit on number, hours of operation, zoning
district, 600 foot setback for dispensaries
from schools; If taxed, procedure in place for
receiving and depositing large all-cash
payments and appropriate security
arrangements for payment of annual
business license fees and tax payments;
deliveries must be within an enclosed area;
sign limitations.
6 Manufacturing X Limits on energy and water, restrict to level
1
6 Volatile Manufacturing X Strict limitations; monitoring and inspection
schedules
6 Testing Laboratories X Monitoring and Inspection schedules
6 Warehousing/Distribution X Deliveries must be within an enclosed area
7 Delivery Services
X
Make current regulations for medical
marijuana applicable to non-medical
marijuana deliveries as well
In summary, staff believes that a measured approach, combined with seeing how well
the State creates regulations and how non-medical marijuana is embraced and
integrated into California’s culture and society, will best protect the public health, safety,
and welfare while leaving options to reconsider the industry in the near future.
Proposed Process
Direct staff to draft a proposed ordinance for review and recommendation by the
Planning Commission at a public hearing and for consideration by the Council for
adoption.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no identified direct impact to financial and personnel resources. Depending on
the direction provided by the City Council, there may be significant implications
regarding potential revenue as well as staff resources relating to enforcement of
regulations. This item is not identified in the Critical Needs Action Plan or recently
adopted City Council Goals.
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ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Direct staff to develop an ordinance regulating personal indoor cultivation and
restricted delivers in a manner similar to the City’s medical marijuana regulations
and prohibit all other non-medical marijuana related land uses at this time.
2. Do not make any amendments to the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code that
currently allows for limited uses and/or cultivation of medical marijuana at this
time and monitor developments in other jurisdictions and at the Federal level.
This alternative is not recommended. The Arroyo Grande Municipal Code needs
to either be clarified regarding non-medical marijuana prohibitions or what uses
are allowed, since it currently is focused only on medical marijuana. Doing
nothing could open the door to non-medical marijuana businesses opening in the
City based upon State issued permits.
3. Direct staff to draft amendments to sections of the Arroyo Grande Municipal
Code to expand allowed uses and/or cultivation of marijuana, and prepare a
resolution regarding tax alternatives pertaining to commercial marijuana for a
future ballot measure.
4. Direct staff to proceed in a public engagement strategy on the preferred
approach to marijuana regulation and return to Council in two months for
direction. Given timing considerations, if this option is pursued, an ordinance
may need to be brought back and adopted prior to the issuance of permits by the
State in January, 2018, clarifying that current prohibitions on commercial medical
marijuana activity and outdoor cultivation apply to non-medical marijuana, until
further decisions are made on how to proceed.
5. Provide other direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
The advantages of considering amending the City’s ordinance to be consistent with the
AUMA provides an opportunity for the public to weigh in on potential use and regulation
in the City and ensures that City rules are clear in light of evolving state legislation.
DISADVANTAGES:
No disadvantages have been identified for consideration of alternatives for amending
the City’s ordinance for marijuana regulation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
None required.
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PUBLIC NOTIFICATION:
A public notice was placed on the City’s website on June 22, 2017. The Agenda was
posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with Government Code
Section 54954.2. A mention of this discussion was made to the Arroyo Grande and
Grover Beach Chamber of Commerce at their meeting on June 21, 2017.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Background of issue – history of marijuana regulation
2. Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area report on The Legalization of
Marijuana in Colorado
3. California Legislative Analyst’s Office 2017-1018 Budget – The Governor’s Cannabis
Proposals
4. Status of Regulation in neighboring jurisdictions
5. Existing Ordinance No. 678
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ATTACHMENT 1
CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT OF AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO NON-
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
BACKGROUND OF ISSUE
In 1996, California voters approved Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act
(CUA), which decriminalized marijuana use for medical purposes.
In 2003, the Medical Marijuana Program Act (MMP) clarified the CUA — which
includes issuing identification cards for qualified patients and allowing patients
and their primary caregivers to collectively or cooperatively cultivate medical
marijuana.
In 2008, the City Council adopted Ordinance 599 that prohibited the establishment of
medical marijuana dispensaries in the City. On October 9, 2012, the City Council
adopted Ordinance 647, relating to the definition of medical marijuana
dispensaries to include mobile dispensaries.
In 2011, Assembly Bill 2650 was enacted (codified as California Health and
Safety Code Section 11362.768) affirming that counties and cities can under
state law adopt ordinances that control and restrict the location and
establishment of a medical marijuana cooperative, collective, dispensary,
operator, establishment, or provider.
In 2013, the California Supreme Court unanimously ruled that local governments
have the power to ban medical marijuana dispensaries (City of Riverside v.
lnland Empire Patients Health & Wellness Center, lnc.). Also in 2013 the State
Court of Appeals decided a case that held that cities have authority to prohibit
cultivation of all medical marijuana city-wide (Maral v. City of Live Oak ). In both
cases, the courts similarly found that the Proposition 215 and the MMP do not
preempt a city’s regulatory authority to prohibit all cultivation in the city, if the city
so chooses.
On October 9, 2015, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a comprehensive package of bills to
establish a regulatory structure for medical marijuana. Together, AB 266, AB
243, and SB 643 comprise the Medical Marijuana Regulation & Safety Act
(MMRSA). The MCRSA, which is comprised of five separate pieces of legislation,
establishes, among other matters, a dual licensing structure requiring both a
state license and a local license or permit for medical marijuana activities, a
regulatory structure imposing health, safety and testing standards for cultivation
and dispensary facilities, and the criteria for licensing medical marijuana
businesses.
On November 24, 2015, the City Council considered implications of the MMRSA
regarding local control and directed staff to prepare an ordinance prohibiting
cultivation, delivery and all commercial medical marijuana uses.
Item 11.a. - Page 14
ATTACHMENT 1
On December 1, 2015 the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 15-2241
recommending that the City Council adopt an ordinance adding Chapter 16.62 to
Title 16 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code prohibiting medical marijuana
dispensaries, cooperatives and collectives, and cultivation of medical marijuana,
and limit deliveries of medical marijuana or medical cannabis products. Based
on concerns expressed by the public and some Commission members regarding
the severity of outright prohibition, the Commission included in their motion a
request that Council specifically review and re-evaluate banning all cultivation.
On June 14, and June 28, 2016 the City Council introduced and adopted the
Ordinance to allow limited indoor cultivation in residences excluding garages and
limited mobile deliveries.
Item 11.a. - Page 15
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ATTACHMENT 2
Item 11.a. - Page 16
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
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PREPAREDȱBY:ȱ
ROCKYȱMOUNTAINȱHIDTAȱ
INVESTIGATIVEȱSUPPORTȱCENTERȱ
STRATEGICȱINTELLIGENCEȱUNITȱ
ȱ
INTELLIGENCEȱANALYSTȱKEVINȱWONGȱ
INTELLIGENCEȱANALYSTȱCHELSEYȱCLARKEȱ
INTELLIGENCEȱANALYSTȱT.ȱGRADYȱHARLOWȱ
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Item 11.a. - Page 17
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
TableȱofȱContentsȱ iȱ
Table of Contents
ȱ
ȱ
Acknowledgementsȱ
ȱ
ExecutiveȱSummaryȱ............................................................................................ȱ1ȱ
Purposeȱ..................................................................................................................................1ȱ
StateȱofȱWashingtonȱDataȱ...................................................................................................5ȱ
ȱ
Introductionȱ..........................................................................................................ȱ7ȱ
Purposeȱ..................................................................................................................................7ȱ
TheȱDebateȱ............................................................................................................................7ȱ
Backgroundȱ...........................................................................................................................8ȱ
Prefaceȱ....................................................................................................................................8ȱ
Colorado’sȱHistoryȱwithȱMarijuanaȱLegalizationȱ...........................................................9ȱ
MedicalȱMarijuanaȱ2000Ȭ2008ȱ....................................................................................................ȱ9ȱ
MedicalȱMarijuanaȱCommercializationȱandȱExpansionȱ2009ȬPresentȱ.................................ȱ9ȱ
RecreationalȱMarijuanaȱ2013ȬPresentȱ......................................................................................ȱ11ȱ
ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱ......................................................................ȱ13ȱ
DefinitionsȱbyȱRockyȱMountainȱHIDTAȱ........................................................................13ȱ
SomeȱFindingsȱ....................................................................................................................13ȱ
DataȱforȱTrafficȱDeathsȱ......................................................................................................14ȱ
TotalȱNumberȱofȱStatewideȱTrafficȱDeathsȱ...........................................................................ȱ15ȱ
TrafficȱDeathsȱRelatedȱtoȱMarijuanaȱ......................................................................................ȱ16ȱ
OperatorsȱTestingȱPositiveȱforȱMarijuanaȱInvolvedȱinȱFatalȱCrashesȱ..............................ȱ18ȱ
NumberȱofȱDriversȱInvolvedȱinȱFatalȱCrashesȱWhoȱTestedȱPositiveȱforȱMarijuanaȱ......ȱ22ȱ
DataȱforȱImpairedȱDrivingȱ................................................................................................22ȱ
NumberȱofȱPositiveȱCannabinoidȱScreensȱ............................................................................ȱ23ȱ
ChemaToxȱandȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironmentȱDataȱ
Combinedȱ(2009Ȭ2013)ȱ......................................................................................................ȱ24ȱ
ChemaToxȱDataȱOnlyȱ(2013ȬMay2016)ȱ.................................................................................ȱ24ȱ
ColoradoȱStateȱPatrolȱNumberȱofȱDUIDs,ȱ2014ȱandȱ2015ȱ..................................................ȱ25ȱ
DenverȱPoliceȱDepartmentȱNumberȱofȱDUIDsȱInvolvingȱMarijuanaȱ..............................ȱ26ȱ
LarimerȱCountyȱSheriff’sȱOfficeȱPercentȱofȱDUIDsȱInvolvingȱMarijuanaȱ........................ȱ26ȱ
TotalȱNumberȱofȱAccidentsȱinȱColoradoȱ..............................................................................ȱ27ȱ
RelatedȱCostsȱ......................................................................................................................27ȱ
SomeȱInformationȱfromȱWashingtonȱStateȱ.....................................................................28ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 18
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
TableȱofȱContentsȱ iiȱ
CaseȱExamplesȱandȱRelatedȱMaterialȱ..............................................................................28ȱ
Sourcesȱ.................................................................................................................................34ȱ
ȱ
SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ...............................................................ȱ37ȱ
SomeȱFindingsȱ....................................................................................................................37ȱ
Dataȱ......................................................................................................................................38ȱ
YouthȱAgesȱ12ȱtoȱ17ȱYearsȱOldȱ...............................................................................................ȱ38ȱ
PastȱMonthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱYouthȱAgesȱ12ȱtoȱ17ȱYearsȱOldȱ........................................ȱ38ȱ
StatesȱforȱPastȱMonthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱYouthȱAgesȱ12ȱtoȱ17ȱYearsȱOld,ȱ2013/2014ȱ...ȱ41ȱ
AllȱDrugȱViolations,ȱ2015Ȭ2016ȱSchoolȱYearȱ..................................................................ȱ42ȱ
ImpactȱonȱSchoolȱViolationȱNumbersȱ............................................................................ȱ42ȱ
DrugȬRelatedȱSuspensions/Expulsionsȱ..........................................................................ȱ43ȱ
PercentȱofȱTotalȱSuspensionsȱinȱColoradoȱ.....................................................................ȱ43ȱ
PercentȱofȱTotalȱExpulsionsȱinȱColoradoȱ........................................................................ȱ44ȱ
PercentȱofȱTotalȱReferralsȱtoȱLawȱEnforcementȱinȱColoradoȱ.......................................ȱ44ȱ
ColoradoȱProbationȱPercentȱofȱAllȱUrinalysisȱTestsȱPositiveȱforȱMarijuanaȱ
YouthȱAgesȱ10ȱtoȱ17ȱYearsȱOldȱ..................................................................................ȱ45ȱ
ColoradoȱHighȱSchoolȱDropoutȱRatesȱ............................................................................ȱ45ȱ
ColoradoȱSchoolȱResourceȱOfficerȱSurveyȱ.....................................................................46ȱ
PredominantȱMarijuanaȱViolations,ȱ2016ȱ.............................................................................ȱ46ȱ
StudentȱMarijuanaȱSource,ȱ2016ȱ.............................................................................................ȱ47ȱ
SomeȱCommentsȱfromȱSchoolȱResourceȱOfficersȱ................................................................ȱ47ȱ
SchoolȱCounselorȱSurveyȱ..................................................................................................50ȱ
PredominantȱMarijuanaȱViolations,ȱ2015ȱ.............................................................................ȱ50ȱ
StudentȱMarijuanaȱSource,ȱ2015ȱ.............................................................................................ȱ51ȱ
SomeȱCommentsȱfromȱSchoolȱCounselorsȱ...........................................................................ȱ51ȱ
YouthȱUseȱSurveysȱNotȱUtilizedȱandȱWhyȱ....................................................................54ȱ
HealthyȱKidsȱColoradoȱSurveyȱ(HKCS)ȱ...............................................................................ȱ54ȱ
CentersȱforȱDiseaseȱControlȱYouthȱRiskȱBehaviorȱSurveyȱ(YRBS)....................................ȱ56ȱ
2015ȱYRBSȱParticipationȱMapȱ..........................................................................................ȱ56ȱ
MonitoringȱtheȱFutureȱ(MTF)ȱStudyȱ.....................................................................................ȱ56ȱ
RelatedȱMaterialȱ.................................................................................................................57ȱ
Sourcesȱ.................................................................................................................................61ȱ
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SECTIONȱ3:ȱȱAdultȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ...............................................................ȱ63ȱ
SomeȱFindingsȱ....................................................................................................................63ȱ
Dataȱ......................................................................................................................................64ȱ
CollegeȱAgeȱ18ȱtoȱ25ȱYearsȱOldȱ..............................................................................................ȱ64ȱ
PastȱMonthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱCollegeȱAgeȱ18ȱtoȱ25ȱYearsȱOldȱ.......................................ȱ64ȱ
StatesȱforȱPastȱMonthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱCollegeȱAgeȱ18ȱtoȱ25ȱYearsȱOld,ȱ2013/2014ȱ...ȱ67ȱ
AdultsȱAgeȱ26+ȱYearsȱOldȱ.......................................................................................................ȱ68ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 19
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
TableȱofȱContentsȱ iiiȱ
PastȱMonthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱAdultsȱAgeȱ26+ȱYearsȱOldȱ................................................ȱ68ȱ
StatesȱforȱPastȱMonthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱAdultsȱAgesȱ26+ȱYearsȱOld,ȱ2013/2014ȱ..........ȱ71ȱ
ColoradoȱAdultȱMarijuanaȱUseȱDemographicsȱ...................................................................ȱ72ȱ
RelatedȱMaterialȱ.................................................................................................................72ȱ
Sourcesȱ.................................................................................................................................75ȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱ
Admissionsȱ................................................................................ȱ77ȱ
SomeȱFindingsȱ....................................................................................................................77ȱ
Definitionsȱ...........................................................................................................................78ȱ
EmergencyȱDepartmentȱDataȱ...........................................................................................79ȱ
MarijuanaȬRelatedȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱVisits..............................................................ȱ79ȱ
ColoradoȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱRatesȱthatȱareȱLikelyȱRelatedȱtoȱMarijuanaȱ..............ȱ80ȱ
ColoradoȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱRatesȱthatȱCouldȱbeȱRelatedȱtoȱMarijuanaȱ...............ȱ81ȱ
EmergencyȱDepartmentȱRatesȱPerȱ100,000ȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱ.........................................ȱ82ȱ
HospitalizationȱDataȱ..........................................................................................................83ȱ
HospitalizationsȱRelatedȱtoȱMarijuanaȱ.................................................................................ȱ83ȱ
AverageȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱHospitalizationsȱ......................................................................ȱ83ȱ
ColoradoȱHospitalizationȱRatesȱthatȱareȱLikelyȱRelatedȱtoȱMarijuanaȱ.............................ȱ84ȱ
ColoradoȱHospitalizationȱRatesȱthatȱCouldȱbeȱRelatedȱtoȱMarijuanaȱ..............................ȱ85ȱ
HospitalȱDischargeȱRatesȱPerȱ100,000ȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱ.................................................ȱ86ȱ
Children’sȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȱIngestionȱAmongȱChildrenȱUnderȱ9ȱYearsȱOldȱ............ȱ87ȱ
PenroseȱHospitalȱ(ColoradoȱSprings)ȱUrineȱDrugȱScreensȱPositiveȱforȱCannabisȱ.........ȱ87ȱ
Costȱ......................................................................................................................................88ȱ
RelatedȱMaterialȱ.................................................................................................................88ȱ
Sourcesȱ.................................................................................................................................91ȱ
ȱ
SECTIONȱ5:ȱȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱExposureȱ.................................................ȱ93ȱ
SomeȱFindingsȱ....................................................................................................................93ȱ
Dataȱ......................................................................................................................................94ȱ
MarijuanaȬRelatedȱExposuresȱ................................................................................................ȱ94ȱ
AverageȱNumberȱofȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱExposuresȱAllȱAges............................................ȱ94ȱ
MarijuanaȬRelatedȱExposures,ȱByȱAgeȱRangeȱ.....................................................................ȱ95ȱ
AverageȱNumberȱofȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱExposuresȱChildrenȱAgesȱ0ȱtoȱ5ȱYearsȱOldȱ....ȱ95ȱ
AverageȱNumberȱofȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱExposuresȱYouthȱAgesȱ6ȱtoȱ17ȱYearsȱOldȱ.......ȱ96ȱ
AverageȱPercentȱofȱAllȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱExposures,ȱChildrenȱAgesȱ
0ȱtoȱ5ȱYearsȱOldȱ..................................................................................................................ȱ96ȱ
NumberȱofȱMarijuanaȱOnlyȱExposuresȱReportedȱ...............................................................ȱ97ȱ
RelatedȱMaterialȱ.................................................................................................................97ȱ
Sourcesȱ.................................................................................................................................99ȱ
ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 20
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
TableȱofȱContentsȱ ivȱ
SECTIONȱ6:ȱȱTreatmentȱ.................................................................................ȱ101ȱ
SomeȱFindingsȱ..................................................................................................................101ȱ
Dataȱ....................................................................................................................................101ȱ
TreatmentȱwithȱMarijuanaȱasȱPrimaryȱSubstanceȱAbuse,ȱAllȱAgesȱ...............................ȱ101ȱ
DrugȱTypeȱforȱTreatmentȱAdmissionsȱAllȱAgesȱ................................................................ȱ102ȱ
PercentȱofȱMarijuanaȱTreatmentȱAdmissionsȱbyȱAgeȱGroupȱ..........................................ȱ103ȱ
MarijuanaȱTreatmentȱAdmissionsȱBasedȱonȱCriminalȱJusticeȱReferralsȱ........................ȱ104ȱ
CommentsȱfromȱColoradoȱTreatmentȱProvidersȱ........................................................104ȱ
RelatedȱMaterialȱ...............................................................................................................105ȱ
Sourcesȱ...............................................................................................................................107ȱ
ȱ
SECTIONȱ7:ȱȱDiversionȱofȱColoradoȱMarijuanaȱ.......................................ȱ109ȱ
Definitionsȱ.........................................................................................................................109ȱ
SomeȱFindingsȱ..................................................................................................................109ȱ
Dataȱ....................................................................................................................................110ȱ
ColoradoȱMarijuanaȱInterdictionȱSeizuresȱ.........................................................................ȱ110ȱ
AverageȱPoundsȱofȱColoradoȱMarijuanaȱfromȱInterdictionȱSeizuresȱ.............................ȱ111ȱ
StatesȱtoȱWhichȱColoradoȱMarijuanaȱWasȱDestinedȱ(2015)ȱ.............................................ȱ112ȱ
TopȱThreeȱCitiesȱforȱMarijuanaȱOriginȱ...............................................................................ȱ112ȱ
AȱFewȱExamplesȱofȱInterdictionsȱ...................................................................................113ȱ
AȱFewȱExamplesȱofȱInvestigationsȱ................................................................................115ȱ
Commentsȱ.........................................................................................................................122ȱ
Sourcesȱ...............................................................................................................................123ȱ
ȱ
SECTIONȱ8:ȱȱDiversionȱbyȱParcelȱ................................................................ȱ127ȱ
SomeȱFindingsȱ..................................................................................................................127ȱ
Dataȱ....................................................................................................................................127ȱ
ParcelsȱContainingȱMarijuanaȱMailedȱfromȱColoradoȱtoȱAnotherȱStateȱ........................ȱ127ȱ
PoundsȱofȱColoradoȱMarijuanaȱSeizedȱbyȱtheȱU.S.ȱPostalȱInspectionȱServiceȱ..............ȱ128ȱ
NumberȱofȱStatesȱDestinedȱtoȱReceiveȱMarijuanaȱMailedȱfromȱColoradoȱ....................ȱ128ȱ
PrivateȱParcelȱCompaniesȱ...............................................................................................129ȱ
SomeȱExamplesȱ.................................................................................................................129ȱ
Sourcesȱ...............................................................................................................................132ȱ
ȱ
SECTIONȱ9:ȱȱRelatedȱDataȱ............................................................................ȱ133ȱ
Topicsȱ.................................................................................................................................133ȱ
SomeȱFindingsȱ..................................................................................................................133ȱ
Crimeȱ.................................................................................................................................134ȱ
ColoradoȱCrimeȱ......................................................................................................................ȱ134ȱ
CityȱandȱCountyȱofȱDenverȱCrimeȱ......................................................................................ȱ135ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 21
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
TableȱofȱContentsȱ vȱ
AllȱReportedȱCrimeȱinȱDenverȱ.............................................................................................ȱ136ȱ
DenverȱPoliceȱDepartmentȱUnlawfulȱPublicȱDisplay/ConsumptionȱofȱMarijuanaȱ......ȱ136ȱ
BoulderȱPoliceȱDepartmentȱMarijuanaȱPublicȱConsumptionȱCitationsȱ.........................ȱ137ȱ
RelatedȱMaterialȱ.....................................................................................................................ȱ137ȱ
Revenueȱ.............................................................................................................................139ȱ
TotalȱRevenueȱfromȱMarijuanaȱTaxes,ȱCalendarȱYearȱ2015ȱ.............................................ȱ139ȱ
Colorado’sȱStatewideȱBudget,ȱFYȱ2016ȱ...............................................................................ȱ140ȱ
RelatedȱMaterialȱ.....................................................................................................................ȱ140ȱ
EventȱPlanners’ȱViewsȱofȱDenverȱ..................................................................................141ȱ
NegativeȱMeetingȱPlannerȱPerceptions,ȱ2014ȱ....................................................................ȱ141ȱ
Homelessȱ...........................................................................................................................143ȱ
SuicideȱDataȱ......................................................................................................................145ȱ
AverageȱToxicologyȱofȱSuicidesȱAmongȱAdolescentsȱ
Agesȱ10ȱtoȱ19ȱYearsȱOldȱ......................................................................................145ȱ
AverageȱToxicologyȱResultsȱbyȱAgeȱGroup,ȱ2012Ȭ2014ȱ.......................................146ȱ
EnvironmentalȱImpactȱ.....................................................................................................146ȱ
THCȱPotencyȱ.....................................................................................................................148ȱ
NationalȱAverageȱTHCȱPotencyȱSubmittedȱCannabisȱSamplesȱ......................................ȱ148ȱ
NationalȱAverageȱTHCȱPotencyȱSubmittedȱHashȱOilȱSamplesȱ.......................................ȱ149ȱ
MarijuanaȱUseȱandȱAlcoholȱConsumptionȱ...................................................................149ȱ
ColoradoȱConsumptionȱofȱAlcoholȱ.....................................................................................ȱ150ȱ
ColoradoȱAverageȱConsumptionȱofȱAlcoholȱ.....................................................................ȱ150ȱ
RelatedȱMaterialȱ.....................................................................................................................ȱ151ȱ
MedicalȱMarijuanaȱRegistryȱ...........................................................................................151ȱ
PercentȱofȱMedicalȱMarijuanaȱPatientsȱBasedȱonȱReportingȱConditionȱ.........................ȱ152ȱ
RelatedȱMaterialȱ.....................................................................................................................ȱ152ȱ
ColoradoȱLicensedȱMarijuanaȱBusinessesȱasȱofȱJanuaryȱ2016ȱ...................................153ȱ
BusinessȱComparisons,ȱJanuaryȱ2016ȱ............................................................................153ȱ
ColoradoȱBusinessȱComparisons,ȱJanuaryȱ2016ȱ................................................................ȱ153ȱ
DemandȱandȱMarketȱSizeȱ...............................................................................................154ȱ
ThirdȱQuarterȱ2015ȱReportedȱSalesȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColoradoȱ
(Januaryȱ–ȱSeptember)ȱ...............................................................................................154ȱ
2014ȱPriceȱofȱMarijuanaȱ...................................................................................................155ȱ
LocalȱResponseȱtoȱtheȱMedicalȱandȱRecreationalȱMarijuanaȱIndustryȱ
inȱColoradoȱ.................................................................................................................155ȱ
Sourcesȱ...............................................................................................................................156ȱ
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Item 11.a. - Page 22
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
TableȱofȱContentsȱ viȱ
SECTIONȱ10:ȱȱReferenceȱMaterialsȱ.............................................................ȱ159ȱ
ReportsȱandȱArticlesȱ........................................................................................................159ȱ
Governmentȱ............................................................................................................................ȱ159ȱ
Youthȱ........................................................................................................................................ȱ161ȱ
DrivingȱUnderȱtheȱInfluenceȱofȱDrugsȱ(DUID)ȱ..................................................................ȱ162ȱ
Healthȱ......................................................................................................................................ȱ164ȱ
UseȱSurveysȱ.............................................................................................................................ȱ166ȱ
Miscellaneousȱ.........................................................................................................................ȱ167ȱ
Sourcesȱ...............................................................................................................................168ȱ
ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 23
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
ExecutiveȱSummaryȱ Pageȱ|ȱ1ȱ
Executive Summary
ȱ
Purpose
ȱ
RockyȱMountainȱHighȱIntensityȱDrugȱTraffickingȱAreaȱ(RMHIDTA)ȱisȱtrackingȱtheȱ
impactȱofȱmarijuanaȱlegalizationȱinȱtheȱstateȱofȱColorado.ȱȱThisȱreportȱwillȱutilize,ȱ
wheneverȱpossible,ȱaȱcomparisonȱofȱthreeȱdifferentȱerasȱinȱColorado’sȱlegalizationȱ
history:ȱ
ȱ
x 2006ȱ–ȱ2008:ȱȱ MedicalȱmarijuanaȱpreȬcommercializationȱeraȱ
x 2009ȱ–ȱPresent:ȱ Medicalȱmarijuanaȱcommercializationȱandȱexpansionȱeraȱ
x 2013ȱ–ȱPresent:ȱ Recreationalȱmarijuanaȱeraȱ
ȱ
RockyȱMountainȱHIDTAȱwillȱcollectȱandȱreportȱcomparativeȱdataȱinȱaȱvarietyȱofȱ
areas,ȱincludingȱbutȱnotȱlimitedȱto:ȱ
ȱ
x Impairedȱdrivingȱ
x Youthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱ
x Adultȱmarijuanaȱuseȱ
x Emergencyȱroomȱadmissionsȱ
x MarijuanaȬrelatedȱexposureȱcasesȱ
x DiversionȱofȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱ
ȱ
ThisȱisȱtheȱfourthȱannualȱreportȱonȱtheȱimpactȱofȱlegalizedȱmarijuanaȱinȱColorado.ȱȱItȱ
isȱdividedȱintoȱtenȱsections,ȱeachȱprovidingȱinformationȱonȱtheȱimpactȱofȱmarijuanaȱ
legalization.ȱȱTheȱsectionsȱareȱasȱfollows:ȱ
ȱ
Sectionȱ1ȱ–ȱImpairedȱDriving:ȱ
ȱ
x MarijuanaȬrelatedȱtrafficȱdeathsȱincreasedȱ48ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱthreeȬyearȱaverageȱ
(2013Ȭ2015)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱtheȱ
threeȬyearȱaverageȱ(2010Ȭ2012)ȱpriorȱtoȱlegalization.ȱ
o Duringȱtheȱsameȱtime,ȱallȱtrafficȱdeathsȱincreasedȱ11ȱpercent.ȱ
ȱ
x MarijuanaȬrelatedȱtrafficȱdeathsȱincreasedȱ62ȱpercentȱfromȱ71ȱtoȱ115ȱpersonsȱafterȱ
recreationalȱmarijuanaȱwasȱlegalizedȱinȱ2013.ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 24
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
ExecutiveȱSummaryȱ Pageȱ|ȱ2ȱ
ȱ
x Inȱ2009,ȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȬrelatedȱtrafficȱdeathsȱinvolvingȱoperatorsȱtestingȱ
positiveȱforȱmarijuanaȱrepresentedȱ10ȱpercentȱofȱallȱtrafficȱfatalities.ȱȱByȱ2015,ȱthatȱ
numberȱdoubledȱtoȱ21ȱpercent.ȱ
ȱ
Sectionȱ2ȱ–ȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUse:ȱ
ȱ
x Youthȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱincreasedȱ20ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱtwoȱyearȱaverageȱ
(2013/2014)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱtheȱ
twoȬyearȱaverageȱpriorȱtoȱlegalizationȱ(2011/2012).ȱ
o Nationallyȱyouthȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱdeclinedȱ4ȱpercentȱduringȱtheȱ
sameȱtime.ȱ
ȱ
x Theȱlatestȱ2013/2014ȱresultsȱshowȱColoradoȱyouthȱrankedȱ#1ȱinȱtheȱnationȱforȱpastȱ
monthȱmarijuanaȱuse,ȱupȱfromȱ#4ȱinȱ2011/2012ȱandȱ#14ȱinȱ2005/2006.ȱ
ȱ
x Coloradoȱyouthȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱforȱ2013/2014ȱwasȱ74ȱpercentȱhigherȱ
thanȱtheȱnationalȱaverageȱcomparedȱtoȱ39ȱpercentȱhigherȱinȱ2011/2012.ȱ
ȱ
Sectionȱ3ȱ–ȱAdultȱMarijuanaȱUse:ȱ
ȱ
x CollegeȬageȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱincreasedȱ17ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱtwoȬyearȱ
averageȱ(2013/2014)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱ
theȱtwoȬyearȱaverageȱpriorȱtoȱlegalizationȱ(2011/2012).ȱ
o NationallyȱcollegeȬageȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱincreasedȱ2ȱpercentȱ
duringȱtheȱsameȱtime.ȱ
ȱ
x Theȱlatestȱ2013/2014ȱresultsȱshowȱColoradoȱcollegeȱageȱadultsȱrankedȱ#1ȱinȱtheȱ
nationȱforȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuse,ȱupȱfromȱ#3ȱinȱ2011/2012ȱandȱ#8ȱinȱ
2005/2006.ȱ
ȱ
x Coloradoȱcollegeȱageȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱforȱ2013/2014ȱwasȱ62ȱpercentȱ
higherȱthanȱtheȱnationalȱaverageȱcomparedȱtoȱ42ȱpercentȱhigherȱinȱ2011/2012.ȱ
ȱ
x AdultȱpastȬmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱincreasedȱ63ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱtwoȱyearȱaverageȱ
(2013/2014)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱtheȱ
twoȬyearȱaverageȱpriorȱtoȱlegalizationȱ(2011/2012).ȱ
o Nationallyȱadultȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱincreasedȱ21ȱpercentȱduringȱ
theȱsameȱtime.ȱ
ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 25
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
ExecutiveȱSummaryȱ Pageȱ|ȱ3ȱ
x Theȱlatestȱ2013/2014ȱresultsȱshowȱColoradoȱadultsȱrankedȱ#1ȱinȱtheȱnationȱforȱ
pastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuse,ȱupȱfromȱ#7ȱinȱ2011/2012ȱandȱ#8ȱinȱ2005/2006.ȱ
ȱ
x Coloradoȱadultȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱforȱ2013/2014ȱwasȱ104ȱpercentȱhigherȱ
thanȱtheȱnationalȱaverageȱcomparedȱtoȱ51ȱpercentȱhigherȱinȱ2011/2012.ȱ
ȱ
Sectionȱ4ȱ–ȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱMarijuanaȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱ
Admissions:ȱ
ȱ
x ColoradoȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱvisitsȱperȱyearȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuana:ȱ
o 2013ȱ–ȱ14,148ȱ
o 2014ȱ–ȱ18,255ȱ
ȱ
x EmergencyȱDepartmentȱratesȱlikelyȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱincreasedȱ49ȱpercentȱinȱ
theȱtwoȬyearȱaverageȱ(2013Ȭ2014)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱ
comparedȱtoȱtheȱtwoȬyearȱaverageȱpriorȱtoȱlegalizationȱ(2011Ȭ2012).ȱ
ȱ
x Numberȱofȱhospitalizationsȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuana:ȱ
o 2011ȱ–ȱȱȱ6,305ȱ
o 2012ȱ–ȱȱȱ6,715ȱ
o 2013ȱ–ȱȱȱ8,272ȱ
o 2014ȱ–ȱ11,439ȱ
ȱ
x Hospitalȱratesȱlikelyȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱincreasedȱ32ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱtwoȬyearȱ
averageȱ(2013Ȭ2014)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱ
theȱtwoȬyearȱaverageȱpriorȱtoȱlegalizationȱ(2011Ȭ2012).ȱ
ȱ
Sectionȱ5ȱ–ȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱExposure:ȱ
ȱ
x MarijuanaȬrelatedȱexposuresȱincreasedȱ100ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱthreeȬyearȱaverageȱ
(2013Ȭ2015)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱtheȱ
threeȬyearȱaverageȱ(2010Ȭ2012)ȱpriorȱtoȱlegalization.ȱ
ȱ
x MarijuanaȬonlyȱexposuresȱincreasedȱ155ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱthreeȬyearȱaverageȱ(2013Ȭ
2015)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱtheȱthreeȬyearȱ
averageȱ(2010Ȭ2012)ȱpriorȱtoȱlegalization.ȱ
ȱȱ
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ExecutiveȱSummaryȱ Pageȱ|ȱ4ȱ
Sectionȱ6ȱ–ȱTreatment:ȱ
ȱ
x MarijuanaȱtreatmentȱdataȱfromȱColoradoȱinȱyearsȱ2005ȱ–ȱ2015ȱdoesȱnotȱappearȱtoȱ
demonstrateȱaȱdefinitiveȱtrend.ȱȱColoradoȱaveragesȱapproximatelyȱ6,500ȱ
treatmentȱadmissionsȱannuallyȱforȱmarijuanaȱabuse.ȱ
ȱ
x Overȱtheȱlastȱtenȱyears,ȱtheȱtopȱthreeȱdrugsȱinvolvedȱinȱtreatmentȱadmissions,ȱinȱ
descendingȱorder,ȱwereȱalcoholȱ(averageȱ13,382),ȱmarijuanaȱ(averageȱ6,652)ȱandȱ
methamphetamineȱ(averageȱ5,298).ȱ
ȱ
Sectionȱ7ȱ–ȱDiversionȱofȱColoradoȱMarijuana:ȱ
ȱ
x HighwayȱpatrolȱyearlyȱinterdictionȱseizuresȱofȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱincreasedȱ37ȱ
percentȱfromȱ288ȱtoȱ394ȱ(2013Ȭ2015),ȱsinceȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱwasȱlegalized.ȱ
ȱ
x Ofȱtheȱ394ȱseizuresȱinȱ2015,ȱthereȱwereȱ36ȱdifferentȱstatesȱdestinedȱtoȱreceiveȱ
marijuanaȱfromȱColorado.ȱȱTheȱmostȱcommonȱdestinationsȱidentifiedȱwereȱ
Missouri,ȱIllinois,ȱTexas,ȱIowa,ȱandȱFlorida.ȱ
ȱ
Sectionȱ8ȱ–ȱDiversionȱbyȱParcel:ȱ
ȱ
x SeizuresȱofȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱU.S.ȱmailȱhasȱincreasedȱ427ȱpercentȱfromȱ
anȱaverageȱofȱ70ȱparcelsȱ(2010Ȭ2012)ȱtoȱ369ȱparcelsȱ(2013Ȭ2015)ȱinȱtheȱthreeȱyearsȱ
thatȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱhasȱbeenȱlegal.ȱ
ȱ
x SeizuresȱofȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱU.S.ȱmailȱhasȱincreasedȱ471ȱpercentȱfromȱ
anȱaverageȱofȱ129ȱpoundsȱ(2010Ȭ2012)ȱtoȱ736ȱpoundsȱ(2013Ȭ2015)ȱinȱtheȱthreeȱ
yearsȱthatȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱhasȱbeenȱlegal.ȱ
ȱ
Sectionȱ9ȱ–ȱRelatedȱData:ȱ
ȱ
x CrimeȱinȱDenverȱandȱColoradoȱhasȱincreasedȱfromȱ2013ȱtoȱ2015.ȱ
ȱ
x Coloradoȱannualȱtaxȱrevenueȱfromȱtheȱsaleȱofȱrecreationalȱandȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱ
wasȱ$115,579,432ȱ(CY2015)ȱorȱaboutȱ0.5ȱpercentȱofȱColorado’sȱtotalȱstatewideȱ
budgetȱ(FY2016).ȱ
ȱ
x “Denverȱisȱlosingȱvisitorsȱandȱvaluableȱconventionȱbusinessȱasȱaȱresultȱofȱtheseȱ
overallȱsafetyȱ(orȱperceptionȱofȱsafety)ȱissues...”ȱ–ȱVISITȱDENVERȱReportȱ
ȱ
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ExecutiveȱSummaryȱ Pageȱ|ȱ5ȱ
x AsȱofȱJanuaryȱ2016,ȱthereȱwereȱ424ȱretailȱmarijuanaȱstoresȱinȱtheȱstateȱofȱ
Coloradoȱcomparedȱtoȱ322ȱStarbucksȱandȱ202ȱMcDonald’s.ȱ
ȱ
x 68ȱpercentȱofȱlocalȱjurisdictionsȱhaveȱbannedȱmedicalȱandȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱ
businesses.ȱ
ȱ
Sectionȱ10ȱ–ȱRelatedȱMaterial:ȱ
ȱ
x Thisȱsectionȱlistsȱvariousȱstudiesȱandȱreportsȱregardingȱmarijuana.ȱ
ȱ
THEREȱISȱMUCHȱMOREȱDATAȱINȱEACHȱOFȱTHEȱTENȱSECTIONS.ȱȱTHISȱPUBLICATIONȱMAYȱBEȱ
FOUNDȱONȱTHEȱROCKYȱMOUNTAINȱHIDTAȱWEBSITE;ȱGOȱTOȱWWW.RMHIDTA.ORGȱANDȱCLICKȱONȱ
REPORTS.ȱ
State of Washington Data:
ȱ
WashingtonȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱatȱtheȱsameȱtimeȱasȱColorado.ȱȱTheȱ
readerȱisȱencouragedȱtoȱreviewȱdataȱfromȱWashingtonȱonȱtheȱimpactȱofȱlegalizationȱinȱ
thatȱstate.ȱȱManyȱofȱtheȱsameȱtrendsȱinȱColoradoȱrelatedȱtoȱlegalȱmarijuanaȱalsoȱareȱ
occurringȱinȱWashington.ȱȱTheseȱtrendsȱinclude:ȱȱimpairedȱdriving,ȱtrafficȱfatalities,ȱuseȱ
amongȱteensȱandȱexposureȱ(seeȱSectionsȱ1ȱandȱ10).ȱ
ȱȱ
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ExecutiveȱSummaryȱ Pageȱ|ȱ6ȱ
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THISȱPAGEȱINTENTIONALLYȱLEFTȱBLANKȱ
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Item 11.a. - Page 29
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
IntroductionȱȱPageȱ|ȱ7ȱ
Introduction
ȱ
Purpose
ȱ
Theȱpurposeȱofȱthisȱreportȱandȱfutureȱreportsȱisȱtoȱdocumentȱtheȱimpactȱofȱtheȱ
legalizationȱofȱmarijuanaȱforȱmedicalȱandȱrecreationalȱuseȱinȱColorado.ȱȱColoradoȱandȱ
Washingtonȱserveȱasȱexperimentalȱlabsȱforȱtheȱnationȱtoȱdetermineȱtheȱimpactȱofȱ
legalizingȱmarijuana.ȱȱThisȱisȱanȱimportantȱopportunityȱtoȱgatherȱandȱexamineȱ
meaningfulȱdataȱandȱfacts.ȱȱCitizensȱandȱpolicymakersȱmayȱwantȱtoȱdelayȱanyȱdecisionsȱ
onȱthisȱimportantȱissueȱuntilȱthereȱisȱsufficientȱandȱaccurateȱdataȱtoȱmakeȱanȱinformedȱ
decision.ȱ
The Debate
ȱ
Thereȱisȱanȱongoingȱdebateȱinȱthisȱcountryȱconcerningȱtheȱimpactȱofȱlegalizingȱ
marijuana.ȱȱThoseȱinȱfavorȱargueȱthatȱtheȱbenefitsȱofȱremovingȱprohibitionȱfarȱoutweighȱ
theȱpotentialȱnegativeȱconsequences.ȱȱSomeȱofȱtheȱbenefitsȱtheyȱciteȱinclude:ȱ
ȱ
x Eliminateȱarrestsȱforȱpossessionȱandȱsale,ȱresultingȱinȱfewerȱpeopleȱwithȱcriminalȱ
recordsȱandȱaȱreductionȱinȱtheȱprisonȱpopulationȱ
x Freeȱupȱlawȱenforcementȱresourcesȱtoȱtargetȱmoreȱseriousȱandȱviolentȱcriminalsȱ
x Reduceȱtrafficȱfatalitiesȱsinceȱusersȱwillȱswitchȱfromȱalcoholȱtoȱmarijuana,ȱwhichȱ
doesȱnotȱimpairȱdrivingȱtoȱtheȱsameȱdegreeȱ
x Noȱincreaseȱinȱuse,ȱevenȱamongȱyouth,ȱbecauseȱofȱtightȱregulationsȱ
x Addedȱrevenueȱgeneratedȱthroughȱtaxationȱ
x Eliminateȱtheȱblackȱmarketȱ
ȱ
Thoseȱopposedȱtoȱlegalizingȱmarijuanaȱargueȱthatȱtheȱpotentialȱbenefitsȱofȱliftingȱ
prohibitionȱpaleȱinȱcomparisonȱtoȱtheȱadverseȱconsequences.ȱȱSomeȱofȱtheȱconsequencesȱ
theyȱciteȱinclude:ȱ
ȱ
x Increaseȱinȱmarijuanaȱuseȱamongȱyouthȱandȱyoungȱadultsȱ
x IncreaseȱinȱmarijuanaȬimpairedȱdrivingȱfatalitiesȱ
x RiseȱinȱnumberȱofȱmarijuanaȬaddictedȱusersȱinȱtreatmentȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 30
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
IntroductionȱȱPageȱ|ȱ8ȱ
x Diversionȱofȱmarijuanaȱ
x Adverseȱimpactȱandȱcostȱofȱtheȱphysicalȱandȱmentalȱhealthȱdamageȱcausedȱbyȱ
marijuanaȱuseȱ
x Theȱeconomicȱcostȱtoȱsocietyȱwillȱfarȱoutweighȱanyȱpotentialȱrevenueȱgeneratedȱ
Background
ȱ
Thisȱdocumentȱshouldȱhelpȱyouȱdetermineȱwhichȱsideȱisȱmoreȱcorrect.ȱȱAȱnumberȱofȱ
statesȱhaveȱenactedȱvaryingȱdegreesȱofȱlegalizedȱmarijuanaȱbyȱpermittingȱmedicalȱ
marijuanaȱandȱfourȱpermittingȱrecreationalȱmarijuana.ȱȱInȱ2010,ȱColorado’sȱlegislatureȱ
passedȱlegislationȱthatȱincludedȱtheȱlicensingȱofȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱcentersȱ
(“dispensaries”),ȱcultivationȱoperationsȱandȱmanufacturingȱofȱmarijuanaȱediblesȱforȱ
medicalȱpurposes.ȱȱInȱNovemberȱ2012,ȱColoradoȱvotersȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱ
allowingȱindividualsȱtoȱuseȱandȱpossessȱanȱounceȱofȱmarijuanaȱandȱgrowȱupȱtoȱsixȱ
plants.ȱȱTheȱamendmentȱalsoȱpermitsȱlicensingȱmarijuanaȱretailȱstores,ȱcultivationȱ
operations,ȱmarijuanaȱedibleȱfactoriesȱandȱtestingȱfacilities.ȱȱWashingtonȱvotersȱpassedȱaȱ
similarȱmeasureȱinȱ2012.ȱ
Preface
ȱ
Volumeȱ4ȱwillȱbeȱformattedȱsimilarȱtoȱVolumeȱ3.ȱȱItȱisȱimportantȱtoȱnoteȱthat,ȱforȱ
purposesȱofȱtheȱdebateȱonȱlegalizingȱmarijuanaȱinȱColorado,ȱthereȱareȱthreeȱdistinctȱ
timeframesȱtoȱconsider.ȱȱThoseȱare:ȱȱtheȱearlyȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱeraȱ(2000ȱ–ȱ2008),ȱtheȱ
medicalȱmarijuanaȱcommercializationȱeraȱ(2009ȱ–ȱcurrent)ȱandȱtheȱrecreationalȱ
marijuanaȱeraȱ(2013ȱ–ȱcurrent).ȱ
ȱ
x 2000ȱ–ȱ2008:ȱȱInȱNovemberȱ2000,ȱColoradoȱvotersȱpassedȱAmendmentȱ20ȱwhichȱ
permittedȱaȱqualifyingȱpatient,ȱand/orȱcaregiverȱofȱaȱpatient,ȱtoȱpossessȱupȱtoȱ2ȱ
ouncesȱofȱmarijuanaȱandȱgrowȱ6ȱmarijuanaȱplantsȱforȱmedicalȱpurposes.ȱȱDuringȱ
thatȱtimeȱthereȱwereȱbetweenȱ1,000ȱandȱ4,800ȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱcardholdersȱandȱ
noȱknownȱdispensariesȱoperatingȱinȱtheȱstate.ȱ
ȱ
x 2009ȱ–ȱCurrent:ȱȱBeginningȱinȱ2009ȱdueȱtoȱaȱnumberȱofȱevents,ȱmarijuanaȱbecameȱ
deȱfactoȱlegalizedȱthroughȱtheȱcommercializationȱofȱtheȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱ
industry.ȱȱByȱtheȱendȱofȱ2012,ȱthereȱwereȱoverȱ100,000ȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱ
cardholdersȱandȱ500ȱlicensedȱdispensariesȱoperatingȱinȱColorado.ȱȱThereȱwereȱ
alsoȱlicensedȱcultivationȱoperationsȱandȱedibleȱmanufacturers.ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 31
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
IntroductionȱȱPageȱ|ȱ9ȱ
x 2013ȱ–ȱCurrent:ȱȱInȱNovemberȱ2012,ȱColoradoȱvotersȱpassedȱConstitutionalȱ
Amendmentȱ64ȱwhichȱlegalizedȱmarijuanaȱforȱrecreationalȱpurposesȱforȱanyoneȱ
overȱtheȱageȱofȱ21.ȱȱTheȱamendmentȱalsoȱallowedȱforȱlicensedȱmarijuanaȱretailȱ
stores,ȱcultivationȱoperationsȱandȱedibleȱmanufacturers.ȱȱRetailȱmarijuanaȱ
businessesȱbecameȱoperationalȱJanuaryȱ1,ȱ2014.ȱ
Colorado’s History with Marijuana Legalization
Medical Marijuana 2000 – 2008
ȱ
InȱNovemberȱ2000,ȱColoradoȱvotersȱpassedȱAmendmentȱ20ȱwhichȱpermittedȱaȱ
qualifyingȱpatientȱand/orȱcaregiverȱofȱaȱpatientȱtoȱpossessȱupȱtoȱ2ȱouncesȱofȱmarijuanaȱ
andȱgrowȱ6ȱmarijuanaȱplantsȱforȱmedicalȱpurposes.ȱȱAmendmentȱ20ȱprovidedȱ
identificationȱcardsȱforȱindividualsȱwithȱaȱdoctor’sȱrecommendationȱtoȱuseȱmarijuanaȱ
forȱaȱdebilitatingȱmedicalȱcondition.ȱȱTheȱsystemȱwasȱmanagedȱbyȱtheȱColoradoȱ
DepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironmentȱ(CDPHE),ȱwhichȱissuedȱidentificationȱ
cardsȱtoȱpatientsȱbasedȱonȱaȱdoctor’sȱrecommendation.ȱȱTheȱdepartmentȱbeganȱ
acceptingȱapplicationsȱfromȱpatientsȱinȱJuneȱ2001.ȱ
ȱ
Fromȱ2001ȱ–ȱ2008,ȱthereȱwereȱonlyȱ5,993ȱpatientȱapplicationsȱreceivedȱandȱonlyȱ55ȱ
percentȱofȱthoseȱdesignatedȱaȱprimaryȱcaregiver.ȱȱDuringȱthatȱtime,ȱtheȱaverageȱwasȱ
threeȱpatientsȱperȱcaregiverȱandȱthereȱwereȱnoȱknownȱretailȱstoresȱsellingȱmedicalȱ
marijuanaȱ(“dispensaries”).ȱȱDispensariesȱwereȱnotȱanȱissueȱbecauseȱCDPHEȱ
regulationsȱlimitedȱaȱcaregiverȱtoȱnoȱmoreȱthanȱfiveȱpatients.ȱ
Medical Marijuana Commercialization and Expansion 2009 – Present
ȱ
Inȱ2009,ȱtheȱdynamicsȱsurroundingȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱinȱColoradoȱchangedȱ
substantially.ȱȱThereȱwereȱaȱnumberȱofȱfactorsȱthatȱplayedȱaȱroleȱinȱtheȱexplosionȱofȱtheȱ
medicalȱmarijuanaȱindustryȱandȱnumberȱofȱpatients:ȱ
ȱ
TheȱfirstȱwasȱaȱDenverȱDistrictȱJudgeȱwho,ȱinȱlateȱ2007,ȱruledȱthatȱCDPHEȱviolatedȱ
theȱstate’sȱopenȱmeetingȱrequirementȱwhenȱsettingȱaȱfiveȬpatientȬtoȬoneȬcaregiverȱratioȱ
andȱoverturnedȱtheȱrule.ȱȱThatȱopenedȱtheȱdoorȱforȱcaregiversȱtoȱclaimȱanȱunlimitedȱ
numberȱofȱpatientsȱforȱwhomȱtheyȱwereȱprovidingȱandȱgrowingȱmarijuana.ȱȱAlthoughȱ
thisȱdecisionȱexpandedȱtheȱparameters,ȱveryȱfewȱinitiallyȱbeganȱoperatingȱmedicalȱ
marijuanaȱcommercialȱoperationsȱ(dispensaries)ȱinȱfearȱofȱprosecution,ȱparticularlyȱ
fromȱtheȱfederalȱgovernment.ȱȱ
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IntroductionȱȱPageȱ|ȱ10ȱ
Theȱjudge’sȱruling,ȱandȱcaregiversȱexpandingȱtheirȱpatientȱbase,ȱcreatedȱsignificantȱ
problemsȱforȱlocalȱprosecutorsȱseekingȱaȱconvictionȱforȱmarijuanaȱdistributionȱbyȱ
caregivers.ȱȱManyȱjurisdictionsȱceasedȱorȱlimitedȱfilingȱthoseȱtypesȱofȱcases.ȱ
ȱ
AtȱaȱpressȱconferenceȱinȱSantaȱAna,ȱCaliforniaȱonȱFebruaryȱ25,ȱ2009,ȱtheȱU.S.ȱ
AttorneyȱGeneralȱwasȱaskedȱwhetherȱraidsȱinȱCaliforniaȱonȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱ
dispensariesȱwouldȱcontinue.ȱȱHeȱrespondedȱ“No”ȱandȱreferencedȱtheȱPresident’sȱ
campaignȱpromiseȱrelatedȱtoȱmedicalȱmarijuana.ȱȱInȱmidȬMarchȱ2009,ȱtheȱU.S.ȱAttorneyȱ
GeneralȱclarifiedȱtheȱpositionȱsayingȱthatȱtheȱDepartmentȱofȱJusticeȱenforcementȱpolicyȱ
wouldȱbeȱrestrictedȱtoȱtraffickersȱwhoȱfalselyȱmasqueradedȱasȱmedicalȱdispensariesȱandȱ
usedȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱlawsȱasȱaȱshield.ȱ
ȱ
Beginningȱinȱtheȱspringȱofȱ2009,ȱColoradoȱexperiencedȱanȱexplosionȱtoȱoverȱ20,000ȱ
newȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱpatientȱapplicationsȱandȱtheȱemergenceȱofȱoverȱ250ȱmedicalȱ
marijuanaȱdispensariesȱ(allowedȱtoȱoperateȱasȱ“caregivers”).ȱȱOneȱdispensaryȱownerȱ
claimedȱtoȱbeȱaȱprimaryȱcaregiverȱtoȱ1,200ȱpatients.ȱȱGovernmentȱtookȱlittleȱorȱnoȱactionȱ
againstȱtheseȱcommercialȱoperations.ȱ
ȱ
InȱJulyȱ2009,ȱtheȱColoradoȱBoardȱofȱHealth,ȱafterȱhearings,ȱfailedȱtoȱreinstateȱtheȱfiveȬ
patientsȬtoȬoneȬcaregiverȱrule.ȱ
ȱ
OnȱOctoberȱ19,ȱ2009,ȱU.S.ȱDeputyȱAttorneyȱGeneralȱDavidȱOgdenȱprovidedȱ
guidelinesȱforȱU.S.ȱAttorneysȱinȱstatesȱthatȱenactedȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱlaws.ȱȱTheȱmemoȱ
advisedȱ“Notȱfocusȱfederalȱresourcesȱinȱyourȱstateȱonȱindividualsȱwhoseȱactionsȱareȱinȱ
clearȱandȱunambiguousȱcomplianceȱwithȱexistingȱstateȱlawȱprovidingȱforȱtheȱmedicalȱ
useȱofȱmarijuana.”ȱ
ȱ
Byȱtheȱendȱofȱ2009,ȱnewȱpatientȱapplicationsȱjumpedȱfromȱaroundȱ6,000ȱforȱtheȱfirstȱ
sevenȱyearsȱtoȱanȱadditionalȱ38,000ȱinȱjustȱoneȱyear.ȱȱActualȱcardholdersȱwentȱfromȱ4,800ȱ
inȱ2008ȱtoȱ41,000ȱinȱ2009.ȱȱByȱmidȬ2010,ȱthereȱwereȱoverȱ900ȱunlicensedȱmarijuanaȱ
dispensariesȱidentifiedȱbyȱlawȱenforcement.ȱ
ȱ
Inȱ2010,ȱlawȱenforcementȱsoughtȱlegislationȱtoȱbanȱdispensariesȱandȱreinstateȱtheȱ
oneȬtoȬfiveȱratioȱofȱcaregiverȱtoȱpatientȱasȱtheȱmodel.ȱȱHowever,ȱinȱ2010ȱtheȱColoradoȱ
LegislatureȱpassedȱHBȬ1284ȱwhichȱlegalizedȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱcentersȱ(dispensaries),ȱ
marijuanaȱcultivationȱoperations,ȱandȱmanufacturersȱforȱmarijuanaȱedibleȱproducts.ȱȱByȱ
2012,ȱthereȱwereȱ532ȱlicensedȱdispensariesȱinȱColoradoȱandȱoverȱ108,000ȱregisteredȱ
patients,ȱ94ȱpercentȱofȱwhoȱqualifiedȱforȱaȱcardȱbecauseȱofȱsevereȱpain.ȱ
ȱ
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TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
IntroductionȱȱPageȱ|ȱ11ȱ
Recreational Marijuana 2013 – Present
ȱ
InȱNovemberȱofȱ2012,ȱColoradoȱvotersȱpassedȱAmendmentȱ64,ȱwhichȱlegalizedȱ
marijuanaȱforȱrecreationalȱuse.ȱȱAmendmentȱ64ȱallowsȱindividualsȱ21ȱyearsȱorȱolderȱtoȱ
growȱupȱtoȱsixȱplants,ȱpossess/useȱ1ȱounceȱorȱlessȱandȱfurnishȱanȱounceȱorȱlessȱofȱ
marijuanaȱifȱnotȱforȱremuneration.ȱȱAmendmentȱ64ȱpermitsȱmarijuanaȱretailȱstores,ȱ
marijuanaȱcultivationȱsites,ȱmarijuanaȱedibleȱfactoriesȱandȱmarijuanaȱtestingȱsites.ȱȱTheȱ
firstȱretailȱmarijuanaȱbusinessesȱwereȱlicensedȱandȱoperationalȱinȱJanuaryȱofȱ2014.ȱȱSomeȱ
individualsȱhaveȱestablishedȱprivateȱcannabisȱclubs,ȱformedȱcoȬopsȱforȱlargeȱmarijuanaȱ
growȱoperations,ȱand/orȱsuppliedȱmarijuanaȱforȱnoȱfeeȱotherȱthanȱdonations.ȱ
ȱ
Whatȱhasȱbeenȱtheȱimpactȱofȱcommercializedȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱandȱlegalizedȱ
recreationalȱmarijuanaȱonȱColorado?ȱȱReviewȱtheȱreportȱandȱyouȱdecide.ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ
ȱ
yȱ DATA,ȱIFȱAVAILABLE,ȱWILLȱCOMPAREȱPREȬȱANDȱPOSTȬ2009ȱWHENȱMEDICALȱMARIJUANAȱ
BECAMEȱCOMMERCIALIZEDȱANDȱAFTERȱ2013ȱWHENȱRECREATIONALȱMARIJUANAȱBECAMEȱ
LEGALIZED.ȱ
yȱ MULTIȬYEARȱCOMPARISONSȱAREȱGENERALLYȱBETTERȱINDICATORSȱOFȱTRENDS.ȱȱONEȬYEARȱ
FLUCTUATIONSȱDOȱNOTȱNECESSARILYȱREFLECTȱAȱNEWȱTREND.ȱ
yȱ PERCENTAGEȱCOMPARISONSȱMAYȱBEȱROUNDEDȱTOȱTHEȱNEARESTȱWHOLEȱNUMBER.ȱ
x PERCENTȱCHANGESȱADDEDȱTOȱGRAPHSȱWEREȱCALCULATEDȱANDȱADDEDȱBYȱROCKYȱ
MOUNTAINȱHIDTA.ȱ
yȱ THISȱREPORTȱWILLȱCITEȱDATASETSȱWITHȱTERMSȱSUCHȱASȱ“MARIJUANAȬRELATED”ȱORȱ“TESTEDȱ
POSITIVEȱFORȱMARIJUANA.”ȱȱTHATȱDOESȱNOTȱNECESSARILYȱPROVEȱTHATȱMARIJUANAȱWASȱ
THEȱCAUSEȱOFȱTHEȱINCIDENT.ȱ
ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 34
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
IntroductionȱȱPageȱ|ȱ12ȱ
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THISȱPAGEȱINTENTIONALLYȱLEFTȱBLANKȱ
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Item 11.a. - Page 35
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ13ȱ
SECTION 1: Impaired Driving
and Fatalities
ȱ
Definitions by Rocky Mountain HIDTA
ȱ
DrivingȱUnderȱtheȱInfluenceȱofȱDrugsȱ(DUID):ȱȱDUIDȱcouldȱincludeȱalcoholȱinȱ
combinationȱwithȱdrugs.ȱȱThisȱisȱanȱimportantȱmeasurementȱsinceȱtheȱdriver’sȱabilityȱtoȱ
operateȱaȱvehicleȱwasȱsufficientlyȱimpairedȱthatȱitȱbroughtȱhisȱorȱherȱdrivingȱtoȱtheȱ
attentionȱofȱlawȱenforcement.ȱȱNotȱonlyȱtheȱerraticȱdrivingȱbutȱtheȱsubsequentȱevidenceȱ
thatȱtheȱsubjectȱwasȱunderȱtheȱinfluenceȱofȱmarijuanaȱhelpsȱconfirmȱtheȱcausationȱfactor.ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȬRelated:ȱȱAlsoȱcalledȱ“marijuanaȱmentions,”ȱisȱanyȱtimeȱmarijuanaȱshowsȱ
upȱinȱtheȱtoxicologyȱreport.ȱȱItȱcouldȱbeȱmarijuanaȱonlyȱorȱmarijuanaȱwithȱotherȱdrugsȱ
and/orȱalcohol.ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȱOnly:ȱȱWhenȱtoxicologyȱresultsȱshowȱmarijuanaȱandȱnoȱotherȱdrugsȱorȱ
alcohol.ȱ
ȱ
Fatalities:ȱȱAnyȱdeathȱresultingȱfromȱaȱtrafficȱcrashȱinvolvingȱaȱmotorȱvehicle.ȱ
ȱ
Operators:ȱȱAnyoneȱinȱcontrolȱofȱtheirȱownȱmovementsȱsuchȱasȱaȱdriver,ȱpedestrianȱ
orȱbicyclist.ȱ
Some Findings
ȱ
x MarijuanaȬrelatedȱtrafficȱdeathsȱincreasedȱ48ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱthreeȬyearȱaverageȱ
(2013Ȭ2015)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱtheȱ
threeȬyearȱaverageȱ(2010Ȭ2012)ȱpriorȱtoȱlegalization.ȱ
o Duringȱtheȱsameȱtimeȱperiod,ȱallȱtrafficȱdeathsȱincreasedȱ11ȱpercent.ȱ
ȱ
x MarijuanaȬrelatedȱtrafficȱdeathsȱincreasedȱ62ȱpercentȱfromȱ71ȱtoȱ115ȱpersonsȱ
whenȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱwasȱlegalizedȱinȱ2013.ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 36
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ14ȱ
x Inȱ2009,ȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȬrelatedȱtrafficȱdeathsȱinvolvingȱoperatorsȱtestingȱ
positiveȱforȱmarijuanaȱrepresentedȱ10ȱpercentȱofȱallȱtrafficȱfatalities.ȱȱByȱ2015,ȱthatȱ
numberȱdoubledȱtoȱ21ȱpercent.ȱ
ȱ
x Thereȱhasȱbeenȱaȱ67ȱpercentȱincreaseȱofȱoperatorsȱtestingȱpositiveȱforȱmarijuanaȱ
involvedȱinȱaȱfatalȱtrafficȱaccidentȱsinceȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱlegalizationȱinȱ
2013.ȱ
ȱ
x Consistentȱwithȱtheȱpast,ȱinȱ2015ȱstillȱonlyȱ49ȱpercentȱofȱoperatorsȱinvolvedȱinȱ
trafficȱdeathsȱwereȱtestedȱforȱdrugȱimpairment.ȱȱOutȱofȱthoseȱwhoȱwereȱtested,ȱ
aboutȱ1ȱinȱ4ȱtestedȱpositiveȱforȱmarijuana.ȱ
ȱ
x Theȱnumberȱofȱtoxicologyȱscreensȱpositiveȱforȱmarijuanaȱ(primarilyȱDUID)ȱ
increasedȱ29ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱthreeȬyearȱaverageȱ(2013Ȭ2015)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱ
legalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱtheȱthreeȬyearȱaverageȱ(2010Ȭ2012)ȱ
priorȱtoȱlegalization.ȱ
ȱ
x TheȱColoradoȱStateȱPatrolȱDUIDȱProgramȱ2015ȱdataȱincludes:ȱ
o 77ȱpercentȱ(665)ȱofȱtheȱ862ȱDUIDsȱinvolvedȱmarijuanaȱ
o 40ȱpercentȱ(347)ȱofȱtheȱ862ȱDUIDsȱinvolvedȱmarijuanaȱonlyȱ
Data for Traffic Deaths
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ
x THEȱDATAȱFORȱ2012ȱTHROUGHȱ2015ȱWASȱOBTAINEDȱFROMȱTHEȱCOLORADOȱDEPARTMENTȱOFȱ
TRANSPORTATIONȱ(CDOT).ȱȱCDOTȱANDȱRMHIDTAȱCONTACTEDȱCORONERȱOFFICESȱANDȱ
LAWȱENFORCEMENTȱAGENCIESȱINVOLVEDȱWITHȱFATALITIESȱTOȱOBTAINȱTOXICOLOGYȱ
REPORTS.ȱȱTHISȱREPRESENTSȱ100ȱPERCENTȱREPORTING.ȱȱPRIORȱYEAR(S)ȱMAYȱHAVEȱHADȱLESSȱ
THANȱ100ȱPERCENTȱREPORTINGȱTOȱTHEȱCOLORADOȱDEPARTMENTȱOFȱTRANSPORTATION,ȱ
ANDȱSUBSEQUENTLYȱTHEȱFATALITYȱANALYSISȱREPORTINGȱSYSTEMȱ(FARS).ȱȱANALYSISȱOFȱ
DATAȱWASȱCONDUCTEDȱBYȱROCKYȱMOUNTAINȱHIDTA.ȱ
x 2015ȱFARSȱDATAȱWILLȱNOTȱBEȱOFFICIALȱUNTILȱJANUARYȱ2017.ȱ
ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 37
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ15ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ NationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱAdministration,ȱFatalityȱAnalysisȱReportingȱSystemȱ(FARS)ȱ
andȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱTransportationȱ
ȱ
ȱ
Inȱ2015ȱthereȱwereȱaȱtotalȱofȱ547ȱtrafficȱdeathsȱofȱwhich:ȱ
o 359ȱwereȱdriversȱ
o 111ȱwereȱpassengersȱ
o ȱ59ȱwereȱpedestriansȱ
o ȱ13ȱwereȱbicyclistsȱ
o ȱȱ4ȱwereȱinȱwheelchairsȱ
o ȱȱ1ȱwasȱinȱaȱstrollerȱ
ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 38
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ16ȱ
TrafficȱDeathsȱRelatedȱtoȱMarijuana*ȱ
Crash Year Total Statewide
Fatalities
Fatalities with
Operators Testing
Positive for
Marijuana
Percentage Total
Fatalities
(Marijuana)
2006ȱ 535ȱ 37ȱ 6.92%ȱ
2007ȱ 554ȱ 39ȱ 7.04%ȱ
2008ȱ 548ȱ 43ȱ 7.85%ȱ
2009ȱ 465ȱ 47ȱ 10.10%ȱ
2010ȱ 450ȱ 49ȱ 10.89%ȱ
2011ȱ 447ȱ 63ȱ 14.09%ȱ
2012ȱ 472ȱ 78ȱ 16.53%ȱ
2013ȱ 481ȱ 71ȱ 14.76%ȱ
2014ȱ 488ȱ 94ȱ 19.26%ȱ
2015ȱ 547ȱ 115ȱ 21.02%ȱ
ȱ
*FatalitiesȱInvolvingȱOperatorsȱTestingȱPositiveȱforȱMarijuanaȱ
SOURCE:ȱ NationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱAdministration,ȱFatalityȱAnalysisȱReportingȱSystemȱ(FARS)ȱȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ NationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱAdministration,ȱFatalityȱAnalysisȱReportingȱSystemȱ(FARS),ȱ
2006Ȭ2011ȱandȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱTransportationȱ2012Ȭ2015ȱ
ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 39
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ17ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ NationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱAdministration,ȱFatalityȱAnalysisȱReportingȱSystemȱ(FARS),ȱ
2006Ȭ2011ȱandȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱTransportationȱ2012Ȭ2015ȱ
ȱ
Inȱ2015ȱthereȱwereȱaȱtotalȱofȱ115ȱmarijuanaȬrelatedȱtrafficȱdeathsȱofȱwhich:ȱ
o 75ȱwereȱdriversȱ
o 20ȱwereȱpassengersȱ
o 17ȱwereȱpedestriansȱ
o ȱȱ3ȱwereȱbicyclistsȱ
ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 40
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ18ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ NationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱAdministration,ȱFatalityȱAnalysisȱReportingȱSystemȱ(FARS),ȱ
2006Ȭ2011ȱandȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱTransportationȱ2012Ȭ2015ȱ
ȱ
OperatorsȱTestingȱPositiveȱforȱMarijuanaȱInvolvedȱinȱFatalȱCrashes*ȱ
ȱ
Crash Year
Total Operators
Involved in Fatal
Crashes
Operators in Fatal
Crashes Testing
Positive for
Marijuana
Percentage of Total
Operators Who
Tested Positive for
Marijuana
2006ȱ 795ȱ 32ȱ 4.03%ȱ
2007ȱ 866ȱ 34ȱ 3.93%ȱ
2008ȱ 782ȱ 39ȱ 4.99%ȱ
2009ȱ 718ȱ 46ȱ 6.41%ȱ
2010ȱ 652ȱ 45ȱ 6.90%ȱ
2011ȱ 648ȱ 57ȱ 8.80%ȱ
2012ȱ 732ȱ 70ȱ 9.56%ȱ
2013ȱ 702ȱ 63ȱ 8.97%ȱ
2014ȱ 765ȱ 87ȱ 11.37%ȱ
2015ȱ 871ȱ 105ȱ 12.06%ȱ
ȱ
*OperatorsȱInvolvedȱinȱFatalitiesȱTestingȱPositiveȱforȱMarijuanaȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ NationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱAdministration,ȱFatalityȱAnalysisȱReportingȱSystemȱ(FARS),ȱ
2006Ȭ2011ȱandȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱTransportationȱ2012Ȭ2015ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 41
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ19ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ NationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱAdministration,ȱFatalityȱAnalysisȱReportingȱSystemȱ(FARS),ȱ
2006Ȭ2011ȱandȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱTransportationȱ2012Ȭ2015ȱ
ȱ
Consistentȱwithȱtheȱpast,ȱinȱ2015ȱonlyȱ49ȱpercentȱofȱoperatorsȱinvolvedȱinȱ
trafficȱdeathsȱwereȱtestedȱforȱdrugȱimpairment.ȱ
ȱ
Inȱ2015,ȱthereȱwereȱaȱtotalȱofȱ105ȱoperatorsȱtestingȱpositiveȱforȱmarijuanaȱofȱ
which:ȱ
o 88ȱwereȱdriversȱ
o 15ȱwereȱpedestriansȱ
o ȱȱ2ȱwereȱbicyclistsȱ
ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 42
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ20ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ NationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱAdministration,ȱFatalityȱAnalysisȱReportingȱSystemȱ(FARS),ȱ
2006Ȭ2011ȱandȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱTransportationȱ2012Ȭ2015ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ NationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱAdministration,ȱFatalityȱAnalysisȱReportingȱSystemȱ(FARS),ȱ
2006Ȭ2011ȱandȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱTransportationȱ2012Ȭ2015ȱ
ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 43
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ21ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ NationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱAdministration,ȱFatalityȱAnalysisȱReportingȱSystemȱ(FARS),ȱ
2006Ȭ2011ȱandȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱTransportationȱ2012Ȭ2015ȱ
ȱ
Inȱ2015,ȱofȱtheȱoperatorsȱwhoȱtestedȱpositiveȱforȱmarijuana,ȱoneȱoutȱofȱthreeȱ
hadȱonlyȱmarijuanaȱpresentȱinȱtheirȱsystem.ȱ
ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 44
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ22ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱSafety,ȱDivisionȱofȱCriminalȱJustice,ȱOfficeȱofȱResearchȱandȱ
Statistics,ȱ“MarijuanaȱLegalizationȱinȱColorado:ȱEarlyȱFindings/AȱReportȱPursuantȱtoȱSenateȱBillȱ
13Ȭ283,”ȱMarchȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
Thereȱwasȱanȱ87ȱpercentȱincreaseȱinȱdriversȱtestingȱpositiveȱforȱmarijuanaȱwhoȱ
wereȱinvolvedȱinȱfatalȱcrashesȱfromȱ2013ȱtoȱ2015.ȱ
Data for Impaired Driving
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ THEȱNUMBERȱOFȱDUIDȱARRESTSȱISȱNOTȱREFLECTIVEȱOFȱTHEȱTOTALȱNUMBERȱOFȱ
PEOPLEȱARRESTEDȱFORȱDRIVINGȱUNDERȱTHEȱINFLUENCEȱWHOȱAREȱINTOXICATEDȱONȱ
NONȬALCOHOLȱSUBSTANCES.ȱIFȱSOMEONEȱISȱDRIVINGȱBOTHȱINTOXICATEDȱONȱ
ALCOHOLȱANDȱINTOXICATEDȱONȱANYȱOTHERȱDRUGȱ(INCLUDINGȱMARIJUANA),ȱ
ALCOHOLȱISȱALMOSTȱALWAYSȱTHEȱONLYȱINTOXICANTȱTESTEDȱFOR.ȱAȱDRIVERȱWHOȱ
TESTSȱOVERȱTHEȱLEGALȱLIMITȱFORȱALCOHOLȱWILLȱBEȱCHARGEDȱWITHȱDUI,ȱEVENȱIFȱHEȱ
ORȱSHEȱISȱPOSITIVEȱFORȱOTHERȱDRUGS.ȱHOWEVER,ȱWHETHERȱORȱNOTȱHEȱORȱSHEȱISȱ
POSITIVEȱFORȱOTHERȱDRUGSȱWILLȱREMAINȱUNKNOWNȱBECAUSEȱOTHERȱDRUGSȱAREȱ
NOTȱOFTENȱTESTEDȱFOR.ȱ
ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 45
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ23ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱBureauȱofȱInvestigationȱandȱRockyȱMountainȱHIDTAȱ
ȱ
TheȱaboveȱgraphȱisȱRockyȱMountainȱHIDTA’sȱconversionȱofȱtheȱfollowingȱ
ChemaToxȱdataȱasȱwellȱasȱdataȱfromȱtheȱColoradoȱBureauȱofȱInvestigation’sȱ
stateȱlaboratory.ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ THEȱABOVEȱGRAPHSȱINCLUDEȱDATAȱFROMȱCHEMATOXȱLABORATORYȱWHICHȱWASȱ
MERGEDȱWITHȱDATAȱSUPPLIEDȱBYȱCOLORADOȱDEPARTMENTȱOFȱPUBLICȱHEALTHȱANDȱ
ENVIRONMENTȱȬȱTOXICOLOGYȱLABORATORY.ȱȱTHEȱVASTȱMAJORITYȱOFȱTHEȱSCREENSȱ
AREȱDUIDȱSUBMISSIONSȱFROMȱCOLORADOȱLAWȱENFORCEMENT.ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ COLORADOȱDEPARTMENTȱOFȱPUBLICȱHEALTHȱANDȱENVIRONMENTȱDISCONTINUEDȱ
TESTINGȱINȱJULYȱ2013.ȱȱTHEȱCOLORADOȱBUREAUȱOFȱINVESTIGATIONȱBEGANȱTESTINGȱ
ONȱJULYȱ1,ȱ2015.ȱ
ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 46
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ24ȱ
ChemaToxȱandȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironmentȱ
(DataȱCombinedȱ2009Ȭ2013)ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SarahȱUrfer,ȱM.S.,ȱDȬABFTȬFT;ȱChemaToxȱLaboratoryȱ
ȱ
ChemaToxȱDataȱOnlyȱ(2013ȬMayȱ2016)ȱ
ȱȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SarahȱUrfer,ȱM.D.,ȱDȬABFTȬFT,ȱChemaToxȱLaboratoryȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 47
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ25ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱStateȱPatrol,ȱCSPȱCitationsȱforȱDrugȱImpairmentȱbyȱDrugȱTypeȱ
ȱ
Inȱ2015,ȱ77ȱpercentȱofȱtotalȱDUIDsȱinvolvedȱmarijuanaȱandȱ40ȱpercentȱofȱtotalȱ
DUIDsȱinvolvedȱmarijuanaȱonlyȱ
ȱ
Inȱ2015,ȱColoradoȱStateȱPatrolȱmadeȱ1,000ȱlessȱDUIȱandȱDUIDȱcasesȱthanȱinȱ
2014.ȱȱHowever,ȱmarijuanaȱmadeȱupȱ15ȱpercentȱofȱtheȱtotalȱinȱ2015ȱandȱ12ȱ
percentȱofȱtheȱtotalȱinȱ2014.ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ “MARIJUANAȱCITATIONSȱDEFINEDȱASȱANYȱCITATIONȱWHEREȱCONTACTȱWASȱCITEDȱFORȱ
DRIVINGȱUNDERȱTHEȱINFLUENCEȱ(DUI)ȱORȱDRIVINGȱWHILEȱABILITYȱIMPAIREDȱ
(DWAI)ȱANDȱMARIJUANAȱINFORMATIONȱWASȱFILLEDȱOUTȱONȱTRAFFICȱSTOPȱFORMȱ
INDICATINGȱMARIJUANAȱ&ȱALCOHOL,ȱMARIJUANAȱ&ȱOTHERȱCONTROLLEDȱ
SUBSTANCES,ȱORȱMARIJUANAȱONLYȱPRESENTȱBASEDȱONȱOFFICERȱOPINIONȱONLYȱ(NOȱ
TOXICOLOGICALȱCONFIRMATION).”ȱȬȱCOLORADOȱSTATEȱPATROLȱ
ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 48
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ26ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ DenverȱPoliceȱDepartment,ȱTrafficȱOperationsȱBureauȱviaȱDataȱAnalysisȱUnitȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ LarimerȱCountyȱSheriff’sȱOffice,ȱRecordsȱSectionȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 49
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ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱTransportationȱ(CDOT)ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ ROCKYȱMOUNTAINȱHIDTAȱHASȱBEENȱASKEDȱABOUTȱTHEȱTOTALȱNUMBERȱOFȱ
TRAFFICȱACCIDENTSȱSEENȱINȱCOLORADOȱSINCEȱLEGALIZATIONȱANDȱIS,ȱ
THEREFORE,ȱPROVIDINGȱTHEȱDATA.ȱȱROCKYȱMOUNTAINȱHIDTAȱISȱNOTȱ
EQUATINGȱALLȱTRAFFICȱACCIDENTSȱWITHȱMARIJUANAȱLEGALIZATION.ȱ
Related Costs
ȱ
EconomicȱCostȱofȱVehicleȱAccidentsȱResultingȱinȱFatalities:ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱtheȱ
NationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱAdministrationȱreport,ȱTheȱEconomicȱandȱSocietalȱImpactȱ
OfȱMotorȱVehiclesȱCrashes,ȱ2010,ȱtheȱtotalȱeconomicȱcostsȱforȱaȱvehicleȱfatalityȱisȱ
$1,398,916.ȱȱThatȱincludesȱpropertyȱdamage,ȱmedical,ȱinsurance,ȱproductivity,ȱamongȱ
otherȱconsiderations.1ȱ
ȱ
CostȱofȱDrivingȱUnderȱtheȱInfluence:ȱȱTheȱcostȱassociatedȱwithȱtheȱfirstȱdrivingȬ
underȬtheȬinfluenceȱ(DUI)ȱoffenseȱisȱestimatedȱatȱ$10,270.ȱȱCostsȱassociatedȱwithȱaȱ
DUIDȱ(drivingȬunderȬtheȬinfluenceȬofȬdrugs)ȱareȱveryȱsimilarȱtoȱthoseȱofȱaȱ
DUI/alcohol.2ȱ
ȱ
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Some Information from Washington State
ȱ
MarijuanaȬRelatedȱFatalȱCarȱAccidentsȱSurgeȱinȱWashingtonȱStateȱAfterȱ
Legalization:3ȱ
x TenȱpercentȱofȱWashingtonȱstateȱdriversȱinvolvedȱinȱfatalȱcarȱcrashesȱbetweenȱ
2010ȱandȱ2014ȱtestedȱpositiveȱforȱrecentȱmarijuanaȱuse,ȱwithȱtheȱpercentageȱofȱ
driversȱwhoȱhadȱusedȱpotȱwithinȱhoursȱofȱaȱcrashȱdoublingȱbetweenȱ2013ȱandȱ
2014ȱ(AAAȱFoundationȱforȱTrafficȱSafety).ȱ
x Forȱ2013,ȱthereȱwereȱ436ȱfatalȱcrashesȱinȱWashington.ȱȱAmongȱthoseȱcrashes,ȱ
thereȱwereȱ40ȱinȱwhichȱtheȱdriversȱinvolvedȱtestedȱpositiveȱforȱTHCȱ(9ȱpercent).ȱȱ
Forȱ2014,ȱthereȱwereȱ462ȱfatalȱcrashes,ȱ85ȱdriversȱtestedȱpositiveȱforȱTHCȱ(18ȱ
percent).ȱ
ȱ
MoreȱPotȱUseȱFoundȱinȱFatalȱCrashes,ȱDataȱSays:ȱȱ“Weȱhaveȱseenȱmarijuanaȱ
involvementȱinȱfatalȱcrashesȱremainȱsteadyȱoverȱtheȱyearsȱandȱthenȱitȱjustȱspikedȱinȱ
2014,”ȱsaidȱDr.ȱStaciȱHoff,ȱWashingtonȱTrafficȱSafetyȱCommissionȱresearchȱdirector.4ȱ
ȱ
MoreȱDeathsȱonȱWashington’sȱRoads:5ȱ
x DriversȱwithȱactiveȱTHCȱinȱtheirȱbloodȱinvolvedȱinȱaȱfatalȱdrivingȱaccidentȱhaveȱ
increasedȱ122.2ȱpercentȱfromȱ2010ȱtoȱ2014.ȱ
x Thereȱwasȱaȱ400ȱpercentȱincreaseȱofȱmarijuanaȬrelatedȱDUIsȱbetweenȱ2012ȱandȱ
2014.ȱ
x “MarijuanaȬonlyȱDUIsȱhaveȱalsoȱbeenȱonȱtheȱriseȱsinceȱ2012.ȱȱTheseȱareȱDUIsȱforȱ
whichȱmarijuanaȱwasȱconfirmedȱtoȱbeȱtheȱonlyȱactiveȱdrugȱinȱtheȱdriver’sȱsystem.ȱȱ
Fromȱ2012ȱtoȱ2014ȱtheȱdepartmentȱ[WashingtonȱStateȱTrafficȱSafetyȱCommission]ȱ
notedȱaȱ460ȱpercentȱincrease.”ȱ
Case Examples and Related Material
ȱ
20ȬYearȬOldȱColoradoȱManȱKillsȱ8ȬYearȬOldȱGirlȱWhileȱDrivingȱHighȱȱAȱformerȱ
starȱathleteȱatȱMeadȱHighȱSchoolȱaccusedȱofȱfatallyȱrunningȱoverȱanȱ8ȬyearȬoldȱ
Longmontȱgirlȱonȱherȱbikeȱtoldȱpoliceȱheȱthoughtȱheȇdȱhitȱtheȱcurbȱ—ȱuntilȱheȱsawȱtheȱ
girlȇsȱstepfatherȱwavingȱatȱhim,ȱaccordingȱtoȱanȱarrestȱaffidavitȱreleasedȱJulyȱ29,ȱ2016.ȱ
KyleȱKennethȱCouch,ȱ20,ȱturnedȱrightȱonȱaȱredȱlightȱatȱtheȱsameȱtimeȱPeytonȱ
KnowltonȱrolledȱintoȱtheȱcrosswalkȱonȱMayȱ20,ȱ2016.ȱȱTheȱgirlȱwasȱcrushedȱbyȱtheȱrearȱ
rightȱtireȱofȱtheȱFordȱFȬ250ȱpickup,ȱandȱdiedȱfromȱherȱinjuries.ȱȱCouch,ȱofȱLongmont,ȱ
surrenderedȱtoȱpoliceȱFridayȱonȱanȱarrestȱwarrantȱthatȱincludedȱchargesȱofȱvehicularȱ
homicideȱandȱdrivingȱunderȱtheȱinfluenceȱofȱdrugs.ȱȱOneȱbloodȱsampleȱcollectedȱmoreȱ
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thanȱtwoȱhoursȱafterȱtheȱcollisionȱtestedȱpositiveȱforȱcannabinoids,ȱfindingȱ1.5ȱ
nanogramsȱofȱTHCȱperȱmilliliterȱofȱblood.ȱȱThatȇsȱbelowȱColoradoȇsȱlegalȱlimitȱofȱ5ȱ
nanogramsȱperȱmilliliter.ȱȱButȱDeputyȱPoliceȱChiefȱJeffȱSaturȱsaidȱtheȱlawȱallowsȱtheȱ
DUIȱchargeȱwhenȱthoseȱtestȱresultsȱareȱcombinedȱwithȱofficerȱobservationsȱofȱimpairedȱ
behaviorȱandȱmarijuanaȱevidenceȱfoundȱinsideȱCouchȇsȱȱpickup.ȱ
Theȱpresumptiveȱsentencingȱrangeȱforȱvehicularȱhomicide,ȱaȱClassȱ3ȱfelony,ȱisȱfourȱtoȱ
12ȱyearsȱinȱprison.ȱ
CouchȱattendsȱColoradoȱMesaȱUniversityȱwhere,ȱinȱ2015,ȱheȱappearedȱinȱsixȱgamesȱ
asȱaȱlinebackerȱasȱaȱredȱshirtȱfreshmanȱforȱtheȱfootballȱteam.ȱȱInȱ2013,ȱCouchȱbecameȱtheȱ
firstȱathleteȱfromȱMeadȱHighȱSchoolȱtoȱwinȱaȱstateȱtitleȱwhenȱheȱcapturedȱtheȱClassȱ4Aȱ
wrestlingȱchampionshipȱatȱ182ȱpounds.ȱȱHeȱwasȱnamedȱtheȱLongmontȱTimesȬCallȇsȱ
WrestlerȱofȱtheȱYearȱthatȱseasonȱandȱwasȱableȱtoȱdefendȱhisȱcrownȱaȱyearȱlater,ȱwinningȱ
theȱ4Aȱtitleȱatȱ195ȱpoundsȱtoȱcapȱhisȱseniorȱseasonȱwithȱaȱ49Ȭ1ȱrecord.ȱ
Couch,ȱnowȱ20,ȱhasȱbeenȱarrestedȱonȱsuspicionȱofȱvehicularȱhomicideȱandȱdrivingȱ
underȱtheȱinfluenceȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱconnectionȱwithȱtheȱdeathȱofȱ8ȬyearȬoldȱPeytonȱ
Knowlton.6ȱ
ȱ
FatherȱBlamesȱTeenageȱ“Son’sȱDeathȱinȱPartȱonȱLegalizedȱPot”:ȱȱAȱ17ȬyearȬold,ȱ
drivingȱwhileȱhighȱonȱmarijuanaȱwhenȱhisȱcarȱstruckȱandȱkilledȱanotherȱteenageȱboy,ȱ
wasȱsentencedȱtoȱtwoȱyearsȱinȱyouthȱcorrections.ȱȱTheȱincidentȱoccurredȱinȱNovemberȱofȱ
2014,ȱtheȱteenagerȱwasȱsentencedȱinȱAprilȱofȱ2016.ȱ
Bothȱtheȱfatherȱofȱtheȱvictimȱandȱtheȱ17thȱJudicialȱDistrictȱAttorneyȱblamedȱ
marijuanaȱforȱwhatȱhappened.ȱȱ
TheȱBroomfieldȱcourtroomȱwasȱcrowdedȱwithȱfamilyȱandȱfriendsȱofȱtheȱvictim.ȱȱ
Theyȱworeȱbuttonsȱreadingȱ“JusticeȱforȱChad”ȱinȱmemoryȱofȱChadȱBrittonȱwhoȱwasȱ
onlyȱ16.ȱȱTheȱteenȱwasȱhisȱfather’sȱbestȱfriendȱbeforeȱheȱwasȱkilled.ȱȱWithȱtearsȱrollingȱ
downȱhisȱcheekȱLonnieȱBrittonȱspokeȱofȱhisȱboy,ȱ“Heȱwasȱaȱbeautifulȱsoul.ȱHe’dȱdoȱ
anythingȱforȱanyone.”ȱ
ItȱwasȱnormalȱdayȱatȱBroomfieldȱHighȱSchoolȱwhenȱChadȱwentȱtoȱhisȱcarȱduringȱ
lunch.ȱȱAnotherȱteenȱwasȱdrivingȱaȱseparateȱcar,ȱsoȱhighȱonȱmarijuanaȱhisȱfriendsȱ
warnedȱhimȱnotȱtoȱdrive.ȱȱTragically,ȱChadȱwasȱstruckȱandȱkilled.ȱȱAȱwitnessȱatȱtheȱtimeȱ
toldȱreporters,ȱ“Heȱwasȱputtingȱstuffȱinȱtheȱbackȱofȱhisȱcarȱandȱtheȱotherȱkidȱwasn’tȱ
payingȱattentionȱandȱjustȱhitȱhim.”ȱ
Inȱjuvenileȱcourt,ȱfamilyȱandȱfriendsȱtriedȱtoȱholdȱbackȱtheȱtearsȱbutȱfailed.ȱȱItȱwasȱanȱ
emotionalȱsentencingȱasȱtheȱdriverȱofȱtheȱcar,ȱBrandonȱCullip,ȱwasȱsentencedȱtoȱtwoȱ
yearsȱinȱyouthȱcorrections.ȱȱCullipȱpleadedȱguiltyȱtoȱvehicularȱhomicideȱinȱFebruaryȱofȱ
2016.ȱȱCullipȱhadȱobtainedȱhisȱdriver’sȱlicenseȱjustȱsixȱdaysȱbeforeȱtheȱaccidentȱoccurred.ȱ
Britton’sȱfatherȱtoldȱtheȱjudgeȱheȱhad,ȱ“aȱholeȱinȱhisȱheartȱthatȱwillȱneverȱbeȱ
mended”ȱandȱheȱblamedȱhisȱson’sȱdeathȱinȱpartȱonȱlegalizedȱpot.ȱȱ“Iȱthinkȱthisȱwasȱ
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probablyȱtheȱworstȱthingȱthatȱcouldȱhappenȱtoȱtheȱstateȱofȱColorado,ȱpassingȱtheȱ
marijuanaȱlaw,”ȱLonnieȱBrittonȱsaid.ȱ
WhenȱrecreationalȱpotȱwasȱlegalizedȱinȱColoradoȱthereȱwasȱfearȱaboutȱthisȱveryȱsortȱ
ofȱthingȱhappening.ȱȱDaveȱYoung,ȱtheȱdistrictȱattorneyȱforȱtheȱ17thȱJudicialȱDistrictȱ
coveringȱAdamsȱandȱBroomfieldȱcounties,ȱtoldȱCBS4’sȱRickȱSallinger,ȱ“Theȱlegalizationȱ
ofȱmarijuanaȱhasȱsuppliedȱmarijuanaȱtoȱkidsȱandȱourȱyouthȱandȱIȱdon’tȱthinkȱit’sȱgoingȱ
toȱbeȱtheȱlastȱtimeȱweȱhaveȱaȱtragedyȱlikeȱthisȱbecauseȱofȱmarijuana.”7ȱ
ȱ
MiddleȱSchoolȱCounselorȱKilledȱbyȱHighȱDriverȱasȱSheȱHelpedȱFellowȱMotorist:ȱȱȱ
AȱcounselorȱatȱWolfȱPointȱMiddleȱSchool,ȱMontana,ȱwasȱhitȱbyȱaȱcarȱandȱkilledȱbyȱanȱ
impairedȱdriverȱinȱColoradoȱasȱsheȱstoppedȱtoȱhelpȱanotherȱdriver.ȱȱTheȱJeffersonȱ
CountyȱcoronerȱinȱColoradoȱidentifiedȱtheȱwomanȱasȱJanaȱElliott,ȱ56.ȱȱSheȱdiedȱofȱ
multipleȱbluntȱforceȱtraumaȱinjuries.ȱElliottȱisȱidentifiedȱasȱaȱcounselorȱforȱtheȱsixthȱ
gradeȱinȱMontana.ȱ
TheȱdriverȱwhoȱhitȱElliott,ȱidentifiedȱasȱCurtisȱBlodgett,ȱ24,ȱisȱbeingȱchargedȱwithȱ
vehicularȱhomicideȱforȱallegedlyȱsmokingȱmarijuanaȱpriorȱtoȱtheȱcrash,ȱaccordingȱtoȱTheȱ
DenverȱPost.ȱȱBlodgettȱallegedlyȱadmittedȱheȱhadȱsmokedȱmarijuanaȱthatȱday.ȱȱ
DetectivesȱareȱworkingȱtoȱdetermineȱwhetherȱBlodgettȱwasȱlegallyȱimpairedȱatȱtheȱtimeȱ
ofȱtheȱcrash.ȱȱ“Howȱmuchȱheȱhadȱinȱhisȱsystemȱandȱwhatȱheȱhadȱinȱhisȱsystemȱwillȱ
determineȱwhetherȱadditionalȱchargesȱcouldȱbeȱfiled,”ȱLakewoodȱPoliceȱSpokesmanȱ
SteveȱDavisȱtoldȱTheȱPost.ȱ
AccordingȱtoȱtheȱLakewoodȱPoliceȱDepartmentȱTrafficȱUnit,ȱElliottȱwasȱdrivingȱonȱ
USȱHighwayȱ6ȱwhenȱaȱvehicleȱtravelingȱinȱtheȱleftȱlaneȱlostȱtheȱbicycleȱitȱwasȱcarryingȱ
onȱitsȱtop.ȱȱTheȱdriverȱofȱtheȱvehicleȱstoppedȱtoȱretrieveȱtheȱbikeȱandȱElliottȱstoppedȱ
alongȱtheȱshoulderȱasȱwellȱtoȱhelp.ȱȱAfterȱtheyȱretrievedȱtheȱbicycleȱandȱwereȱpreparingȱ
toȱdriveȱaway,ȱanotherȱvehicleȱrearȱendedȱElliott’sȱvehicleȱatȱaȱspeedȱofȱ65ȱmph.ȱȱElliottȱ
wasȱkilledȱinȱtheȱcrash.8ȱ
ȱ
TeenȱDriverȱChargedȱWithȱVehicularȱHomicideȱandȱDUIȱinȱBoulder,ȱColoradoȱ
Crash:ȱ
Aȱ17ȬyearȬoldȱaccusedȱofȱdrivingȱintoȱaȱstoppedȱcarȱandȱkillingȱtwoȱpeopleȱinȱMayȱofȱ
2016ȱwasȱchargedȱwithȱfourȱcountsȱofȱvehicularȱhomicide,ȱasȱBoulderȱprosecutorsȱ
allegedȱforȱtheȱfirstȱtimeȱthatȱtheȱteenȱwasȱunderȱtheȱinfluenceȱofȱmarijuanaȱatȱtheȱtimeȱ
ofȱtheȱcrash.ȱ
JoeȱRamas,ȱ39,ȱandȱStaceyȱReynolds,ȱ30,ȱbothȱofȱBoulder,ȱdiedȱasȱaȱresultȱofȱtheȱ
injuriesȱtheyȱsustainedȱinȱtheȱMayȱ7ȱcrash.ȱȱTheȱteenȱdriver,ȱQuinnȱHefferan,ȱisȱbeingȱ
prosecutedȱasȱaȱjuvenileȱinȱthisȱcase.ȱȱHefferanȱjustȱrecentlyȱgraduatedȱfromȱBoulderȱ
HighȱSchoolȱinȱtheȱspringȱofȱ2016.ȱȱ
HefferanȱturnedȱhimselfȱinȱtoȱpoliceȱandȱappearedȱinȱcourtȱWednesdayȱmorning.ȱȱ
HeȱwasȱchargedȱwithȱtwoȱcountsȱofȱvehicularȱhomicideȱunderȱaȱrecklessȬdrivingȱtheoryȱ
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andȱtwoȱcountsȱofȱvehicularȱhomicideȱunderȱaȱdrivingȬunderȬtheȬinfluenceȬofȬdrugsȱ
theory.ȱȱHeȱalsoȱwillȱbeȱchargedȱinȱBoulderȱCountyȱCourtȱwithȱDUIȱ(drugs),ȱrecklessȱ
driving,ȱimproperȱlaneȱchangeȱandȱrunningȱaȱredȱlight.ȱȱ
DistrictȱAttorneyȱStanȱGarnettȱsaidȱtheȱDUIȬrelatedȱchargesȱagainstȱHefferanȱstemȱ
fromȱtheȱteenȇsȱsuspectedȱuseȱofȱmarijuana.ȱȱTheȱmaximumȱpenaltyȱforȱvehicularȱ
homicideȱagainstȱaȱjuvenileȱisȱtwoȱyearsȱinȱtheȱdepartmentȱofȱyouthȱcorrections,ȱGarnettȱ
said.ȱ
JustȱbeforeȱmidnightȱonȱMayȱ7,ȱpoliceȱsayȱHefferanȱwasȱdrivingȱaȱ2002ȱVolkswagenȱ
JettaȱwhenȱheȱrearȬendedȱaȱ2010ȱHondaȱFitȱstoppedȱatȱaȱredȱlight.ȱȱTheȱJettaȱalsoȱstruckȱaȱ
2008ȱDodgeȱRamȱthatȱwasȱstoppedȱatȱtheȱlightȱasȱwell.ȱȱTheȱtwoȱoccupantsȱofȱtheȱFitȱ—ȱ
RamasȱandȱReynoldsȱ—ȱwereȱtakenȱtoȱBoulderȱCommunityȱHealthȱinȱcriticalȱcondition,ȱ
butȱeachȱwasȱtakenȱoffȱlifeȱsupportȱandȱdiedȱwithinȱdaysȱofȱtheȱcrash.ȱ
Hefferanȱwasȱtreatedȱforȱminorȱinjuriesȱandȱreleased,ȱwhileȱtheȱoccupantsȱofȱtheȱ
Ramȱwereȱnotȱinjured.ȱȱPoliceȱsaidȱHefferanȱwasȱdrivingȱȈatȱleastȈȱ45ȱmphȱandȱthatȱthereȱ
wasȱ‘minimalȱbraking’ȱbeforeȱtheȱcrash.9ȱ
ȱ
TeensȱinȱFatalȱCrashȱhadȱMarijuanaȱandȱTracesȱofȱXanaxȱinȱTheirȱSystems:ȱȱTheȱ
18ȬyearȬoldȱdriverȱandȱtwoȱotherȱteensȱthatȱdiedȱinȱaȱcarȱcrashȱinȱMayȱnearȱConiferȱ
testedȱpositiveȱforȱtracesȱofȱprescriptionȱdrugsȱandȱmarijuana.ȱ
Theȱcrashȱhappenedȱatȱ4:35ȱp.m.ȱonȱMayȱ10,ȱ2016ȱwhenȱtheȱdriverȱofȱaȱDodgeȱ
DakotaȱpickupȱtruckȱtravelingȱnearȱConifer,ȱColoradoȱlostȱcontrolȱandȱranȱoffȱtheȱroad,ȱ
rollingȱdownȱanȱembankmentȱandȱintoȱaȱcreek.ȱȱThreeȱteenageȱboys,ȱincludingȱtheȱ
driver,ȱdied.ȱȱOneȱotherȱpassengerȱwasȱtransportedȱtoȱaȱhospitalȱandȱwasȱexpectedȱtoȱ
survive.ȱȱAllȱofȱthemȱwereȱstudentsȱfromȱSt.ȱJohn’sȱMilitaryȱSchoolȱinȱSalina,ȱKansas,ȱanȱ
EpiscopalianȱallȬboysȱboardingȱschool,ȱandȱwereȱonȱaȱtripȱafterȱtheȱendȱofȱtheȱschoolȱ
year.ȱ
Theȱtoxicologyȱreports,ȱreleasedȱbyȱtheȱJeffersonȱCountyȱcoroner’sȱofficeȱThursday,ȱ
showedȱallȱthreeȱteensȱ—ȱJacobȱWhitting,ȱJohnȱYoder,ȱ19,ȱandȱAkinwumiȱRicketts,ȱ16ȱ—ȱ
hadȱtakenȱXanax,ȱanȱantiȬanxietyȱdrug,ȱandȱmarijuana.ȱȱTheȱtoxicologyȱscreenȱofȱtheȱ
driver,ȱWhitting,ȱrecordedȱTHCȱlevelsȱatȱhigherȱthanȱ5ȱnanogramsȱorȱmoreȱofȱactiveȱ
THCȱ(deltaȬ9ȱtetrahydrocannabinol)ȱperȱmilliliterȱofȱbloodȱwhich,ȱunderȱColoradoȱlaw,ȱ
isȱconsideredȱimpairedȱwhileȱdriving.ȱȱNoneȱofȱtheȱboysȱtestedȱpositiveȱforȱalcohol.ȱ
Whittingȱhadȱjustȱgraduatedȱasȱvaledictorian.ȱȱHeȱhadȱreceivedȱaȱvarsityȱletterȱforȱ
academics,ȱamongȱotherȱawards.10ȱ
ȱ
Impaired,ȱEvenȱifȱBloodȱLevelsȱareȱBelowȱ5ng/ml:ȱȱ“Theȱpercentageȱofȱdriversȱ
involvedȱinȱfatalȱcrashesȱwhoȱhadȱtracesȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheirȱbloodȱhasȱdoubledȱsinceȱ
marijuanaȱwasȱlegalizedȱinȱWashingtonȱstate,ȱaȱnewȱstudyȱsuggests.ȱ
‘Marijuanaȱuseȱinȱdrivingȱisȱaȱgrowing,ȱcontributingȱfactorȱtoȱfatalȱcrashes,’ȱsaidȱJakeȱ
Nelson,ȱtheȱdirectorȱofȱtrafficȱsafetyȱadvocacyȱandȱresearchȱatȱtheȱAmericanȱAutomobileȱ
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Associationȱ(AAA)ȱsaid.ȱȱ‘Itȇsȱaȱhighwayȱsafetyȱproblemȱthatȱweȱshouldȱallȱbeȱconcernedȱ
about.’ȱ
Theȱteamȱfoundȱthatȱpriorȱtoȱlegalization,ȱaboutȱ8.3ȱpercentȱofȱdriversȱinvolvedȱinȱ
fatalȱcrashesȱhadȱTHCȱinȱtheirȱblood,ȱbutȱafterȱlegalization,ȱ17ȱpercentȱofȱdriversȱhadȱ
THCȱinȱtheirȱblood.ȱȱOfȱthatȱ17ȱpercent,ȱaboutȱtwoȬthirdsȱalsoȱhadȱsomeȱotherȱdrugsȱorȱ
alcoholȱinȱtheirȱsystem.ȱȱTheȱtotalȱnumberȱofȱfatalȱcrashesȱalsoȱwentȱupȱslightly,ȱtheȱ
studyȱfound.ȱ
Whileȱtheȱstudyȱcanȇtȱproveȱthatȱmarijuanaȱwasȱaȱkeyȱcauseȱofȱthoseȱcrashes,ȱitȱisȱ
likelyȱthatȱmarijuanaȱisȱatȱleastȱoneȱcontributorȱtoȱthoseȱfatalȱcrashes,ȱNelsonȱsaid.ȱ
Theȱresearchersȱfoundȱthatȱ70ȱpercentȱofȱdriversȱwhoȱfailedȱtheseȱsobrietyȱtests,ȱandȱ
whoseȱimpairmentȱwasȱattributedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱbyȱdrugȬrecognitionȱexperts,ȱstillȱhadȱ
bloodȱlevelsȱofȱTHCȱlowerȱthanȱ5ȱnanogramsȱperȱmilliliter.ȱ
‘Forȱinstance,ȱitȇsȱpossibleȱthatȱpoliceȱareȱsimplyȱtestingȱforȱTHCȱmoreȱoftenȱnowȱthatȱ
theȱdrugȱhasȱbeenȱlegalized,ȱandȱareȱthereforeȱcatchingȱpeopleȱwhoȱmightȱhaveȱbeenȱ
missedȱinȱpreviousȱyears,’ȱ[Benjamin]ȱHansenȱ[anȱeconomistȱatȱtheȱUniversityȱofȱ
OregonȱinȱEugeneȱandȱatȱtheȱNationalȱBureauȱofȱEconomicȱResearch]ȱsaid.ȱȱ‘Itȇsȱalsoȱ
possibleȱthatȱpeopleȱwhoȱareȱfoundȱtoȱhaveȱdetectableȱlevelsȱofȱTHCȱinȱtheirȱbloodȱwereȱ
notȱimpairedȱatȱtheȱtimeȱofȱtheȱcrash,’ȱheȱadded.”11ȱ
ȱ
DelaysȱinȱDUIȱBloodȱTestingȱ–ȱImpactȱonȱCannabisȱDUIȱAssessments:ȱȱAȱstudyȱ
publishedȱinȱtheȱTrafficȱInjuryȱPreventionȱjournalȱ(Juneȱ11,ȱ2015)ȱsetȱoutȱtoȱexamineȱtimeȱ
fromȱlawȱenforcementȱdispatchȱtoȱtheȱfirstȱbloodȱdrawȱinȱcasesȱofȱdrivingȱunderȱtheȱ
influenceȱ(DUI)ȱinȱColoradoȱforȱ2012.ȱȱLaboratoryȱtoxicologyȱresultsȱwereȱalsoȱlookedȱatȱ
inȱorderȱtoȱunderstandȱtheȱimplicationsȱofȱdelaysȱinȱbloodȱdrawsȱinȱcasesȱofȱDUIȱofȱ
marijuana’sȱTHC.ȱȱTheȱresultsȱofȱthisȱstudyȱrevealedȱthatȱtheȱaverageȱtimeȱfromȱlawȱ
enforcementȱdispatchȱtoȱbloodȱdrawȱinȱcasesȱofȱvehicularȱhomicideȱandȱvehicularȱ
assaultȱwasȱ2.32ȱhours,ȱwithȱaȱrangeȱofȱ.83ȱtoȱ8.0ȱhours.ȱȱDataȱfromȱDUIȱtrafficȱarrestsȱ
foundȱthatȱbetweenȱ42ȱandȱ70ȱpercentȱofȱallȱcannabinoidȬpositiveȱtrafficȱarrestsȱtestedȱ
belowȱ5ȱng/mlȱTHCȱinȱblood,ȱwhichȱisȱtheȱlegalȱlimitȱinȱColoradoȱandȱWashington.ȱȱ
Researchersȱdiscussȱtheȱfactȱthatȱalcoholȱisȱmetabolizedȱatȱaȱlinearȱrate,ȱwhichȱallowsȱ
forensicȱtoxicologistsȱtoȱdetermineȱbloodȱalcoholȱcontentȱatȱtheȱtimeȱofȱarrestȱwhenȱ
multipleȱbloodȱdeterminationsȱareȱavailable.ȱȱInȱcontrast,ȱTHCȱisȱmoreȱproblematicȱasȱitȱ
isȱnotȱmetabolizedȱinȱaȱlinearȱfashion.ȱȱTHCȱisȱnotȱaȱreliableȱmarkerȱforȱimpairmentȱ
becauseȱitȱcanȱbeȱdetectedȱinȱbloodȱforȱhoursȱorȱevenȱdaysȱafterȱsignsȱofȱimpairmentȱ
disappear.ȱȱInȱfact,ȱthereȱisȱnoȱacceptedȱmethodȱtoȱextrapolateȱbackwardȱfromȱtheȱtimeȱ
ofȱarrestȱorȱaȱcrash,ȱasȱcanȱbeȱdoneȱwithȱalcohol.ȱȱTheȱdifficultyȱinȱidentifyingȱaȱsuitableȱ
testȱforȱdeterminingȱaȱdriver’sȱimpairmentȱfromȱTHCȱfurtherȱaddsȱtoȱtheȱcontroversyȱ
surroundingȱtheȱlegalizationȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱstate.12ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ33ȱ
ScientificȱBasisȱforȱLawsȱonȱMarijuana,ȱDrivingȱQuestioned:ȱȱThereȱisȱnoȱscienceȱ
thatȱshowsȱdriversȱbecomeȱimpairedȱatȱaȱspecificȱlevelȱofȱTHCȱinȱtheȱblood.ȱȱAȱlotȱ
dependsȱonȱtheȱindividual.ȱȱDriversȱwithȱrelativelyȱhighȱlevelsȱofȱTHCȱinȱtheirȱsystemsȱ
mightȱnotȱbeȱimpaired,ȱespeciallyȱifȱtheyȱareȱregularȱusers,ȱwhileȱothersȱwithȱrelativelyȱ
lowȱlevelsȱmayȱbeȱunsafeȱbehindȱtheȱwheel.ȱ
Someȱdriversȱmayȱbeȱimpairedȱwhenȱtheyȱareȱstoppedȱbyȱpolice,ȱbutȱbyȱtheȱtimeȱ
theirȱbloodȱisȱtestedȱtheyȱhaveȱfallenȱbelowȱtheȱlegalȱthresholdȱbecauseȱactiveȱTHCȱ
dissipatesȱrapidly.ȱȱTheȱaverageȱtimeȱtoȱcollectȱbloodȱfromȱaȱsuspectedȱdriverȱisȱoftenȱ
moreȱthanȱtwoȱhours,ȱbecauseȱtakingȱaȱbloodȱsampleȱtypicallyȱrequiresȱaȱwarrantȱandȱ
transportȱtoȱaȱpoliceȱstationȱorȱhospital.13ȱ
ȱ
OverviewȱofȱMajorȱIssuesȱRegardingȱtheȱImpactsȱofȱAlcoholȱandȱMarijuanaȱonȱ
Driving:ȱ
x THCȱconcentratesȱinȱfattyȱtissue,ȱincludingȱtheȱbrain,ȱandȱisȱlessȱevenlyȬ
distributedȱthroughoutȱtheȱbodyȱthanȱisȱalcohol.ȱȱBloodȱlevels,ȱtherefore,ȱmayȱnotȱ
beȱreflectiveȱofȱcentralȱnervousȱsystemȱeffects,ȱincludingȱtheȱabilityȱtoȱsafelyȱ
operateȱaȱmotorȱvehicle.ȱ
x Impairmentȱremainsȱforȱ2ȱtoȱ4ȱhoursȱafterȱintakeȱ(atȱleastȱinȱsmokingȱresearch)ȱ
despiteȱbloodȱlevelsȱdroppingȱrapidlyȱtoȱlowȱlevels.ȱȱFollowingȱoralȱingestion,ȱ
absorptionȱisȱslowerȱwithȱmuchȱlater,ȱandȱlower,ȱpeakȱbloodȱconcentrationsȱbutȱ
stillȱsubstantialȱimpairment.ȱ
x Acuteȱmarijuanaȱuseȱhasȱbeenȱshownȱtoȱmoderatelyȱdiminishȱvirtuallyȱeveryȱ
drivingȬrelatedȱcapacity.ȱȱEffectsȱdependȱonȱdose,ȱabsorption,ȱtimeȱsinceȱpeakȱ
bloodȱlevel,ȱhistoryȱofȱuseȱandȱskill/taskȱinvolved.14ȱ
ȱ
DrugȱUseȱNowȱRivalsȱDrunkȱDrivingȱasȱCauseȱofȱFatalȱCarȱCrashes,ȱStudyȱSays:ȱȱ
AccordingȱtoȱtheȱGovernorsȱHighwayȱSafetyȱAssociation,ȱaȱnationalȱorganizationȱofȱ
stateȱhighwayȱsafetyȱofficers,ȱdrugsȱwereȱfoundȱinȱtheȱsystemsȱofȱalmostȱ40ȱpercentȱofȱ
fatallyȬinjuredȱdriversȱwhoȱwereȱtestedȱforȱthem.ȱȱThisȱnumberȱrivalsȱthatȱofȱtheȱnumberȱ
ofȱdriversȱwhoȱdiedȱwithȱalcoholȱinȱtheirȱsystem.ȱ
Theȱnumberȱofȱdeadȱdriversȱwhoȱtestedȱpositiveȱforȱdrugsȱhasȱincreasedȱfromȱ29ȱ
percentȱinȱ2005ȱtoȱ39.9ȱpercentȱinȱ2013,ȱaccordingȱtoȱfederalȱcrashȱdata.ȱ
“EveryȱstateȱmustȱtakeȱstepsȱtoȱreduceȱdrugȬimpairedȱdriving,ȱregardlessȱofȱtheȱlegalȱ
statusȱofȱmarijuana,”ȱstatedȱJonathanȱAdkins,ȱexecutiveȱdirectorȱofȱtheȱGovernorsȱ
HighwayȱSafetyȱAssociation.ȱ
Marijuanaȱisȱbyȱfarȱtheȱmostȱcommonȱdrugȱthatȱisȱused,ȱfoundȱinȱroadsideȱsurveys,ȱ
andȱfoundȱinȱfatallyȬinjuredȱdrivers.ȱȱMarijuanaȱuseȱbyȱdriversȱlikelyȱincreasesȱafterȱaȱ
stateȱpermitsȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱuse.15ȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ34ȱ
DriveȱHighȱorȱDriveȱDrunk,ȱWhichȱisȱSafer?:ȱȱ“Ourȱdataȱfurtherȱsuggestȱthatȱmanyȱ
marijuanaȱusersȱinȱColoradoȱandȱWashingtonȱbelieveȱthatȱdrivingȱwhileȱunderȱtheȱ
influenceȱofȱmarijuanaȱorȱhashishȱisȱsafeȱinȱgeneralȱandȱsaferȱthanȱdrivingȱunderȱtheȱ
influenceȱofȱalcohol.ȱȱHowever,ȱitȱisȱclearȱthatȱmarijuanaȱuseȱimpairsȱtheȱabilityȱtoȱdrive,ȱ
particularlyȱamongȱoccasionalȱmarijuanaȱusersȱwhoȱmayȱbeȱlessȱtolerantȱtoȱTHC.”16ȱ
ȱ
StonedȱDriversȱDidn’tȱThinkȱThey’dȱGetȱCaught:ȈOurȱresearchȱindicatesȱthatȱ
unfortunatelyȱaȱlotȱofȱmarijuanaȱusersȱareȱdrivingȱhighȱandȱmanyȱbelieveȱtheyȱwillȱnotȱ
getȱaȱDUIȱforȱdoingȱso,ȈȱCDOTȱspokeswomanȱAmyȱFordȱsaidȱinȱaȱstatement.ȱ
“Aboutȱ55ȱpercentȱofȱthemȱdroveȱaȱvehicleȱwithinȱ2ȱhoursȱofȱconsumingȱmarijuana,ȱaȱ
CDOTȱsurveyȱfound.”ȱ
“Throughȱitsȱ‘DriveȱHigh,ȱGetȱaȱDUI’ȱcampaign,ȱtheȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱ
Transportationȱreportedȱthatȱ51ȱpercentȱofȱmarijuanaȱusersȱdidȱnotȱthinkȱtheyȇdȱbeȱcitedȱ
forȱdrivingȱwhileȱunderȱtheȱinfluenceȱofȱtheȱdrug.”17ȱ
Sources
ȱ
1ȱȱU.S.ȱDepartmentȱofȱTransportationȱNationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱ
Administration,ȱ“TheȱEconomicȱandȱSocietalȱImpactȱOfȱMotorȱVehicleȱCrashes,ȱ2010,”ȱ
Mayȱ2014,ȱ<http://www.nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pubs/812013.pdf>,ȱaccessedȱFebruaryȱ19,ȱ
2015ȱ
ȱ
2ȱȱCostȱofȱaȱDUIȱbrochure,ȱ
<https://www.codot.gov/library/brochures/COSTDUI09.pdf/view>,ȱaccessedȱFebruaryȱ
19,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
3ȱȱAndreaȱNoble,ȱTheȱWashingtonȱTimes,ȱMayȱ10,ȱ2016,ȱ“MarijuanaȬrelatedȱfatalȱcarȱ
accidentsȱsurgeȱinȱWashingtonȱstateȱafterȱlegalization,”ȱ
<http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/may/10/marijuanaȬrelatedȬfatalȬcarȬ
accidentsȬsurgeȬwashin/>,ȱaccessedȱMayȱ10,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
4ȱȱBobȱYoung,ȱSeattleȱTimes,ȱ“Augustȱ19,ȱ2015ȱ(updatedȱAprilȱ25,ȱ2016),ȱ“Moreȱpotȱuseȱ
foundȱinȱfatalȱcrashes,ȱdataȱsays,”ȱ<http://www.seattletimes.com/seattleȬ
news/marijuana/moreȬpotȬuseȬfoundȬinȬfatalȬcrashesȬdataȬsays/>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ2,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
5ȱȱWashingtonȱStateȱMarijuanaȱImpactȱReport,ȱMarchȱ2016,ȱNorthwestȱHighȱIntensityȱ
DrugȱTraffickingȱArea,ȱDirectorȱDaveȱRodriguez,ȱDirectorȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ35ȱ
6ȱȱAmeliaȱArvesen,ȱTimesȬCall,ȱȱJulyȱ29,ȱ2016,ȱ“DriverȱaccusedȱofȱkillingȱLongmontȱ
girlȱridingȱbikeȱthoughtȱhe’dȱhitȱcurb,”ȱ
<http://www.timescall.com/news/crime/ci_30185142/driverȬaccusedȬkillingȬlongmontȬ
girlȬbikeȬthoughtȬhed”.ȱaccessedȱJulyȱ29,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
7ȱȱRickȱSallinger,ȱCBSȱ4/Denver,ȱAprilȱ8,ȱ2016,ȱ“TeenȱSentencedȱforȱDeadlyȱCrashȱ
DrivingȱWhileȱHigh,”ȱhttp://denver.cbslocal.com/2016/04/08/teenȬsentencedȬforȬdeadlyȬ
crashȬdrivingȬwhileȬhigh/,ȱaccessedȱAprilȱ8,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
8ȱȱAjaȱGoare,ȱKTVS.com,ȱJulyȱ13,ȱ2016,ȱ“WolfȱPointȱschoolȱcounselorȱkilledȱbyȱcarȱ
whileȱhelpingȱotherȱdriverȱinȱColorado,”ȱ<http://www.ktvq.com/story/32440083/wolfȬ
pointȬschoolȬcounselorȬkilledȬbyȬcarȬwhileȬhelpingȬotherȬdriverȬinȬcolorado>,ȱaccessedȱ
Julyȱ13,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
9ȱȱMitchellȱByars,ȱDailyCamera,ȱMayȱ25,ȱ2016,ȱ“Teenȱdriverȱchargedȱwithȱvehicularȱ
homicide,ȱDUIȱinȱfatalȱBoulderȱcrash,”ȱ
<http://www.dailycamera.com/news/boulder/ci_29937461/teenȬdriverȬbeȬchargedȬ
vehicularȬhomicideȬduiȬfatal>,ȱaccessedȱMayȱ25,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
10ȱȱYeseniaȱRobles,ȱTheȱDenverȱPost,ȱJulyȱ7,ȱ2016,ȱ“Autopsyȱshowsȱteensȱinȱfatalȱ
ConiferȱcrashȱhadȱtracesȱofȱXanaxȱandȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheirȱsystem”,ȱ
<http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/07/teensȬconiferȬcrashȬtracesȬdrugsȬthc/>,ȱ
accessedȱJulyȱ7,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
11ȱȱTiaȱGhose,ȱLiveȱScience,ȱMayȱ10,ȱ2016,ȱ“DoesȱDrivingȱHighȱonȱMarijuanaȱIncreaseȱ
FatalȱCrashes?,”ȱ<http://www.livescience.com/54693ȬhighȬdriversȬdoubleȬafterȬ
marijuanaȬlegalization.html>,ȱaccessedȱMayȱ10,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
12ȱȱEdȱWood,ȱAshleyȱBrooksȬRussellȱandȱPhillipȱDrum,ȱTaylorȱ&ȱFrancisȱOnline,ȱJuneȱ
11,ȱ2015,ȱ“DelaysȱinȱDUIȱbloodȱtesting:ȱImpactȱonȱcannabisȱDUIȱassessments,”ȱ
<http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15389588.2015.1052421>,ȱaccessedȱ
Februaryȱ25,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
13ȱȱJoanȱLowy,ȱAssociatedȱPress,ȱMayȱ10,ȱ2016,ȱ“Scientificȱbasisȱforȱlawsȱonȱmarijuana,ȱ
drivingȱquestioned,”ȱ
<http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ab89342fa73d434880e4f7c8137f0221/scientificȬbasisȬlawsȬ
marijuanaȬdrivingȬquestioned>,ȱaccessedȱMayȱ11,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ1:ȱȱImpairedȱDrivingȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ36ȱ
14ȱȱCalebȱBantaȬGreen,ȱPhD,ȱMPH,ȱMSWȱandȱJasonȱWilliams,ȱPhD,ȱUniversityȱofȱ
Washington,ȱsponsoredȱbyȱtheȱAAAȱFoundationȱforȱTrafficȱSafety,ȱ“OverviewȱofȱMajorȱ
IssuesȱRegardingȱtheȱImpactsȱofȱAlcoholȱandȱMarijuanaȱonȱDrivingȱ(Marchȱ2016),”ȱ
<https://www.aaafoundation.org/overviewȬmajorȬissuesȬregardingȬimpactsȬalcoholȬ
andȬmarijuanaȬdrivingȬ0>,ȱaccessedȱMarchȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
15ȱȱAshleyȱHalseyȱIII,ȱTheȱWashingtonȱPost,ȱSeptemberȱ30,ȱ2015,ȱ“Drugȱuseȱnowȱrivalsȱ
drunkȱdrivingȱasȱcauseȱofȱfatalȱcarȱcrashes,ȱstudyȱsays,ȱ
“<https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/drugȬuseȬnowȬrivalsȬ
drunkenȬdrivingȬasȬcauseȬofȬfatalȬcarȬcrashesȬstudyȬsays/2015/09/29/fc139d6aȬ66a9Ȭ
11e5Ȭ9223Ȭ70cb36460919_story.html>,ȱOctoberȱ1,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
16ȱȱDavis,ȱKC,ȱAllenȱJ,ȱDukeȱJ,ȱNonnemakerȱJ,ȱBradfieldȱB,ȱFarrellyȱMC,ȱetȱal.ȱ(2016)ȱ
CorrelatesȱofȱMarijuanaȱDruggedȱDrivingȱandȱOpennessȱtoȱDrivingȱWhileȱHigh:ȱ
EvidenceȱfromȱColoradoȱandȱWashington.ȱȱPloSȱONEȱ11(1):ȱe0146853.ȱDoi:ȱ
10.1371/journal.pone.0146853,ȱ
<http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0146853>,ȱaccessedȱ
Augustȱ1,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
17ȱȱChhunȱSun,ȱTheȱGazette,ȱFebruaryȱ11,ȱ2016,ȱ“Report:ȱMarijuanaȬrelatedȱDUIȱ
citationsȱinȱColoradoȱdroppedȱslightlyȱinȱ2015,”ȱ<http://gazette.com/reportȬmarijuanaȬ
relatedȬduiȬcitationsȬinȬcoloradoȬdroppedȬslightlyȬinȬ2015/article/1569870>,ȱaccessedȱ
Februaryȱ11,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ37ȱ
SECTION 2: Youth Marijuana
Use
ȱ
Some Findings
ȱ
x Youthȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱincreasedȱ20ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱtwoȬyearȱaverageȱ
(2013/2014)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱtheȱ
twoȬyearȱaverageȱpriorȱtoȱlegalizationȱ(2011/2012).ȱ
o Nationallyȱyouthȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱdeclinedȱ4ȱpercentȱduringȱtheȱ
sameȱtimeframe.ȱ
ȱ
x Theȱlatestȱ2013/2014ȱresultsȱshowȱColoradoȱyouthȱrankedȱ#1ȱinȱtheȱnationȱforȱpastȱ
monthȱmarijuanaȱuse,ȱupȱfromȱ#4ȱinȱ2011/2012ȱandȱ#14ȱinȱ2005/2006.ȱ
ȱ
x Coloradoȱyouthȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱforȱ2013/2014ȱwasȱ74ȱpercentȱhigherȱ
thanȱtheȱnationalȱaverageȱcomparedȱtoȱ39ȱpercentȱhigherȱinȱ2011/2012.ȱ
ȱ
x Theȱtopȱtenȱstatesȱforȱtheȱhighestȱrateȱofȱcurrentȱmarijuanaȱuseȱwereȱallȱmedicalȱ
marijuanaȱstatesȱwhereasȱtheȱbottomȱtenȱwereȱallȱnonȬmedicalȬmarijuanaȱstates.ȱ
ȱ
x Inȱschoolȱyearȱ2015/2016,ȱ62ȱpercentȱofȱallȱdrugȱexpulsionsȱandȱsuspensionsȱwereȱ
forȱmarijuanaȱviolations.ȱ
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SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ38ȱ
Data
Youth Ages 12 to 17 Years Old
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ39ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealth,ȱSubstateȱRegionȱEstimatesȱ2006Ȭ2014ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ SUBSTATEȱDATAȱISȱONLYȱAVAILABLEȱFROMȱTHEȱNATIONALȱSURVEYȱONȱDRUGȱUSEȱ
ANDȱHEALTHȱINȱTHEȱABOVEȱTIMEFRAMES.ȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ40ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱȱ*OregonȱandȱAlaskaȱvotedȱtoȱlegalizeȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱinȱNovemberȱ2014ȱ
**Statesȱthatȱhadȱlegislationȱforȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱsignedȱintoȱeffectȱduringȱ2014ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 63
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SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ41ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
StatesȱforȱPastȱMonthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ
YouthȱAgesȱ12ȱtoȱ17ȱYearsȱOld,ȱ2013/2014ȱ
Topȱ10ȱ
(Medical/RecreationalȱStates)ȱ
Bottomȱ10ȱ
(NonȬMedicalȱorȱRecreationalȱStates)ȱ
NationalȱAverage =ȱ7.22%
1. Coloradoȱ–ȱ12.56%ȱ 41.ȱȱMississippiȱ–ȱ5.60%ȱ
2. Vermontȱ–ȱ11.40%ȱ 42.ȱȱWestȱVirginiaȱ–ȱ5.60%ȱ
3. RhodeȱIslandȱ–ȱ10.69%ȱ 43.ȱȱNorthȱDakotaȱ–ȱ5.60%ȱ
4. Oregonȱ–ȱ10.19%ȱ 44.ȱȱLouisianaȱ–ȱ5.55%ȱ
5. Washingtonȱ–ȱ10.06%ȱ 45.ȱȱNebraskaȱ–ȱ5.54%ȱ
6. Maineȱ–ȱ9.90%ȱ 46.ȱȱOklahomaȱ–ȱ5.52%ȱ
7. NewȱHampshireȱ–ȱ9.83%ȱ 47.ȱȱUtahȱ–ȱ5.42%ȱ
8. Alaskaȱ–ȱ9.19%ȱ 48.ȱȱSouthȱDakotaȱ–ȱ5.32%ȱ
9. Massachusettsȱ–ȱ8.88%ȱ 49.ȱȱIowaȱ–ȱ5.17%ȱ
10. Californiaȱ–ȱ8.74%ȱ 50.ȱȱAlabamaȱ–ȱ4.98%ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱ
ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 64
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ42ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱEducation,ȱ10ȬYearȱTrendȱDataȱ:ȱStateȱSuspensionȱandȱExpulsionȱ
IncidentȱRatesȱandȱReasonsȱȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ THEȱCOLORADOȱDEPARTMENTȱOFȱEDUCATIONȱBEGANȱCOLLECTINGȱMARIJUANAȱ
VIOLATIONSȱSEPARATELYȱFROMȱALLȱDRUGȱVIOLATIONSȱDURINGȱTHEȱ2015Ȭ2016ȱ
SCHOOLȱYEAR.ȱ
Impact on School Violation Numbers
ȱ
ȱ “NoteȱthatȱSenateȱBillȱ12Ȭ046ȱandȱHouseȱBillȱ12Ȭ1345ȱtargetedȱreformȱofȱ‘zeroȱ
tolerance’ȱpoliciesȱinȱschools,ȱandȱappearȱtoȱhaveȱdecreasedȱexpulsions,ȱ
suspensionsȱandȱreferralsȱtoȱlawȱenforcement.”ȱ–ȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱ
PublicȱSafety,ȱMarijuanaȱLegalizationȱinȱColorado:ȱȱEarlyȱFindings,ȱAȱReportȱ
PursuantȱtoȱSenateȱBillȱ13Ȭ283,ȱMarchȱ2016ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 65
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ43ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱEducation,ȱ10ȬYearȱTrendȱDataȱ:ȱStateȱSuspensionȱandȱExpulsionȱ
IncidentȱRatesȱandȱReasonsȱȱ
ȱ
Inȱschoolȱyearȱ2015/2016,ȱ62ȱpercentȱofȱallȱdrugȱexpulsionsȱandȱsuspensionsȱ
wereȱforȱmarijuanaȱviolations.ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱEducation,ȱ10ȬYearȱTrendȱDataȱ:ȱStateȱSuspensionȱandȱExpulsionȱ
IncidentȱRatesȱandȱReasonsȱȱ
ȱ
Inȱschoolȱyearȱ2015/2016,ȱ63ȱpercentȱofȱallȱdrugȱrelatedȱsuspensionsȱwereȱforȱ
marijuanaȱviolations.ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 66
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ44ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱEducation,ȱ10ȬYearȱTrendȱDataȱ:ȱStateȱSuspensionȱandȱExpulsionȱ
IncidentȱRatesȱandȱReasonsȱȱ
ȱ
Inȱschoolȱyearȱ2015/2016,ȱ58ȱpercentȱofȱallȱdrugȱrelatedȱexpulsionsȱwereȱforȱ
marijuanaȱviolations.ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱEducation,ȱ10ȬYearȱTrendȱDataȱ:ȱStateȱSuspensionȱandȱExpulsionȱ
IncidentȱRatesȱandȱReasonsȱ
ȱ
Inȱschoolȱyearȱ2015/2016,ȱ73ȱpercentȱofȱallȱdrugȱrelatedȱreferralsȱtoȱlawȱ
enforcementȱwereȱforȱmarijuanaȱviolations.ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 67
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SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ45ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ DivisionȱofȱProbationȱServices/StateȱCourtȱAdministrator’sȱOfficeȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱEducationȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ ROCKYȱMOUNTAINȱHIDTAȱHASȱBEENȱASKEDȱABOUTȱTHEȱNUMBERȱOFȱSCHOOLȱ
DROPOUTSȱINȱCOLORADOȱNUMEROUSȱTIMESȱANDȱIS,ȱTHEREFORE,ȱPROVIDINGȱTHEȱ
DATA.ȱȱROCKYȱMOUNTAINȱHIDTAȱISȱNOTȱEQUATINGȱTHEȱNUMBERȱOFȱDROPOUTSȱ
WITHȱMARIJUANAȱLEGALIZATION.ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 68
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ46ȱ
Colorado School Resource Officer Survey
ȱ
InȱJuneȱ2016,ȱ103ȱschoolȱresourceȱofficersȱ(SRO)ȱparticipatedȱinȱaȱsurveyȱconcerningȱ
marijuanaȱinȱschools.ȱȱTheȱmajorityȱwereȱassignedȱtoȱhighȱschoolsȱwithȱanȱaverageȱ
tenureȱofȱsixȱyearsȱasȱanȱSRO.ȱȱTheyȱwereȱaskedȱforȱtheirȱprofessionalȱopinionȱonȱaȱ
numberȱofȱquestions,ȱincluding:ȱ
ȱ
x Sinceȱtheȱlegalizationȱofȱrecreationalȱmarijuana,ȱwhatȱimpactȱhasȱthereȱbeenȱonȱ
marijuanaȬrelatedȱincidentsȱatȱyourȱschool?ȱ
o 82ȱpercentȱreportedȱanȱincreaseȱinȱincidentsȱ
o 12ȱpercentȱreportedȱnoȱchangeȱinȱincidentsȱ
o ȱ6ȱpercentȱreportedȱaȱdecreaseȱinȱincidentsȱ
ȱ
x Whatȱwereȱtheȱmostȱpredominantȱmarijuanaȱviolationsȱbyȱstudentsȱonȱcampus?ȱ
o 45ȱpercentȱreportedȱbeingȱunderȱtheȱinfluenceȱduringȱschoolȱhoursȱ
o 43ȱpercentȱreportedȱpossessionȱofȱmarijuanaȱ
o ȱȱ7ȱpercentȱreportedȱpossessionȱofȱmarijuanaȬinfusedȱediblesȱ
o ȱȱ2ȱpercentȱreportedȱsellingȱmarijuanaȱtoȱotherȱstudentsȱ
o ȱȱ2ȱpercentȱreportedȱsharingȱmarijuanaȱwithȱotherȱstudentsȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱAssociationȱofȱSchoolȱResourceȱOfficersȱ(CASRO)ȱandȱRockyȱMountainȱHIDTAȱ
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Student
sharing
marijuana
withȱother
students
Studentȱselling
marijuanaȱto
otherȱstudents
Studentȱin
possessionȱof
marijuana
infused
edibles
Studentȱin
possessionȱof
marijuana
Studentȱunder
theȱinfluence
duringȱschool
hours
2%2%
7%
43%45%PercentȱofȱResponsesPredominantȱMarijuanaȱViolations,ȱ2016
Item 11.a. - Page 69
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ47ȱ
x Whereȱdoȱtheȱstudentsȱgetȱtheirȱmarijuana?ȱ
o 45ȱpercentȱreportedȱfriendsȱwhoȱobtainȱitȱlegallyȱ
o 24ȱpercentȱreportedȱfromȱtheȱblackȱmarketȱ
o 22ȱpercentȱreportedȱfromȱtheirȱparentsȱ
o ȱȱ6ȱpercentȱreportedȱfromȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱdispensariesȱ
o ȱȱ2ȱpercentȱreportedȱfromȱretailȱmarijuanaȱstoresȱ
o ȱȱ1ȱpercentȱreportedȱfromȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱcardholdersȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱAssociationȱofȱSchoolȱResourceȱOfficersȱ(CASRO)ȱandȱRockyȱMountainȱHIDTAȱ
Some Comments from School Resource Officers
ȱ
HighȱatȱSchool:ȱȱ“Multipleȱincidentsȱofȱstudentsȱleavingȱcampusȱduringȱlunch,ȱ
smokingȱmarijuanaȱandȱreturningȱtoȱcampusȱunderȱtheȱinfluence.”ȱ
ȱ
HomeȱGrows:ȱ
x “Childrenȱcomingȱinȱclothesȱsmellingȱlikeȱmarijuana.”ȱ
x “IncidentsȱareȱslightlyȱupȱfromȱlastȱyearȱbutȱseeingȱanȱincreaseȱinȱBHOȱ[butaneȱ
hashȱoil]ȱ(homemade).ȱȱHadȱanȱincidentȱinȱwhichȱ2ȱelementaryȱstudentsȱcameȱtoȱ
schoolȱsmellingȱofȱproduct.ȱȱFatherȱhadȱaȱlicensedȱcareȱgiverȱoperationȱandȱwasȱ
growingȱ160ȱplantsȱinȱhouse.ȱȱDHHSȱtookȱnoȱactionȱbecauseȱofȱtheȱgrowȱbeingȱ
legal.”ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 70
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SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ48ȱ
MiddleȱSchoolȱUsers:ȱȱ“Onȱseveralȱoccasionsȱstudentsȱhaveȱshownȱupȱtoȱschoolȱ
obviouslyȱhighȱonȱmarijuana.ȱȱWhenȱaskedȱwhereȱtheyȱobtainedȱtheȱdrugȱitȇsȱ50Ȭ50ȱ
parentsȱorȱfriends.ȱȱIȱhaveȱseenȱthisȱatȱtheȱ6thȱgradeȱlevel,ȱbutȱmostlyȱ8thȱgradeȱlevel.ȱȱ
Hardestȱpartȱtellingȱkidsȱthatȱmarijuanaȱusageȱatȱanȱearlyȱageȱisȱdetrimentalȱtoȱbrainȱ
growth,ȱbutȱsomeȱtellȱmeȱthatȱmyȱmomȱandȱdadȱsayȱitȇsȱok.”ȱ
ȱ
GettingȱHighȱandȱSkippingȱClass:ȱȱ“Theȱamountȱofȱmarijuanaȱuse/salesȱhasȱ
climbedȱsinceȱitȱbecameȱlegalȱforȱlegalȱusers.ȱȱOneȱofȱtheȱprimaryȱproblemsȱIȱseeȱisȱtheȱ
strengthȱ(potency)ȱofȱtheȱmarijuana.ȱȱStudentsȱuseȱonȱaȱbreak/lunchȱandȱcannotȱreturnȱ
toȱclass,ȱthereforeȱtheȱtruancyȱratesȱareȱhigh.”ȱȱ
ȱ
SchoolȱMarijuanaȱUseȱonȱtheȱRise:ȱȱ“Studentsȱatȱtheȱmiddleȱandȱhighȱschoolȱlevelsȱ
haveȱbroughtȱleafȱmarijuana,ȱedibles,ȱandȱparaphernaliaȱtoȱschoolȱeitherȱforȱpersonalȱ
useȱorȱtoȱshareȱwithȱothers.ȱȱTheyȱtendȱtoȱstoreȱsaidȱitemsȱinȱtheirȱcars,ȱbackpacks,ȱandȱ
otherȱpersonalȱbelongings.ȱȱHavingȱworkedȱinȱtheȱschoolsȱbeforeȱMarijuanaȱwasȱlegalȱ
andȱthenȱreturningȱafterȱlegalizationȱtheȱnumberȱofȱmiddleȱschoolȱstudentsȱwhoȱareȱ
usingȱandȱexposedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱseemsȱtoȱbeȱonȱtheȱriseȱinȱmyȱopinion.”ȱȱ
ȱ
“Legal”ȱUsersȱSellingȱtoȱKids:ȱȱ“Formerȱstudentsȱgatherȱacrossȱtheȱstreetȱfromȱ
schoolȱandȱsellȱtoȱcurrentȱstudents.ȱȱSellersȱareȱeitherȱ21+ȱyearsȱoldȱorȱ18ȱ&ȱhaveȱmedicalȱ
marijuanaȱcards.”ȱȱ
ȱ
HomeȱEnvironmentȱEncouragesȱUse:ȱȱ“8thȱgradeȱkidȱhighȱatȱschoolȱheȱandȱ6thȱ
gradeȱsisterȱbothȱsmokeȱmarijuanaȱatȱhomeȱwithȱparentsȱwhileȱwatchingȱTVȱatȱnight.ȱȱ
Parentsȱalsoȱletȱbothȱeatȱmarijuanaȱediblesȱthatȱparentsȱmake.ȱȱSearchȱwarrantȱinȱhomeȱ
hasȱillegalȱgrow,ȱbutȱmuchȱfinishedȱproductsȱ(marijuana)ȱandȱotherȱdrugsȱandȱstolenȱ
gun.”ȱȱ
ȱ
EdiblesȱResultingȱinȱParamedics:ȱȱ“InȱFeb.ȱ2016ȱaȱjuvenileȱmaleȱbroughtȱediblesȱintoȱ
theȱschool.ȱȱTheȱmaleȱgaveȱitȱoutȱtoȱseveralȱstudentsȱandȱconsumedȱhimself.ȱȱParamedicsȱ
wereȱcalledȱandȱtheȱmaleȱwasȱtransportedȱtoȱtheȱER.ȱȱTheȱjuvenile’sȱparentȱwasȱaȱuserȱ
andȱtheȱsourceȱofȱtheȱedibles.”ȱ
ȱ
ElementaryȱStudentsȱDefendingȱPotȱUse:ȱȱ“IȱhaveȱtaughtȱD.A.R.Eȱoverȱ20ȱyears.ȱȱ
Theȱattitudeȱtowardsȱmarijuanaȱhasȱdrasticallyȱchangedȱamongȱgradeȱschoolȱkids.ȱȱTheyȱ
areȱmoreȱvocalȱinȱdefendingȱtheȱusefulȱpurposeȱandȱbenefitsȱofȱmarijuana.ȱȱKidsȱdefendȱ
parentȱandȱsiblingȱuse.ȱȱIȱaskedȱaȱ5thȱgradeȱboyȱwhatȱheȱthoughtȱheȱwouldȱbeȱdoingȱ
whenȱheȱwasȱ25ȱyearsȱold.ȱȱHeȱrepliedȱ‘workȱinȱaȱweedȱshop.’ȱȱIȱaskedȱwhyȱheȱchoseȱ
thatȱforȱaȱjob,ȱheȱsaidȱ‘becauseȱthatȇsȱwhatȱmyȱdadȱwantsȱmeȱtoȱdo.’ȱȱCommonȱparentingȱ
inȱmyȱcommunity.ȱȱIȱhaveȱseenȱaȱlargeȱincreaseȱinȱproȬmarijuanaȱclothingȱinȱstudentsȱ4Ȭ
Item 11.a. - Page 71
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SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ49ȱ
12ȱgrades.ȱȱIȱhaveȱaȱlargeȱNativeȱAmericanȱpopulationȱofȱstudentsȱinȱmyȱclasses.ȱȱManyȱ
willȱdefendȱtheȱuseȱofȱmarijuanaȱasȱtheyȱareȱtaughtȱitȱisȱmedicineȱandȱhasȱalwaysȱbeenȱ
soȱinȱtheirȱculture,ȱnoȱmatterȱifȱlegalȱorȱnotȱbyȱ‘theȱwhiteȱmanȱlaws.’ȱȱManyȱNativeȱ
Americanȱstudentsȱhaveȱexplainedȱtoȱmeȱtheȱuseȱofȱmarijuanaȱisȱaȱ‘rightȱofȱpassage.’”ȱ
ȱ
BuyingȱMarijuanaȱonȱFacebook:ȱȱ“Thereȱhasȱbeenȱaȱdefiniteȱincreaseȱinȱ
hash/marijuanaȱconcentrateȱatȱtheȱschool.ȱȱThereȱhasȱalsoȱbeenȱaȱsignificantȱincreaseȱinȱ
deliveryȱmethodsȱshowingȱupȱatȱschoolȱ(pipe/vapeȱpens/etc.).ȱȱIȱhaveȱalsoȱseenȱtheȱ
increaseȱinȱtheȱuseȱofȱsocialȱmediaȱtoȱbuyȱtheirȱproduct.ȱȱJustȱgoȱtoȱaȱcertainȱFacebookȱ
page,ȱorderȱyourȱhash/marijuanaȱandȱtheȱsellersȱwillȱdeliverȱtheȱproductȱtoȱtheȱlocalȱ
parkȱbyȱyourȱhome.ȱȱIȱhadȱaȱcaseȱthisȱyearȱ(2016)ȱwhereȱIȱnowȱhaveȱaȱwarrantȱoutȱforȱanȱ
adultȱforȱsellingȱmarijuanaȱtoȱaȱchildȱandȱcontributingȱtoȱtheȱdelinquencyȱofȱaȱchildȱandȱ
theȱdealȱwasȱmadeȱonȱFacebookȱandȱwasȱsoldȱatȱaȱbusinessȱnearȱtheȱschool.ȱȱInternetȱ
salesȱareȱaȱboomingȱbusinessȱinȱtheȱmarijuanaȱworld.”ȱ
ȱ
RegularȱMarijuanaȱUse:ȱ
x “Studentsȱatȱalternativeȱhighȱschoolȱcomeȱtoȱschoolȱhighȱorȱleaveȱcampusȱandȱgetȱ
highȱandȱdonȇtȱreturnȱtoȱschool.ȱȱStudentsȱadmittingȱgettingȱhighȱonȱregularȱbasisȱ
3Ȭ4ȱtimesȱaȱweekȱandȱusuallyȱhighȱmostȱofȱtheȱweekend.ȱȱAlcoholȱalsoȱinvolved.ȱȱ
Middleȱschoolȱstudentsȱreportȱexperimentingȱwithȱmarijuana.ȱȱFewȱ(3Ȭ4)ȱreportȱ
smokingȱonceȱaȱmonth.”ȱ
x “Manyȱstudentsȱskipȱtheirȱstudyȱperiodȱjustȱpriorȱtoȱlunchȱandȱreturnȱfromȱlunchȱ
highȱonȱmarijuana.ȱȱThisȱisȱprettyȱmuchȱaȱdailyȱoccurrence.”ȱ
ȱ
MedicalȱMarijuanaȱDiversion:ȱȱ“InȱAprilȱ2016ȱthreeȱstudentsȱwereȱinȱparkingȱlotȱofȱ
schoolȱsmokingȱmarijuana.ȱȱOneȱstudentȱrecentlyȱturnedȱ18ȱandȱshortlyȱafter,ȱobtainedȱ
medicalȱMJȱcard.ȱȱThatȱstudentȱwasȱsharingȱwithȱtheȱotherȱtwo.ȱȱStudentȱcontactedȱwithȱ
MJȱatȱProm.ȱȱHadȱrecentlyȱturnedȱ18ȱandȱthenȱgotȱmedicalȱMJȱcard.ȱȱThatȱledȱtoȱ
discoveryȱofȱpossessionȱofȱalcohol.ȱȱJanuaryȱ2016ȱsophomoreȱstudentȱfoundȱnearȱ
campusȱsellingȱmarijuanaȱtoȱotherȱstudents.ȱȱSuspendedȱbyȱschool,ȱcourtȱgaveȱ
diversion.”ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 72
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ50ȱ
School Counselor Survey
ȱ
ȱ TheȱColoradoȱSchoolȱCounselorȱAssociationȱelectedȱnotȱtoȱparticipateȱinȱaȱ2016ȱ
survey.ȱ
ȱ
InȱAugustȱ2015,ȱ188ȱschoolȱcounselorsȱparticipatedȱinȱaȱsurveyȱconcerningȱtheȱ
legalizationȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱschools.ȱȱTheȱmajorityȱwereȱassignedȱtoȱhighȱschoolsȱwithȱ
anȱaverageȱtenureȱofȱtenȱyears.ȱȱTheyȱwereȱaskedȱforȱtheirȱprofessionalȱopinionȱonȱaȱ
numberȱofȱquestionsȱincluding:ȱ
ȱ
x Sinceȱtheȱlegalizationȱofȱrecreationalȱmarijuana,ȱwhatȱimpactȱhasȱthereȱbeenȱonȱ
marijuanaȬrelatedȱincidentsȱatȱyourȱschool?ȱ
o 69ȱpercentȱreportedȱanȱincreaseȱinȱincidentsȱ
o 30ȱpercentȱreportedȱnoȱchangeȱinȱincidentsȱ
o ȱȱ2ȱpercentȱreportedȱaȱslightȱdecreaseȱinȱincidentsȱ
ȱ
x Whatȱwereȱtheȱmostȱpredominantȱmarijuanaȱviolationsȱbyȱstudentsȱonȱcampus?ȱ
o 51ȱpercentȱreportedȱbeingȱunderȱtheȱinfluenceȱduringȱschoolȱhoursȱ
o 30ȱpercentȱreportedȱpossessionȱofȱmarijuanaȱ
o ȱȱ9ȱpercentȱreportedȱpossessionȱofȱmarijuanaȬinfusedȱediblesȱ
o ȱȱ6ȱpercentȱreportedȱsharingȱmarijuanaȱwithȱotherȱstudentsȱ
o ȱȱ5ȱpercentȱreportedȱsellingȱmarijuanaȱtoȱotherȱstudentsȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCEȱ ColoradoȱSchoolȱCounselorȱAssociationȱ(CSCA)ȱandȱRockyȱMountainȱHIDTAȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 73
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ51ȱ
x Whereȱdoȱtheȱstudentsȱgetȱtheirȱmarijuana?ȱ
o 29ȱpercentȱreportedȱfriendsȱwhoȱobtainȱitȱlegallyȱ
o 25ȱpercentȱreportedȱfromȱtheirȱsiblingsȱorȱotherȱfamilyȱmembersȱ
o 21ȱpercentȱreportedȱfromȱtheirȱparentsȱ
o 18ȱpercentȱreportedȱfromȱtheȱblackȱmarketȱ
o ȱȱ3ȱpercentȱreportedȱfromȱretailȱmarijuanaȱstoresȱ
o ȱȱ2ȱpercentȱreportedȱfromȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱdispensariesȱ
o ȱȱ1ȱpercentȱreportedȱfromȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱcardholdersȱ
o ȱȱ1ȱpercentȱreportedȱfromȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱcaregiversȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCEȱ ColoradoȱSchoolȱCounselorȱAssociationȱ(CSCA)ȱandȱRockyȱMountainȱHIDTAȱ
Some Comments from School Counselors
ȱ
HallsȱReekȱofȱPotȱAfterȱLunch:ȱ
x “Manyȱkidsȱcomeȱbackȱfromȱlunchȱhighlyȱintoxicatedȱfromȱmarijuanaȱuse.ȱȱHallsȱ
reekȱofȱpot,ȱsoȱmanyȱkidsȱareȱhighȱthatȱitȱisȱimpossibleȱtoȱapprehendȱallȱbutȱtheȱ
mostȱimpaired.”ȱ
x “Theyȱgoȱoffȱcampusȱandȱsmokeȱduringȱlunchȱwithȱfriends.ȱȱTheyȱwillȱrunȱhomeȱ
withȱfriendsȱduringȱlunchȱandȱsmokeȱthen.”ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 74
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ52ȱ
x “Thereȱhaveȱbeenȱseveralȱinstancesȱofȱstudentsȱinȱtheirȱcarsȱonȱlunchȱorȱduringȱ
theirȱoffȱhoursȱ‘hotboxing’ȱorȱsmokingȱmarijuana.ȱȱMostȱstudentsȱareȱseniorsȱbutȱ
onȱoccasion,ȱseniorsȱwillȱprovideȱmarijuanaȱtoȱ9thȱorȱ10thȱgradeȱstudents.”ȱ
x “2014/2015ȱschoolȱyear,ȱseveralȱstudentsȱcaughtȱcomingȱbackȱfromȱoffȬcampusȱ
lunchȱunderȱtheȱinfluenceȱofȱmarijuana.”ȱ
x “Hadȱaȱstudentȱcomeȱbackȱfromȱlunch,ȱteacherȱbelievedȱthatȱtheyȱwereȱhigh.ȱȱ
Studentȱwasȱescortedȱtoȱtheȱoffice,ȱstudentȱadmittedȱtheyȱwereȱindeedȱhighȱtoȱtheȱ
administrator.”ȱ
x “Studentsȱareȱoftenȱreferredȱafterȱlunchȱ(openȱcampus)ȱafterȱtheyȱhaveȱbeenȱ
ridingȱaroundȱsmokingȱmarijuanaȱwithȱtheirȱfriends.”ȱ
x “Moreȱandȱmoreȱstudentsȱareȱcomingȱbackȱtoȱschoolȱhighȱafterȱlunch.”ȱ
x “InȱAprilȱ2015,ȱstudentsȱwereȱgoingȱoutȱforȱaȱbreak.ȱȱ2Ȭ3ȱstudentsȱsmokedȱ
marijuanaȱaboutȱaȱblockȱawayȱfromȱschool.ȱȱTheyȱsmelledȱlikeȱpotȱwhenȱtheyȱgotȱ
back.”ȱ
ȱ
JustȱaȱPlant:ȱȱ“InȱMarchȱofȱ2015ȱaȱfifthȱgradeȱboyȱofferedȱmarijuanaȱtoȱanotherȱfifthȱ
graderȱonȱtheȱplayground.ȱȱInȱOctoberȱofȱ2014ȱaȱkindergartenȱgirlȱdescribedȱtheȱpipeȱinȱ
herȱgrandmother’sȱcarȱandȱtheȱstoreȱwhereȱyouȱgoȱtoȱbuyȱpipes.ȱȱInȱMayȱofȱ2015ȱaȱfirstȱ
gradeȱgirlȱreportedȱthatȱherȱmomȱsmokesȱweedȱinȱtheȱgarage.ȱȱ‘It’sȱnotȱaȱdrug,ȱit’sȱjustȱaȱ
plant.’”ȱ
ȱ
ArrivesȱatȱSchoolȱStoned:ȱ
x “Atȱtheȱbeginningȱofȱtheȱsecondȱsemester,ȱthreeȱmiddleȱschoolȱboysȱwereȱ
routinelyȱarrivingȱlateȱatȱschool,ȱandȱnoticeableȱintoxicated.”ȱ
x “Weȱhaveȱmiddleȱschoolȱstudentsȱwhoȱeitherȱcomeȱtoȱschoolȱhigh,ȱorȱhaveȱitȱonȱ
themȱinȱaȱbag.ȱȱOrȱtheyȱhaveȱpipesȱonȱthem.”ȱ
x “InȱMayȱ2015,ȱaȱteacherȱwitnessedȱ2ȱseniorsȱsmokingȱmarijuanaȱwhileȱdrivingȱtoȱ
school.ȱȱOneȱstudentȱadmittedȱtoȱhavingȱdoneȱso;ȱtheȱotherȱdeniedȱit.”ȱ
x “Teachingȱaȱlessonȱinȱclassȱduringȱfirstȱperiodȱthatȱstartedȱ7:30ȱAMȱandȱ2ȱ
studentsȱwereȱalreadyȱhighȱinȱclass.”ȱ
x “Aȱmaleȱ13ȱy/oȱstudentȱfellȱasleepȱinȱseveralȱclasses.ȱȱHeȱwasȱinterviewedȱbyȱtheȱ
schoolȱcounselorȱandȱtheȱRSOȱ(sic).ȱȱHeȱwasȱassessedȱasȱbeingȱhighȱandȱadmittedȱ
thatȱheȱusesȱmarijuanaȱoftenȱbeforeȱschool.ȱȱHeȱstealsȱitȱfromȱhisȱolderȱbrother.”ȱ
x “12ȱyr.ȱold,ȱsixthȱgrader,ȱwasȱsuspectedȱofȱcomingȱtoȱsummerȱschoolȱhigh.ȱȱWhenȱ
confrontedȱheȱtoldȱtheȱteacherȱthatȱheȱsmokedȱitȱatȱhomeȱtheȱnightȱbeforeȱbutȱ
deniedȱbeingȱhighȱatȱtheȱtime.ȱȱLater,ȱheȱconfirmedȱthatȱheȱhadȱsmokedȱearlyȱthatȱ
morning.ȱȱTheȱmarijuanaȱcameȱfromȱhisȱmother’sȱstash.”ȱ
ȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ53ȱ
NewȱUseȱofȱBathrooms:ȱ
x ȱ“2ȱstudentsȱwereȱsmokingȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱrestroomȱlastȱyear.”ȱ
x “8thȱgradeȱmaleȱstudentȱhadȱmarijuanaȱinȱhisȱlocker,ȱclassmatesȱreportedȱit.ȱȱ8thȱ
gradeȱfemaleȱstudentȱsmokedȱaȱjointȱinȱaȱschoolȱbathroomȱduringȱschoolȱhours.ȱȱ
Sharedȱitȱwithȱaȱfriend.”ȱ
x “7thȱgradeȱgirlȱlastȱyearȱhadȱhiddenȱmarijuanaȱandȱaȱpipeȱinȱtheȱgirl’sȱrestroomȱ
andȱtoldȱseveralȱfriendsȱwhoȱbeganȱgettingȱbathroomȱbreakȱpassesȱfromȱvariousȱ
classrooms.ȱȱSecurityȱnotedȱanȱincreasedȱtrafficȱflowȱtoȱandȱfromȱthatȱrestroomȱ
andȱfoundȱtheȱweedȱandȱsoonȱafterȱtheȱviolators.”ȱ
ȱ
It’sȱLegal:ȱ
x “3ȱorȱ4ȱtimesȱinȱtheȱlastȱschoolȱyear,ȱstudentsȱhaveȱcomeȱtoȱschoolȱunderȱtheȱ
influenceȱafterȱmeetingȱatȱhomesȱwhereȱparentsȱwereȱabsent,ȱsharingȱmarijuanaȱ
offȱcampusȱandȱthenȱbringingȱitȱonȱcampus.ȱȱ7thȱandȱ8thȱgradeȱstudentsȱhaveȱbeenȱ
involved,ȱandȱmostȱoftenȱtheirȱreactionȱwhenȱcaughtȱisȱ‘it’sȱlegal’.”ȱ
x “Iȱmetȱwithȱatȱleastȱ5ȱstudentsȱlastȱyearȱaloneȱthatȱhaveȱbeenȱshowingȱsignificantȱ
signsȱofȱdrugȱuseȱorȱwereȱcaughtȱandȱtheyȱallȱsaidȱtheyȱwillȱnotȱstopȱusingȱweedȱ
onȱaȱdailyȱbasis.ȱȱTheirȱjustificationȱwasȱit’sȱfineȱbecauseȱit’sȱlegal.ȱȱIfȱit’sȱlegalȱit’sȱ
notȱasȱbadȱasȱwhatȱadultsȱsayȱaboutȱtheȱrisks.”ȱ
ȱ
GradesȱDecline:ȱȱ“IȱwouldȱlikeȱtoȱsayȱthatȱinȱgeneralȱourȱMarijuanaȱincidentsȱhaveȱ
notȱgoneȱup.ȱȱWeȱhaveȱaȱsavvyȱpopulationȱthatȱknowsȱtoȱkeepȱitȱawayȱfromȱschool.ȱȱ
However,ȱIȱhaveȱseenȱaȱhugeȱspikeȱinȱtalkingȱwithȱkidsȱaboutȱitȱinȱmyȱsessions.ȱȱLastȱ
yearȱIȱhadȱtwoȱveryȱintelligentȱstudentsȱ(aboveȱ4.0)ȱthatȱusedȱmarijuanaȱ2Ȭ6ȱtimesȱaȱ
week.ȱȱBothȱofȱthemȱhadȱgradesȱdeclineȱandȱsignificantȱsocialȱemotionalȱissuesȱspikeȱinȱ
theȱSpringȱofȱtheirȱSeniorȱYear.ȱȱTheyȱalsoȱbothȱhadȱviolationsȱatȱschool.”ȱ
ȱ
DadȱAllowsȱPotȱSmoking:ȱȱ“Weȱhadȱreportsȱofȱtwoȱstudentsȱ(brothers)ȱappearȱtoȱbeȱ
highȱatȱschool.ȱȱOurȱofficerȱassessedȱbothȱofȱthemȱandȱdiscoveredȱthatȱtheirȱfather,ȱwhoȱ
hadȱaȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱcard,ȱwasȱhavingȱthemȱbothȱ“smokeȱaȱbowl”ȱbeforeȱschool.ȱȱ
Heȱthoughtȱitȱwouldȱmakeȱtheirȱschoolȱdayȱeasier.”ȱ
ȱ
ParentsȱHigh:ȱȱ“Atȱourȱelementaryȱschool,ȱweȱhaveȱnoticedȱanȱincreasedȱnumberȱofȱ
parentsȱshowingȱupȱtoȱschoolȱhigh.ȱȱKidsȱhaveȱalsoȱbroughtȱ[marijuana]ȱtoȱschoolȱtoȱ
showȱtheirȱfriends.”ȱ
ȱ
DifficultyȱinȱAssessment:ȱȱ“Forȱschoolȱpersonnel,ȱitȱisȱmoreȱdifficultȱtoȱevaluateȱ
whatȱsubstanceȱaȱstudentȱisȱunderȱtheȱinfluenceȱof.ȱȱWeȱcanȱsmellȱalcoholȱandȱsmokedȱ
marijuanaȱbutȱtheȱediblesȱandȱvapesȱareȱhardȱtoȱdetect.”ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ54ȱ
Warning:ȱȱDrugȱCanines:ȱȱ“Iȱwouldȱlikeȱtoȱjustȱofferȱthatȱweȱneedȱpolicyȱthatȱallowsȱ
forȱmoreȱuseȱofȱdrugȱdogsȱandȱnotȱhavingȱtoȱforewarnȱstudentsȱorȱparentsȱwhenȱtheseȱ
dogsȱwillȱbeȱpresent.ȱȱStudentsȱandȱespeciallyȱdealers,ȱtheȱonesȱweȱneedȱtoȱcatch,ȱareȱ
veryȱvigilantȱinȱmakingȱadjustmentsȱwhenȱtheseȱresourcesȱareȱused.”ȱ
Youth Use Surveys Not Utilized and Why
ȱ
Afterȱcarefulȱanalysisȱandȱconsideration,ȱRockyȱMountainȱHIDTAȱdidȱnotȱuseȱ
theȱfollowingȱdatasetsȱinȱthisȱreportȱbecauseȱofȱtheȱfollowingȱreasons:ȱ
Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS)
ȱ
TheȱHKCSȱshowsȱaȱ7.6ȱpercentȱincreaseȱinȱstudentȱmarijuanaȱuseȱfromȱ2013ȱ(19.7ȱ
percent)ȱtoȱ2015ȱ(21.2ȱpercent).ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱaȱfrontȱpageȱarticleȱinȱTheȱDenverȱPostȱ
(Juneȱ21,ȱ2016),ȱtheȱincreaseȱwasȱnotȱstatisticallyȱsignificantȱandȱthusȱ“Potȱuseȱamongȱ
Coloradoȱteensȱflat.”ȱȱInȱfact,ȱTheȱDenverȱPostȱeditorialȱboardȱreleasedȱanȱeditorialȱonȱ
Juneȱ22,ȱ2016ȱtitledȱ“Colorado’sȱgoodȱnewsȱonȱteenȱpotȱuse.”ȱȱAnȱanalysisȱofȱtheȱdataȱ
paintsȱaȱdifferentȱpictureȱofȱstudentȱmarijuanaȱuseȱinȱColorado.ȱȱForȱaȱdetailedȱanalysisȱ
andȱactualȱdata,ȱgoȱtoȱwww.rmhidta.orgȱandȱclickȱonȱtheȱReportsȱtabȱtoȱreadȱ“Coloradoȱ
YouthȱMarijuanaȱUse:ȱȱUpȱ–ȱDownȱ–ȱFlat?ȱȱExamineȱtheȱDataȱandȱYouȱDecide!”ȱȱSomeȱofȱ
theȱdataȱinȱthisȱsurveyȱincludeȱtheȱfollowing:ȱ
ȱ
BadȱNewsȱ
x MarijuanaȱuseȱamongȱColoradoȱhighȱschoolȱjuniorȱandȱseniorȱstudentsȱincreasedȱ
19ȱpercentȱandȱ14ȱpercentȱrespectively.ȱ
x Oneȱoutȱofȱ3ȱDenverȱhighȱschoolȱjuniorsȱandȱseniorsȱsurveyedȱareȱmarijuanaȱ
users,ȱaȱ20ȱpercentȱincrease.ȱ
x Thereȱwasȱnearlyȱaȱ50ȱpercentȱincreaseȱinȱtheȱBoulder/Broomfieldȱregionȱhighȱ
schoolȱjuniorȱandȱseniorȱmarijuanaȱusers.ȱ
x Coloradoȱmountainȱresortȱcommunitiesȱ(Regionȱ12)ȱsawȱaȱ90ȱpercentȱincreaseȱinȱ
marijuanaȱusersȱamongȱtheirȱhighȱschoolȱseniorsȱandȱaȱ54.7ȱpercentȱincreaseȱ
amongȱsophomores.ȱ
x Otherȱruralȱmountainȱcommunitiesȱ(Regionȱ11)ȱsawȱincreasesȱofȱ22.2ȱpercentȱforȱ
freshmen,ȱ72.0ȱpercentȱforȱsophomores,ȱ18.8ȱpercentȱforȱjuniorsȱandȱ57.3ȱpercentȱ
forȱseniors.ȱ
x Tenȱoutȱofȱtheȱ17ȱregions,ȱwithȱsufficientȱparticipationȱtoȱbeȱcounted,ȱsawȱanȱ
overallȱincreaseȱinȱmarijuanaȱuse.ȱ
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x Onlyȱ48ȱpercentȱofȱhighȱschoolȱstudentsȱsurveyedȱseeȱmarijuanaȱasȱriskyȱ
comparedȱtoȱ54ȱpercentȱofȱthoseȱsurveyedȱtwoȱyearsȱearlier.ȱ
ȱ
Yes,ȱThereȱisȱGoodȱNewsȱ
x Theȱruralȱwesternȱareaȱ(Regionȱ10)ȱhadȱaȱmajorȱdecreaseȱinȱmarijuanaȱusersȱinȱallȱ
fourȱhighȱschoolȱgrades.ȱȱThisȱdecreaseȱwasȱ51.8ȱpercentȱamongȱfreshmenȱtoȱ24.7ȱ
percentȱamongȱseniors.ȱ
x Ruralȱmountainȱcommunitiesȱ(Regionȱ17)ȱsawȱanȱoverallȱ17.1ȱpercentȱdecreaseȱ
includingȱaȱ53.7ȱpercentȱdropȱinȱfreshmenȱmarijuanaȱusersȱandȱaȱ34.3ȱpercentȱ
dropȱinȱseniorȱusers.ȱȱHowever,ȱtheȱsurveyȱdoesȱshowȱanȱincreaseȱinȱsophomoreȱ
usersȱ(12.7ȱpercent)ȱandȱjuniorȱusersȱ(7.6ȱpercent).ȱ
x Sevenȱoutȱofȱ17ȱregions,ȱwithȱsufficientȱparticipationȱtoȱbeȱcounted,ȱsawȱanȱ
overallȱdecreaseȱinȱmarijuanaȱusers.ȱ
x Theȱquestionȱshouldȱbeȱraisedȱasȱtoȱwhatȱmessageȱisȱgettingȱthroughȱtoȱstudentsȱ
inȱtheȱregionsȱexperiencingȱoverallȱdecreasesȱinȱmarijuanaȱuseȱbutȱmissingȱinȱ
thoseȱregionsȱexperiencingȱincreasesȱinȱuse.ȱ
ȱ
OtherȱPotentiallyȱPertinentȱInformationȱ
x TheȱarticleȱcitesȱtheȱCentersȱforȱDiseaseȱControl’sȱYouthȱRiskȱBehaviorȱSurveyȱ
(YRBS)ȱtoȱindicateȱthatȱ“marijuanaȱuseȱamongȱteensȱnationwideȱalsoȱremainsȱ
flat…”ȱȱTheyȱfailedȱtoȱmentionȱthatȱOregonȱandȱWashington,ȱstatesȱwithȱ
legalizedȱmarijuana,ȱandȱMinnesotaȱdidȱnotȱparticipateȱinȱtheȱ2015ȱYRBS.ȱȱThereȱ
wereȱalsoȱtenȱstates,ȱincludingȱColorado,ȱwithȱunweightedȱresultsȱbecauseȱtheirȱ
stateȱsurveyȱparticipationȱrateȱdidȱnotȱmeetȱtheȱ60ȱpercentȱparticipationȱstandardȱ
setȱbyȱYRBS.ȱ
x Inȱ2015ȱtheȱHKCSȱsurveyȱhadȱaȱresponseȱrateȱofȱ46ȱpercent.ȱȱEvenȱthoughȱHKCSȱ
samplesȱaȱlargeȱnumberȱofȱstudents,ȱtheirȱparticipationȱrateȱisȱbelowȱtheȱindustryȱ
standardȱforȱweightedȱdata.ȱ
x JeffersonȱCountyȱ(theȱ2ndȱlargestȱschoolȱdistrict),ȱDouglasȱCountyȱ(theȱ3rdȱlargestȱ
schoolȱdistrict),ȱElȱPasoȱCountyȱ(whichȱincludesȱColoradoȱSprings,ȱ2ndȱlargestȱ
metroȱarea),ȱandȱWeldȱCountyȱresultsȱwereȱlistedȱasȱN/Aȱwhichȱmeansȱdataȱnotȱ
availableȱdueȱtoȱlowȱparticipationȱinȱtheȱregion.ȱȱNOTE:ȱȱThisȱisȱaȱsimilarȱreasonȱ
whyȱColoradoȱresultsȱwereȱconsideredȱunweightedȱbyȱtheȱnationalȱYRBSȱsurvey.ȱ
ȱ
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Centers for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
ȱ
Inȱ2015,ȱColoradoȱfellȱshortȱofȱtheȱrequiredȱ60ȱpercentȱparticipationȱrateȱandȱwas,ȱ
therefore,ȱnotȱincludedȱwithȱweightedȱdataȱinȱthisȱsurvey.ȱȱAdditionally,ȱuponȱfurtherȱ
review,ȱitȱwasȱdiscoveredȱthatȱsinceȱ1991ȱtheȱstateȱofȱColoradoȱhasȱonlyȱbeenȱ
representedȱinȱtheȱHighȱSchoolȱYRBSȱsurveyȱwithȱweightedȱdataȱfourȱtimes.ȱȱSinceȱ1995,ȱ
ColoradoȱhasȱonlyȱbeenȱrepresentedȱinȱtheȱMiddleȱSchoolȱYRBSȱsurveyȱbyȱweightedȱ
dataȱtwice.ȱȱStatesȱthatȱparticipatedȱinȱtheȱ2015ȱMiddleȱSchoolȱandȱHighȱSchoolȱYRBSȱ
surveysȱareȱrepresentedȱinȱdarkȱpurpleȱinȱtheȱbelowȱmaps.ȱȱItȱshouldȱbeȱnoted,ȱinȱ2015,ȱ
highȱschoolsȱinȱtheȱfollowingȱtenȱstatesȱwereȱnotȱincludedȱwithȱweightedȱhighȱschoolȱ
data:ȱȱUtah,ȱColorado,ȱKansas,ȱTexas,ȱLouisiana,ȱGeorgia,ȱIowa,ȱWisconsin,ȱOhio,ȱandȱ
NewȱJersey.ȱȱWashington,ȱOregon,ȱandȱMinnesotaȱdidȱnotȱparticipateȱinȱtheȱsurvey.ȱ
ȱ
CentersȱforȱDiseaseȱControlȱYouthȱRiskȱBehaviorȱSurveyȱ
2015ȱYRBSȱParticipationȱMapȱ
MiddleȱSchoolsȱ HighȱSchoolsȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ CentersȱforȱDiseaseȱControlȱandȱPrevention,ȱAdolescentȱandȱSchoolȱHealth,ȱYRBSȱParticipationȱ
MapsȱandȱHistoryȱ<http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/participation.htm>ȱ
Monitoring the Future (MTF) Study:
ȱ
MonitoringȱTheȱFutureȱisȱdesignedȱtoȱbeȱnationallyȬrepresentedȱandȱnotȱstateȬ
represented.ȱȱMTFȱdoesȱnotȱprovideȱusableȱestimatesȱforȱtheȱspecificȱstateȱofȱColoradoȱ
becauseȱofȱtheȱstate’sȱrelativelyȱsmallȱsize.ȱȱColoradoȱisȱonlyȱ1.6ȱpercentȱofȱtheȱtotalȱU.S.ȱ
population;ȱthus,ȱtheȱsamplingȱwouldȱonlyȱbeȱ1.6ȱpercentȱofȱColoradoȱschoolsȱ(400)ȱorȱ
aboutȱ6ȱschoolsȱperȱyear.ȱȱSinceȱ2010,ȱtheȱsurveyȱsampledȱanȱaverageȱofȱ4.6ȱColoradoȱ
schools.ȱȱInȱ2014ȱandȱ2015,ȱthereȱwereȱfourȱschoolsȱsurveyedȱeachȱyearȱofȱwhichȱthreeȱ
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SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ57ȱ
wereȱeighthȱgrade.ȱȱTherefore,ȱtheȱMTFȱstudyȱisȱnotȱusefulȱforȱstateȱdataȱpertainingȱtoȱ
ColoradoȱforȱschoolȬageȱdrugȱuseȱdataȱandȱtrends.ȱ
Related Material
ȱ
AmericanȱAcademyȱofȱPediatricsȱ(AAP)ȱ–ȱOpposeȱLegalization:ȱȱInȱaȱpolicyȱ
statementȱissuedȱbyȱtheȱAmericanȱAcademyȱofȱPediatrics,ȱtheȱorganizationȱdeclaresȱ
theirȱrecommendationsȱregardingȱlegalizationȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱregardȱtoȱtheȱeffectsȱonȱ
ourȱyouth:ȱ
“Givenȱtheȱdataȱsupportingȱtheȱnegativeȱhealthȱandȱbrainȱdevelopmentȱeffectsȱofȱ
marijuanaȱinȱchildrenȱandȱadolescents,ȱagesȱ0ȱthroughȱ21ȱyears,ȱtheȱAAPȱisȱopposedȱtoȱ
marijuanaȱuseȱinȱthisȱpopulation.”ȱȱAdditionally,ȱtheȱAAPȱdeclaresȱthatȱthey,ȱ“Opposeȱ
legalizationȱofȱmarijuanaȱbecauseȱofȱtheȱpotentialȱharmsȱtoȱchildrenȱandȱadolescents.ȱȱ
TheȱAAPȱsupportsȱstudyingȱtheȱeffectsȱofȱrecentȱlawsȱlegalizingȱtheȱuseȱofȱmarijuanaȱtoȱ
betterȱunderstandȱtheȱimpactȱandȱdefineȱbestȱpoliciesȱtoȱreduceȱadolescentȱmarijuanaȱ
use.”ȱȱFurthermore,ȱtheȱAAP,ȱ“Opposesȱtheȱuseȱofȱsmokedȱmarijuanaȱbecauseȱsmokingȱ
isȱknownȱtoȱcauseȱlungȱdamage,ȱandȱtheȱeffectsȱofȱsecondhandȱmarijuanaȱsmokeȱareȱ
unknown.”ȱȱLastly,ȱtheȱAAPȱdiscouragesȱtheȱuseȱofȱmarijuanaȱbyȱadultsȱdueȱtoȱtheȱ
influenceȱonȱchildrenȱandȱadolescentȱbehavior.1ȱ
ȱ
AmericanȱCollegeȱofȱPediatriciansȱ(ACP):ȱȱMarijuanaȱHarmfulȱtoȱYouth,ȱOpposeȱ
Legalization:ȱȱAnȱarticleȱpublishedȱandȱreviewedȱbyȱtheȱACPȱstates,ȱ“Althoughȱ
increasingȱlegalizationȱofȱmarijuanaȱhasȱcontributedȱtoȱtheȱgrowingȱbeliefȱthatȱ
marijuanaȱisȱharmless,ȱresearchȱdocumentsȱtheȱrisksȱofȱitsȱuseȱbyȱyouthȱareȱgrave.ȱȱ
Evidenceȱindicatesȱlimitedȱlegalizationȱofȱmarijuanaȱhasȱalreadyȱraisedȱratesȱofȱ
unintendedȱmarijuanaȱexposureȱamongȱyoungȱchildren,ȱandȱmayȱincreaseȱadolescentȱ
use.ȱȱTherefore,ȱtheȱAmericanȱCollegeȱofȱPediatriciansȱsupportsȱlegislationȱthatȱ
continuesȱtoȱrestrictȱtheȱavailabilityȱofȱmarijuana…”ȱ
SupportingȱevidenceȱthatȱtheȱACPȱcitesȱregardingȱyouthȱmarijuanaȱabuseȱincludes:ȱ
x AccordingȱtoȱCDCȱdata,ȱmoreȱteensȱareȱnowȱsmokingȱmarijuanaȱthanȱcigarettes.ȱ
x ResearchersȱinȱColoradoȱfoundȱthatȱapproximatelyȱ74ȱpercentȱofȱadolescentsȱinȱ
substanceȱabuseȱtreatmentȱhadȱusedȱsomeoneȱelse’sȱmedicalȱmarijuana,ȱaȱ
potentialȱbyproductȱofȱlegalization.ȱ
x TheȱNationalȱInstituteȱofȱDrugȱAbuseȬȱ(NIDA)ȱfundedȱMonitoringȱtheȱFutureȱ
studyȱofȱtheȱyearȱ2012ȱshowedȱthatȱ12.7ȱpercentȱofȱ8thȱgraders,ȱ29.8ȱpercentȱofȱ
10thȱgraders,ȱandȱ36.4ȱpercentȱofȱ12thȱgradersȱhadȱusedȱmarijuanaȱatȱleastȱonceȱinȱ
theȱyearȱpriorȱtoȱbeingȱsurveyed.ȱȱTheyȱalsoȱfoundȱthatȱ7,ȱ18ȱandȱ22.7ȱpercentȱ
respectivelyȱforȱtheseȱgroupsȱusedȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱpastȱmonth.ȱ
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x Theȱnumberȱofȱcurrentȱ(pastȱmonth)ȱusersȱagedȱ12ȱandȱupȱincreasedȱfromȱ14.5ȱtoȱ
18.9ȱmillionȱsinceȱ2007.ȱ
x Marijuanaȱisȱtheȱleadingȱillicitȱsubstanceȱmentionedȱinȱadolescentȱemergencyȱ
departmentȱadmissionsȱandȱautopsyȱreports,ȱandȱisȱconsideredȱoneȱofȱtheȱmajorȱ
contributingȱfactorsȱleadingȱtoȱviolentȱdeathsȱandȱaccidentsȱamongȱadolescents.ȱȱ
x Approximatelyȱ9ȱpercentȱofȱusersȱoverallȱbecomeȱaddictedȱtoȱmarijuana,ȱaboutȱ17ȱ
percentȱofȱthoseȱwhoȱstartȱduringȱadolescenceȱbecomeȱaddicted.ȱȱ
Inȱsummary,ȱmarijuanaȱuseȱisȱharmfulȱtoȱchildrenȱandȱadolescents.ȱȱForȱthisȱreason,ȱ
theȱAmericanȱCollegeȱofȱPediatriciansȱopposesȱitsȱlegalizationȱforȱrecreationalȱuseȱandȱ
urgesȱextremeȱcautionȱinȱlegalizingȱitȱforȱmedicinalȱuse.ȱȱLikewise,ȱtheȱAmericanȱ
AcademyȱofȱChildȱandȱAdolescentȱPsychiatryȱ(AACAP)ȱrecentlyȱofferedȱtheirȱownȱ
policyȱstatementȱopposingȱeffortsȱtoȱlegalizeȱmarijuana.2ȱ
ȱ
PotȱScienceȱ–ȱTopȱMarijuanaȱFindingsȱofȱ2015:3ȱ
x AȱstudyȱpublishedȱinȱtheȱjournalȱJAMAȱPsychiatryȱexaminedȱbrainȱscansȱinȱpairsȱ
ofȱsameȬsexȱsiblings,ȱincludingȱsomeȱsetsȱofȱtwins.ȱȱTheȱresearchersȱfoundȱthatȱ
teensȱwhoȱhadȱsmokedȱmarijuanaȱ–ȱevenȱonceȱ–ȱhadȱsmallerȱbrainȱvolumeȱinȱtheȱ
amygdalaȱcomparedȱwithȱteensȱwhoȱneverȱtriedȱpot.ȱȱTheȱamygdalaȱisȱinvolvedȱ
inȱprocessingȱemotionsȱandȱseekingȱrewards.ȱ
x Researchersȱhaveȱfoundȱthatȱmarijuanaȱcouldȱplayȱaȱroleȱinȱcorticalȱthinningȱ(theȱ
cortexȱisȱtheȱouterȱlayerȱofȱtheȱbrain),ȱwhichȱmayȱalterȱbrainȱdevelopmentȱinȱ
teens.ȱ
x OneȱinȱfiveȱhighȱschoolȱstudentsȱwhoȱuseȱeȬcigarettesȱhasȱalsoȱtriedȱusingȱtheseȱ
devicesȱtoȱvapeȱpot,ȱreportedȱaȱConnecticutȱstudyȱofȱnearlyȱ4,000ȱteensȱ(releasedȱ
Septemberȱ2015).ȱ
ȱ
DemocratȱGovernorȱ–ȱLegalizingȱPotȱWasȱ‘Reckless’:ȱȱInȱaȱgubernatorialȱdebateȱ
ColoradoȱGovernorȱJohnȱHickenlooperȱstated,ȱ“Iȱthinkȱforȱusȱtoȱdoȱthatȱ[legalizeȱ
recreationalȱuse]ȱwithoutȱhavingȱallȱtheȱdata,ȱthereȱisȱnotȱenoughȱdata,ȱandȱtoȱaȱcertainȱ
extentȱyouȱcouldȱsayȱitȱwasȱreckless.”ȱȱAȱstudyȱthatȱspeaksȱtoȱthisȱsentimentȱwasȱ
publishedȱinȱtheȱJournalȱofȱAddictionȱbyȱprofessorȱWayneȱHallȱofȱKingsȱCollege,ȱLondonȱ
showsȱthatȱmarijuanaȱisȱhighlyȱaddictive,ȱcausesȱmentalȱhealthȱproblemsȱandȱisȱaȱ
gatewayȱdrugȱtoȱotherȱillegalȱdangerousȱdrugs.ȱȱTheȱstudyȱconfirmsȱthatȱregularȱ
adolescentȱmarijuanaȱusersȱhaveȱlowerȱeducationalȱattainmentȱthanȱnonȬusingȱpeers,ȱ
usersȱareȱmoreȱlikelyȱtoȱuseȱotherȱillegalȱdrugs,ȱadolescentȱuseȱproducesȱ‘intellectualȱ
impairment,’ȱmarijuanaȱuseȱdoublesȱtheȱriskȱofȱbeingȱdiagnosedȱwithȱschizophrenia,ȱ
andȱmarijuanaȱuseȱincreasesȱtheȱriskȱofȱheartȱattacksȱinȱmiddleȬagedȱadults.4ȱ
ȱ
ȱȱ
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ColoradoȱEducatorsȱConcernedȱAboutȱPotȱinȱPublicȱSchools:5ȱ
x AuthoritiesȱareȱreferringȱtoȱmarijuanaȱasȱtheȱNo.ȱ1ȱissueȱColoradoȱschoolsȱface.ȱȱ
AccordingȱtoȱChristineȱHarms,ȱdirectorȱofȱtheȱColoradoȱSchoolȱSafetyȱResourceȱ
Center,ȱ“Ourȱstudentsȱareȱpayingȱtheȱprice.”ȱ
x “Atȱfirst,ȱIȱthoughtȱitȱwasȱsimilarȱtoȱalcoholȱandȱthatȱtheȱkidsȱwouldȱdoȱitȱanywayȱ
andȱallȱthat,ȱbutȱit’sȱlikeȱthey’reȱdisguisingȱalcoholȱasȱKoolȬAidȱandȱmarketingȱitȱ
toȱkids.ȱȱTheseȱediblesȱareȱcookiesȱandȱgummyȱbears,ȱandȱthey’reȱfilledȱwithȱhighȱ
amountsȱofȱTHC.ȱȱThere’sȱaȱshiftȱinȱculture,ȱkidsȱseeȱtheirȱparentsȱsmokingȱitȱandȱ
seeȱitȱmarketedȱeverywhere,ȱandȱtheyȱthinkȱit’sȱnormalȱandȱOKȱforȱthemȱtoȱdo.”ȱ
o JeffȱWhitmore,ȱdirectorȱofȱtransportationȱforȱBayfieldȱSchoolȱDistrictȱinȱ
SouthwesternȱColoradoȱ
ȱ
TeensȱWhoȱUseȱCannabisȱatȱRiskȱofȱSchizophrenia:6ȱ
x InȱaȱstudyȱperformedȱbyȱresearchersȱfromȱWesternȱUniversityȱinȱOntario,ȱ
Canada,ȱlongȬtermȱexposureȱtoȱTHCȱinȱmiceȱwasȱlinkedȱtoȱseveralȱcharacteristicsȱ
presentȱinȱschizophrenics.ȱȱAdolescentȱrodentsȱwithȱTHCȱexposureȱwereȱsociallyȱ
withdrawnȱandȱdemonstratedȱincreasedȱanxiety,ȱcognitiveȱdisorganizationȱandȱ
abnormalȱlevelsȱofȱdopamine,ȱallȱofȱwhichȱareȱfeaturesȱofȱschizophrenia.ȱȱTheseȱ
changesȱcontinuedȱintoȱearlyȱadulthood,ȱwellȱpastȱtheȱinitialȱexposure.ȱ
x “Adolescenceȱisȱaȱcriticalȱperiodȱofȱbrainȱdevelopment,ȱandȱtheȱadolescentȱbrainȱ
isȱparticularlyȱvulnerable.ȱȱHealthȱpolicyȱmakersȱneedȱtoȱensureȱthatȱmarijuana,ȱ
especiallyȱmarijuanaȱstrainsȱwithȱhighȱTHCȱlevels,ȱstaysȱoutȱofȱtheȱhandsȱofȱ
teenagers.”ȱ
o StevenȱLaviolette,ȱPhDȱ–ȱledȱtheȱresearchȱatȱWesternȱUniversity,ȱOntario,ȱ
Canadaȱ
ȱ
SomethingȱInterestingȱHappensȱtoȱWeedȱAfterȱIt’sȱLegal:ȱȱResearchersȱfromȱtheȱ
PardeeȱRANDȱGraduateȱSchoolȱandȱCarnegieȱMellonȱUniversityȱexaminedȱpricesȱofȱ
marijuanaȱinȱWashingtonȱoverȱtheȱcourseȱofȱtheȱfirstȱtwoȱyearsȱofȱrecreationalȱ
legalization.ȱȱAsȱoneȱmightȱsuspect,ȱpricesȱofȱbothȱretailȱandȱwholesaleȱmarijuanaȱhaveȱ
plummeted.ȱȱCurrently,ȱpricesȱareȱfallingȱatȱaboutȱ2ȱpercentȱperȱmonth,ȱwhichȱequatesȱ
toȱanȱapproximateȱ25ȱpercentȱdropȱeveryȱyearȱgoingȱforward.ȱȱForȱconsumersȱofȱpot,ȱtheȱ
decreaseȱinȱpriceȱwillȱaffectȱdifferentȱpopulationsȱinȱdifferentȱways.ȱȱForȱexample:ȱ
youngȱusersȱareȱtypicallyȱmoreȱ“priceȱsensitive”ȱconsumers;ȱtherefore,ȱtheirȱuseȱofȱ
inexpensiveȱpotȱmayȱriseȱoverȱtime,ȱasȱmightȱthatȱofȱproblematicȱmarijuanaȱusers.7ȱ
ȱȱ
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America’sȱYouthȱ–ȱTheȱMarijuanaȱMartyrs:8ȱ
x ColoradoȱandȱWashington,ȱtheȱfirstȱtwoȱstatesȱtoȱlegalize,ȱwereȱamongȱtheȱtopȱ
threeȱstatesȱwithȱtheȱlargestȱincreasesȱinȱyouthȱhomelessnessȱfromȱ2013ȱtoȱ2014.ȱȱ
Inȱeachȱstate,ȱtheȱyouthȱhomelessnessȱrateȱgrewȱbyȱ27ȱandȱ13.3ȱpercentȱ
respectivelyȱinȱjustȱoneȱyear.ȱ
x Coloradoȱnowȱranksȱnumberȱoneȱforȱregularȱmarijuanaȱuseȱamongȱyouthȱ(U.S.ȱ
DepartmentȱofȱHealthȱandȱHumanȱServices).ȱThisȱproudȱachievementȱonlyȱcameȱ
incrementally,ȱthough;ȱColoradoȱonceȱrankedȱaȱdistantȱ14thȱinȱtheȱcountryȱforȱ
youthȱusage.ȱȱOnceȱagain,ȱthisȱjumpȱinȱtheȱrankingsȱcoincidedȱwithȱColorado’sȱ
2012ȱpassageȱofȱAmendmentȱ64,ȱwhichȱlegalizedȱmarijuanaȱforȱrecreationalȱuse.ȱȱ
x Averageȱuseȱamongȱteensȱinȱrecreational/medicalȱmarijuanaȱstatesȱrestsȱatȱ10.5ȱ
percentȱcomparedȱtoȱ8.9ȱpercentȱinȱstatesȱwhereȱitȱisȱonlyȱlegalȱforȱmedicinalȱ
purposesȱandȱ6.1ȱpercentȱinȱstatesȱwhereȱtheȱdrugȱisȱbannedȱaltogether.ȱȱInȱotherȱ
words,ȱthereȱisȱaȱdirectȱcorrelationȱbetweenȱavailabilityȱofȱmarijuanaȱandȱteenȱ
usage.ȱ
x AccordingȱtoȱArapahoeȱHouseȱTreatmentȱnetworkȱinȱColorado,ȱteenageȱ
admissionsȱforȱmarijuanaȱaddictionȱinȱColoradoȱincreasedȱbyȱ66ȱpercentȱbetweenȱ
2011ȱandȱ2014,ȱagainȱcorrelatingȱwithȱtheȱ2012ȱpassageȱofȱAmendmentȱ64.ȱ
o NinetyȬfiveȱpercentȱofȱtheȱteenagersȱtreatedȱforȱsubstanceȱabuseȱandȱ
addictionȱinȱmyȱadolescentȱsubstanceȬabuseȱtreatmentȱclinicȱatȱDenverȱ
Healthȱareȱthereȱbecauseȱofȱtheirȱmarijuanaȱuse,ȱandȱbecauseȱnationwide,ȱ
67ȱpercentȱofȱteensȱareȱreferredȱtoȱsubstanceȱtreatmentȱbecauseȱofȱtheirȱ
marijuanaȱuse.ȱȱMarijuanaȱisȱtheȱNo.ȱ1ȱreasonȱwhyȱadolescentsȱseekȱ
substanceȬabuseȱtreatmentȱinȱtheȱUnitedȱStates.ȱȱ(Dr.ȱChristianȱThurstone,ȱ
UniversityȱofȱColorado)ȱ
x AȱcomprehensiveȱNewȱZealandȱstudyȱofȱ1,000ȱindividualsȱoverȱmanyȱyearsȱ
foundȱthatȱparticipantsȱwhoȱusedȱcannabisȱheavilyȱinȱtheirȱteensȱhadȱanȱ
astonishingȱaverageȱlossȱofȱ8ȱIQȱpoints.ȱȱ
ȱ
ImpactȱofȱLegalizationȱonȱYouth:ȱȱInȱaȱreportȱwrittenȱbyȱDr.ȱKennethȱFinn,ȱMDȱandȱ
RochelleȱSalmore,ȱMSN,ȱRN,ȱsomeȱeffectsȱofȱmarijuanaȱlegalizationȱonȱourȱyouthȱinȱCOȱ
areȱdescribedȱfromȱtheȱeyesȱofȱmedicalȱprofessionals:ȱ
“Theȱeffectsȱonȱlearningȱandȱeducationȱrelatedȱtoȱcannabisȱuseȱhaveȱbeenȱ
documentedȱextensively,ȱandȱColoradoȱschoolȱexpulsionsȱforȱdrugȱrelatedȱreasonsȱ
increasedȱ40%ȱbetweenȱ2008ȱandȱ2014,ȱcitingȱmarijuanaȱasȱtheȱmostȱcommonlyȱabusedȱ
substance.ȱȱInȱaddition,ȱtheȱAmericanȱAcademyȱofȱNeurologyȱrecentlyȱrecommendedȱ
noȱcannabisȱuseȱforȱchildren,ȱadolescents,ȱorȱadultsȱuntilȱfurtherȱstudyȱisȱdone.ȱȱ
Cannabisȱhasȱaȱknownȱaddictiveȱpotential,ȱparticularlyȱinȱtheȱdevelopingȱbrain,ȱandȱhasȱ
aȱwellȬdescribedȱwithdrawalȱsyndrome.ȱȱNationallyȱthereȱareȱ7.15%ȱadolescentsȱusingȱ
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cannabis,ȱbutȱinȱColoradoȱthisȱfigureȱisȱ11.16%.ȱȱFurthermore,ȱtheȱaddictionȱrateȱisȱ
higherȱforȱadolescentsȱ(approximatelyȱ18%)ȱthanȱforȱadultsȱ(approximatelyȱ9%).”9ȱ
ȱ
LegalizingȱMarijuanaȱandȱtheȱOpiateȱEpidemic:ȱȱNewȱscienceȱsuggestsȱthatȱ
teenagersȱwhoȱuseȱmarijuanaȱincreaseȱtheirȱriskȱofȱopiateȱaddictionȱlaterȱinȱlife.ȱȱForȱ
example,ȱaȱ20ȬyearȬoldȱwhoȱtakesȱanȱopiateȱpainkillerȱforȱaȱskiingȱinjuryȱorȱwisdomȱ
toothȱremovalȱmayȱbeȱmuchȱmoreȱatȱriskȱofȱbecomingȱaddictedȱtoȱthatȱpainkillerȱasȱaȱ
resultȱofȱhisȱorȱherȱearlierȱmarijuanaȱuseȱ–ȱnoȱmatterȱhowȱinsignificantȱthatȱearlierȱuseȱ
mayȱseem.ȱȱThisȱscienceȱputsȱsomeȱteethȱbehindȱtheȱoldȬschoolȱtermȱ“gatewayȱdrug.”ȱ
Aȱstudyȱofȱrodents,ȱconductedȱatȱtheȱHurdȱLaboratoryȱatȱtheȱMountȱSinaiȱSchoolȱofȱ
Medicine,ȱshowedȱthatȱrodentsȱexposedȱtoȱTHCȱinȱtheȱadolescentȱyearsȱhadȱoffspringȱ
thatȱwereȱprimedȱforȱaddiction.ȱȱTheȱresearchȱhasȱyetȱtoȱbeȱreproducedȱinȱhumans,ȱbutȱ
otherȱstudiesȱonȱtransȬgenerationalȱeffectsȱofȱotherȱdrugsȱinȱhumansȱappearȱconsistentȱ
withȱtheȱdiscoveriesȱinȱrodents.10ȱ
Sources
ȱ
1ȱȱCommitteeȱonȱSubstanceȱAbuse,ȱCommitteeȱonȱAdolescence,ȱPediatricsȱ
2015;135;584;ȱoriginallyȱpublishedȱonlineȱJanuaryȱ26,ȱ2015;ȱDOL:ȱ10.1542/pedsȱ2014Ȭ
4146,ȱ“TheȱImpactȱofȱMarijuanaȱPoliciesȱonȱYouth:ȱClinical,ȱResearch,ȱandȱLegalȱ
Update,”ȱ<http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/135/3/584.full.pdf>,ȱ
accessedȱJuneȱ10,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
2ȱȱAmericanȱCollegeȱofȱPediatricians,ȱAprilȱ2016,ȱ“MarijuanaȱUse:ȱDetrimentalȱtoȱ
Youth,”ȱ<http://www.acpeds.org/marijuanaȬuseȬdetrimentalȬtoȬyouth>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ
20,ȱ2016,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ10,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
3ȱȱCari Nierenberg,ȱLiveȱScience,ȱDecemberȱ29,ȱ2015,ȱ“PotȱScience:ȱȱTopȱMarijuanaȱ
Findingsȱofȱ2015,”ȱ<http://www.livescience.com/53218ȬtopȬmarijuanaȬscientificȬ
findingsȬ2015.html>,ȱaccessedȱDecemberȱ29,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
4ȱȱCharlesȱ“Cully”ȱStimson,ȱTheȱDailyȱSignal,ȱOctoberȱ8,ȱ2014,ȱ“DemocratȱGovernor:ȱ
LegalizingȱPotȱWasȱ‘Reckless.’ȱAȱNewȱStudyȱProvesȱHimȱRight,”ȱ
<http://dailysignal.com/2014/10/08/demȬgovȬlegalizingȬpotȬcoloȬrecklessȬnewȬstudyȬ
provesȬright/>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ9,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ2:ȱȱYouthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ62ȱ
5ȱȱElizabethȱHernandez,ȱOctoberȱ14,ȱ2015,ȱTheȱDenverȱPost,ȱ“Coloradoȱeducatorsȱ
concernedȱaboutȱpotȱinȱpublicȱschools,”ȱ
<http://www.denverpost.com/2015/10/14/coloradoȬeducatorsȬconcernedȬaboutȬpotȬinȬ
publicȬschools/>,ȱaccessedȱOctoberȱ15,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
6ȱȱYvetteȱBrazier,ȱMedicalȱNewsȱTodayȱ(MNT),ȱJanuaryȱ17,ȱ2016,ȱ“Teensȱwhoȱuseȱ
cannabisȱatȱriskȱofȱschizophrenia,”ȱ
<http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/305151.php>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ9,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
7ȱȱKeithȱHumphreys,ȱTheȱWashingtonȱPost,ȱMayȱ4,ȱ2016,ȱ“So,ȱsomethingȱinterestingȱ
happensȱtoȱweedȱafterȱit’sȱlegal,”ȱ
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/05/04/theȬpriceȬofȬlegalȬpotȬisȬ
collapsing/>,ȱaccessedȱMayȱ4,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
8ȱȱKayleighȱMcEnanny,ȱAboveȱtheȱLaw,ȱDecemberȱ31,ȱ2015,ȱ“America’sȱYouth:ȱȱTheȱ
MarijuanaȱMartyrs,”ȱ<http://abovethelaw.com/2015/12/americasȬyouthȬtheȬmarijuanaȬ
martyrs/>,ȱaccessedȱJanuaryȱ25,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
9ȱȱKennethȱFinn,ȱM.D.,ȱ“TheȱHiddenȱCostsȱofȱMarijuanaȱUseȱinȱColorado:ȱOneȱ
EmergencyȱDepartment’sȱExperience,”ȱTheȱJournalȱofȱGlobalȱDrugȱPolicyȱandȱPractice,ȱ
<http://www.globaldrugpolicy.org/Issues/Vol%2010%20Issue%202/Articles/The%20Hid
den%20Costs%20of%20Marijuana%20Use%20in%20Colorado_Final.pdf>,ȱaccessedȱMayȱ
17,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
10ȱȱHeidiȱHeilman,ȱNewȱBostonȱPost,ȱMarchȱ4,ȱ2016,ȱ“Legalizingȱmarijuanaȱwillȱ
increaseȱourȱopiateȱepidemic,”ȱ<http://newbostonpost.com/2016/03/03/legalizingȬ
marijuanaȬwillȬincreaseȬourȬopiateȬepidemic/>,ȱaccessedȱMarchȱ4,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
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SECTION 3: Adult Marijuana
Use
ȱ
Some Findings
ȱ
x Collegeȱageȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱincreasedȱ17ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱtwoȬyearȱ
averageȱ(2013/2014)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱ
theȱtwoȬyearȱaverageȱpriorȱtoȱlegalizationȱ(2011/2012).ȱ
o Nationallyȱcollegeȱageȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱincreasedȱ2ȱpercentȱ
duringȱtheȱsameȱtimeframe.ȱ
ȱ
x Theȱlatestȱ2013/2014ȱresultsȱshowȱColoradoȱcollegeȱageȱadultsȱrankedȱ#1ȱinȱtheȱ
nationȱforȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuse,ȱupȱfromȱ#3ȱinȱ2011/2012ȱandȱ#8ȱinȱ
2005/2006.ȱ
ȱ
x Coloradoȱcollegeȱageȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱforȱ2013/2014ȱwasȱ62ȱpercentȱ
higherȱthanȱtheȱnationalȱaverageȱcomparedȱtoȱ42ȱpercentȱhigherȱinȱ2011/2012.ȱ
ȱ
x AdultȱpastȬmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱincreasedȱ63ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱtwoȬyearȱaverageȱ
(2013/2014)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱtheȱ
twoȬyearȱaverageȱpriorȱtoȱlegalizationȱ(2011/2012).ȱ
o Nationallyȱadultȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱincreasedȱ21ȱpercentȱduringȱ
theȱsameȱtimeframe.ȱ
ȱ
x Theȱlatestȱ2013/2014ȱresultsȱshowȱColoradoȱadultsȱrankedȱ#1ȱinȱtheȱnationȱforȱ
pastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuse,ȱupȱfromȱ#7ȱinȱ2011/2012ȱandȱ#8ȱinȱ2005/2006.ȱ
ȱ
x Coloradoȱadultȱpastȱmonthȱmarijuanaȱuseȱforȱ2013/2014ȱwasȱ104ȱpercentȱhigherȱ
thanȱtheȱnationalȱaverageȱcomparedȱtoȱ51ȱpercentȱhigherȱinȱ2011/2012.ȱ
ȱ
x Theȱtopȱtenȱstatesȱforȱtheȱhighestȱrateȱofȱcurrentȱmarijuanaȱuseȱforȱ2013Ȭ2014ȱ
wereȱallȱmedicalȬmarijuanaȱstates.ȱ
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Data
College Age 18 to 25 Years Old
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱ
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ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealth,ȱSubstateȱRegionȱEstimatesȱ2006Ȭ2014ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ SUBSTATEȱDATAȱISȱONLYȱAVAILABLEȱFROMȱTHEȱNATIONALȱSURVEYȱONȱDRUGȱUSEȱ
ANDȱHEALTHȱINȱTHEȱABOVEȱTIMEFRAMES.ȱ
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ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱȱ*OregonȱandȱAlaskaȱvotedȱtoȱlegalizeȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱinȱNovemberȱ2014ȱ
**Statesȱthatȱhadȱlegislationȱforȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱsignedȱintoȱeffectȱduringȱ2014ȱ
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ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
StatesȱforȱPastȱMonthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ
CollegeȱAgeȱ18ȱtoȱ25ȱYearsȱOld,ȱ2013/2014ȱ
ȱ
Topȱ10ȱ
(Medical/RecreationalȱStates)ȱ
Bottomȱ10ȱ
(NonȬMedicalȱorȱRecreationalȱStates)ȱ
NationalȱAverage =ȱ19.32%
1. Coloradoȱ–ȱ31.24%ȱ 41.ȱȱOklahomaȱ–ȱ15.76%ȱ
2. Vermontȱ–ȱ30.60%ȱ 42.ȱȱKansasȱ–ȱ15.11%ȱ
3. NewȱHampshireȱ–ȱ30.09%ȱ 43.ȱȱTexasȱ–ȱ15.06%ȱ
4. RhodeȱIslandȱ–ȱ28.90%ȱ 44.ȱȱAlabamaȱ–ȱ15.04%ȱ
5. Massachusettsȱ–ȱ28.74%ȱ 45.ȱȱTennesseeȱ–ȱ14.72%ȱ
6. Maineȱ–ȱ28.38%ȱ 46.ȱȱIdahoȱ–ȱ14.28%ȱ
7. Oregonȱ–ȱ24.85%ȱ 47.ȱȱNorthȱDakotaȱ–ȱ14.05%ȱ
8. Washingtonȱ–ȱ24.47%ȱ 48.ȱȱIowaȱ–ȱ14.01%ȱ
9. Marylandȱ–ȱ23.42%ȱ 49.ȱȱSouthȱDakotaȱ–ȱ13.02%ȱ
10. Michiganȱ–ȱ23.17%ȱ 50.ȱȱUtahȱ–ȱ11.55%ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
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Adults Age 26+ Years Old
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014.ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014.ȱ
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ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealth,ȱSubstateȱRegionȱEstimatesȱ2006Ȭ2014ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ SUBSTATEȱDATAȱISȱONLYȱAVAILABLEȱFROMȱTHEȱNATIONALȱSURVEYȱONȱDRUGȱUSEȱ
ANDȱHEALTHȱINȱTHEȱABOVEȱTIMEFRAMES.ȱ
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ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱȱ*OregonȱandȱAlaskaȱvotedȱtoȱlegalizeȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱinȱNovemberȱ2014ȱ
**Statesȱthatȱhadȱlegislationȱforȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱsignedȱintoȱeffectȱduringȱ2014ȱ
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ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
StatesȱforȱPastȱMonthȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ
AdultsȱAgesȱ26+ȱYearsȱOld,ȱ2013/2014ȱ
ȱ
Topȱ10ȱ
(Medical/RecreationalȱStates)ȱ
Bottomȱ10ȱ
(NonȬMedicalȱorȱRecreationalȱStates)ȱ
NationalȱAverage =ȱ6.11%
1. Coloradoȱ–ȱ12.45%ȱ 41.ȱȱLouisianaȱ–ȱ4.42%ȱ
2. Washingtonȱ–ȱ11.21%ȱ 42.ȱȱUtahȱ–ȱ4.25%ȱ
3. Maineȱ–ȱ10.77%ȱ 43.ȱȱTexasȱ–ȱ4.21%ȱ
4. Oregonȱ–ȱ10.68%ȱ 44.ȱȱAlabamaȱ–ȱ4.03%ȱ
5. Alaskaȱ–ȱ10.42%ȱ 45.ȱȱTennesseeȱ–ȱ4.01%ȱ
6. Vermontȱ–ȱ10.42%ȱ 46.ȱȱNebraskaȱ–ȱ3.97%ȱ
7. RhodeȱIslandȱ–ȱ9.92%ȱ 47.ȱȱNorthȱDakotaȱ–ȱ3.95%ȱ
8. Massachusettsȱ–ȱ9.08%ȱ 48.ȱȱMississippiȱ–ȱ3.95%ȱ
9. NewȱHampshireȱ–ȱ8.78%ȱ 49.ȱȱIowaȱ–ȱ3.40%ȱ
10. Montanaȱ–ȱ8.49%ȱ 50.ȱȱSouthȱDakotaȱ–ȱ3.30%ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ SAMHSA.gov,ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ2013ȱandȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
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Colorado Adult Marijuana Use Demographics1
ȱ
AccordingȱtoȱtheȱColoradoȱBehaviorȱRiskȱFactorȱSurveillanceȱSystem,ȱ2014:ȱ
ȱ
x 13.6ȱpercentȱofȱadultsȱ(18+ȱyearsȱold)ȱareȱcurrentȱusersȱofȱmarijuanaȱ
x Approximatelyȱ1ȱoutȱofȱ3ȱcurrentȱusersȱreportȱusingȱmarijuanaȱdailyȱ
x Aȱlittleȱlessȱthanȱ1ȱinȱ5ȱ(18.8ȱpercent)ȱreportȱdrivingȱafterȱusingȱmarijuanaȱ
x Highestȱcurrentȱuseȱdemographics:ȱ
o Youngerȱadultsȱ(18ȱtoȱ24ȱyearsȱold)ȱ
o Lessȱthanȱhighȱschoolȱeducationȱ
o Lowerȱhouseholdȱincomeȱ
o Blackȱ
o Gay/Lesbian/Bisexualȱadultsȱ
o Menȱ
x ThreeȱhighestȱcurrentȱuseȱareasȱinȱColorado:ȱ
o Boulderȱ18.9ȱpercentȱ
o Denverȱ18.5ȱpercentȱ
o MountainȱAreaȱWestȱofȱDenverȱ15.6ȱpercentȱ
Related Material
ȱ
PotȱScience:ȱTopȱMarijuanaȱFindingsȱofȱ2015:2ȱ
x AȱstudyȱthisȱyearȱpublishedȱinȱtheȱjournalȱofȱJAMAȱPsychiatryȱfoundȱaȱdoublingȱ
ofȱmarijuanaȱuseȱamongȱAmericanȱadultsȱandȱalmostȱaȱdoublingȱofȱproblematicȱ
useȱbetweenȱ2002ȱandȱ2013.ȱȱEarlierȱstudiesȱofȱadultȱmarijuanaȱuseȱshowedȱaȱ
muchȱsmallerȱincrease.ȱȱ
o AlanȱBudney,ȱprofessorȱofȱpsychiatryȱatȱtheȱGeiselȱSchoolȱofȱMedicineȱ
x AnotherȱbigȱconcernȱonȱtheȱtopicȱofȱmarijuanaȱisȱtheȱincreaseȱinȱsalesȱofȱhighȬ
potencyȱproducts,ȱarrivingȱwithȱtheȱadventȱofȱmarijuanaȱdispensariesȱinȱsomeȱ
states.ȱȱ“LittleȱisȱknownȱaboutȱtheȱimpactȱofȱtheseȱhighȬpotencyȱproductsȱ
comparedȱwithȱtheȱlowerȬpotencyȱmarijuanaȱthatȱpeopleȱmayȱhaveȱbeenȱusingȱinȱ
theȱpastȱ30ȱyears.ȱȱIt’sȱtooȱearly,ȱusingȱtheȱdataȱthat’sȱcurrentlyȱavailable,ȱtoȱknowȱ
theȱeffects.”ȱ
o AlanȱBudney,ȱprofessorȱofȱpsychiatryȱatȱtheȱGeiselȱSchoolȱofȱMedicineȱ
x Aȱ2014ȱsurveyȱofȱmoreȱthanȱ1,000ȱU.S.ȱcollegeȱstudentsȱfoundȱthatȱtheȱpercentageȱ
ofȱstudentsȱwhoȱsmokedȱmarijuanaȱeveryȱdayȱorȱnearlyȱeveryȱdayȱreachedȱitsȱ
highestȱlevelȱinȱmoreȱthanȱ30ȱyears.ȱȱ
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x Youngȱmenȱwhoȱsmokedȱpotȱmoreȱthanȱonceȱaȱweekȱhadȱspermȱcountsȱwhichȱ
wereȱaboutȱ30ȱpercentȱlower,ȱonȱaverage,ȱthanȱmalesȱwhoȱusedȱtheȱdrugȱlessȱ
frequentlyȱorȱnotȱatȱall.ȱȱOneȱpossibleȱreasonȱforȱthisȱhasȱtoȱdoȱwithȱtheȱwayȱTHCȱ
mayȱinteractȱwithȱcertainȱreceptorsȱfoundȱinȱtheȱtestes.ȱ
x AȱstudyȱpublishedȱinȱSeptemberȱofȱ2015ȱinȱtheȱjournalȱDiabetologia,ȱfoundȱthatȱ
peopleȱwhoȱusedȱmarijuanaȱ100ȱtimesȱorȱmoreȱasȱyoungȱadultsȱwereȱ40ȱpercentȱ
moreȱlikelyȱtoȱdevelopȱprediabetesȱinȱmiddleȱageȱcomparedȱwithȱindividualsȱ
whoȱneverȱusedȱtheȱdrug.ȱ
ȱ
NumberȱofȱU.S.ȱPotȱUsersȱDoublesȱOverȱThreeȱYears:ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱaȱrecentȱ
Gallupȱpoll,ȱ“…theȱpercentageȱofȱAmericanȱadultsȱwhoȱsayȱtheyȱcurrentlyȱsmokeȱ
marijuanaȱhasȱnearlyȱdoubledȱoverȱtheȱpastȱthreeȱyears.”ȱȱTheȱfirstȱtimeȱtheȱpollȱwasȱ
conductedȱinȱ2013,ȱonlyȱ7ȱpercentȱofȱadultsȱsaidȱtheyȱwereȱmarijuanaȱsmokers.ȱȱ
However,ȱwhenȱtheȱpollȱwasȱtakenȱagainȱinȱ2016,ȱ13ȱpercentȱofȱadultsȱadmittedȱtoȱbeingȱ
currentȱusers,ȱwhichȱaccordingȱtoȱtheȱarticle,ȱworksȱoutȱtoȱbeȱaboutȱ33ȱmillionȱadultȱ
marijuanaȱusersȱinȱtheȱUnitedȱStates.ȱȱ“Thereȱareȱcurrentlyȱaboutȱ40ȱmillionȱcigaretteȱ
smokersȱinȱtheȱU.S.,ȱaccordingȱtoȱtheȱCentersȱforȱDiseaseȱControlȱandȱPrevention.ȱȱ
Givenȱthatȱcigaretteȱuseȱisȱinȱdecline,ȱmarijuanaȱuseȱcouldȱbecomeȱmoreȱprevalentȱthanȱ
cigaretteȱuseȱinȱjustȱaȱfewȱyears’ȱtime.”3ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȱDoesȱNotȱHelpȱYouȱGetȱGoodȱGrades:ȱȱAȱstudyȱfollowingȱcollegeȱ
studentsȱoverȱyearsȱtoȱmeasureȱtheȱimpactȱofȱmarijuanaȱuseȱfoundȱthoseȱwhoȱsmokedȱitȱ
oftenȱwereȱmoreȱlikelyȱtoȱskipȱclass,ȱgetȱworseȱgrades,ȱandȱtakeȱlongerȱtoȱgraduate.ȱȱAsȱ
useȱbecameȱmoreȱfrequent,ȱgradesȱtendedȱtoȱdropȱ–ȱasȱuseȱdeclined,ȱgradesȱtendedȱtoȱ
bounceȱback.4ȱ
ȱ
HarvardȱScientistsȱStudiedȱtheȱBrainsȱofȱPotȱSmokers,ȱandȱtheȱResultsȱDon’tȱLookȱ
Good:ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱaȱstudyȱperformedȱbyȱresearchersȱatȱHarvardȱandȱNorthwesternȱ
(publishedȱ4/15/2014),ȱ18Ȭ25ȱyearȱoldsȱwhoȱsmokedȱmarijuanaȱonlyȱaȱfewȱtimesȱaȱweekȱ
hadȱsignificantȱbrainȱabnormalitiesȱinȱtheȱareasȱthatȱcontrolȱemotionȱandȱmotivation.ȱȱ
Noticeableȱabnormalitiesȱwereȱevenȱobservedȱforȱthoseȱstudyȱparticipantsȱwhoȱsmokedȱ
marijuanaȱonlyȱoneȱtimeȱperȱweek.ȱȱThoseȱwhoȱsmokedȱmoreȱhadȱmoreȱsignificantȱ
variations.5ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȱUseȱAmongȱU.S.ȱCollegeȱStudentsȱatȱ35ȱYearȱHigh:ȱȱAȱstudyȱfromȱtheȱ
UniversityȱofȱMichiganȱreportsȱthatȱdailyȱmarijuanaȱuseȱhasȱsurpassedȱdailyȱcigaretteȱ
useȱamongȱstudentsȱatȱAmericanȱuniversities.ȱȱDaily,ȱorȱnearȱdaily,ȱpotȱsmokingȱisȱatȱaȱ
recordȱhigh:ȱȱnearlyȱ6ȱpercentȱofȱallȱcollegeȱstudentsȱpolledȱreportedȱthatȱtheyȱhadȱusedȱ
marijuanaȱ20ȱorȱmoreȱtimesȱinȱtheȱpastȱ30ȱdays.ȱȱThat’sȱcloseȱtoȱdoubleȱtheȱnumberȱ(3.5ȱ
percent)ȱofȱstudentsȱinȱ2007ȱwhoȱsaidȱtheyȱsmokeȱpotȱdaily.ȱȱResearchersȱbehindȱtheȱ
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Michiganȱstudyȱsuggestȱthatȱtheȱincreaseȱinȱmarijuanaȱuseȱisȱdueȱtoȱdecreasingȱfearsȱofȱ
theȱdrugsȱillȱeffects.ȱȱThereȱwasȱaȱmarkedȱdecreaseȱinȱtheȱnumberȱofȱhighȱschoolȱ
graduatesȱwhoȱviewedȱpotȱasȱdangerousȱoverȱtheȱpastȱeightȱyearsȱ–ȱfromȱaȱmajorityȱofȱ
allȱstudentsȱ(55ȱpercent)ȱinȱ2006,ȱtoȱjustȱoverȱaȱthirdȱinȱ2014.6ȱ
ȱ
LongȬtermȱMarijuanaȱUseȱAssociatedȱwithȱWorseȱVerbalȱMemoryȱinȱMiddleȱAge:ȱȱ
AȱrecentȱstudyȱpublishedȱinȱtheȱJAMAȱInternationalȱMedicineȱjournalȱexaminedȱcognitiveȱ
performanceȱofȱsubjectsȱwhoȱhadȱusedȱmarijuanaȱtoȱvaryingȱdegreesȱbeginningȱinȱearlyȱ
adulthoodȱusingȱstandardizedȱtestsȱofȱverbalȱmemory,ȱprocessingȱspeedȱandȱexecutiveȱ
function.ȱȱOfȱtheȱsubjects,ȱ86.3ȱpercentȱreportedȱpastȱmarijuanaȱuseȱbutȱonlyȱ11.6ȱpercentȱ
reportedȱusingȱmarijuanaȱintoȱmiddleȬage.ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱRetoȱAuer,ȱM.D.,ȱandȱcoȬ
authors,ȱpastȱexposureȱtoȱmarijuanaȱwasȱassociatedȱwithȱdiminishedȱverbalȱmemory.ȱ
“Theȱpublicȱhealthȱchallengeȱisȱtoȱfindȱeffectiveȱwaysȱtoȱinformȱyoungȱpeopleȱwhoȱ
use,ȱorȱareȱconsideringȱusing,ȱmarijuanaȱaboutȱtheȱcognitiveȱandȱotherȱrisksȱofȱlongȬ
termȱdailyȱuse,”ȱsaidȱWayneȱHall,ȱPh.D.,ȱofȱtheȱUniversityȱofȱQueensland,ȱAustralia,ȱ
andȱMichaelȱLynskey,ȱPh.D.,ȱofȱKingsȱCollegeȱLondon,ȱinȱaȱrelatedȱcommentary.7ȱ
ȱ
SmokingȱMostȱPrevalentȱModeȱofȱLifetimeȱMarijuanaȱUseȱAmongȱAdults:ȱȱ
SlightlyȱmoreȱthanȱoneȬthirdȱ(35ȱpercent)ȱofȱadultsȱreportedȱeverȱusingȱmarijuanaȱinȱ
2014.ȱȱAmongȱtheseȱadults,ȱsmokingȱwasȱreportedȱasȱtheȱmostȱprevalentȱmodeȱofȱ
marijuanaȱuse.ȱȱAȱmajorityȱofȱusersȱreportedȱsmokingȱjointsȱ(89ȱpercent),ȱaroundȱoneȬ
halfȱreportedȱusingȱbongs,ȱwaterȱpipes,ȱorȱhookahsȱ(49ȱpercent)ȱorȱbowlsȱorȱpipesȱ(48ȱ
percent),ȱandȱoneȬfourthȱ(25ȱpercent)ȱsmokedȱmarijuanaȱinȱblunts.ȱȱOtherȱmodesȱofȱ
marijuanaȱuseȱincludedȱingestingȱmarijuanaȱinȱediblesȱorȱdrinksȱ(30ȱpercent)ȱandȱ
vaporizingȱmarijuanaȱ(10ȱpercent).8ȱ
ȱ
2015ȱNationalȱPollȱFindsȱMoreȱThanȱFourȱinȱTenȱU.S.ȱAdultsȱReportȱEverȱTryingȱ
Marijuana:ȱȱFortyȬfourȱpercentȱofȱU.S.ȱadultsȱhaveȱeverȱtriedȱmarijuana,ȱaccordingȱtoȱaȱ
nationwideȱJulyȱ2015ȱtelephoneȱpoll.ȱȱWhenȱtheȱquestionȱwasȱfirstȱaskedȱinȱ1969,ȱonlyȱ4ȱ
percentȱadmittedȱtoȱtryingȱmarijuana.ȱȱTheȱpercentageȱincreasedȱsharplyȱfromȱ1973ȱ(12ȱ
percent)ȱtoȱ1985ȱ(33ȱpercent),ȱandȱthenȱremainedȱrelativelyȱstableȱuntilȱreachingȱaȱhighȱ
ofȱ44ȱpercentȱinȱ2015.9ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȱUseȱMoreȱthanȱDoublesȱfromȱ2001ȱtoȱ2013:ȱȱTheȱestimatedȱprevalenceȱofȱ
adultsȱwhoȱusedȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱpastȱyearȱmoreȱthanȱdoubledȱinȱtheȱUnitedȱStatesȱ
betweenȱ2001ȱandȱ2013,ȱaccordingȱtoȱanȱarticleȱpublishedȱonlineȱbyȱJAMAȱPsychiatry.ȱȱ
Increasesȱwereȱparticularlyȱnotableȱamongȱwomenȱandȱindividualsȱwhoȱwereȱblack,ȱ
Hispanic,ȱlivingȱinȱtheȱSouth,ȱmiddleȬagedȱorȱolder,ȱaccordingȱtoȱtheȱauthors.ȱȱ
Additionally,ȱnearlyȱ3ȱofȱeveryȱ10ȱAmericansȱwhoȱusedȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱpastȱyearȱhadȱaȱ
diagnosisȱofȱaȱmarijuanaȱuseȱdisorder,ȱwhichȱequatesȱtoȱaboutȱ6.8ȱmillionȱAmericans.ȱ
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“Inȱsummary,ȱwhileȱmanyȱinȱtheȱUnitedȱStatesȱthinkȱprohibitionȱofȱrecreationalȱ
marijuanaȱshouldȱbeȱended,ȱthisȱstudyȱandȱothersȱsuggestȱcautionȱandȱtheȱneedȱforȱ
publicȱeducationȱaboutȱtheȱpotentialȱharmsȱinȱmarijuanaȱuse,ȱincludingȱtheȱriskȱforȱ
addiction.ȱȱAsȱisȱtheȱcaseȱwithȱalcohol,ȱmanyȱindividualsȱcanȱuseȱmarijuanaȱwithoutȱ
becomingȱaddicted.ȱȱHowever,ȱtheȱclearȱriskȱforȱmarijuanaȱuseȱdisordersȱamongȱusersȱ
(approximatelyȱ30ȱpercent)ȱsuggestsȱthatȱasȱtheȱnumberȱofȱU.S.ȱusersȱgrows,ȱsoȱwillȱtheȱ
numbersȱofȱthoseȱexperiencingȱproblemsȱrelatedȱtoȱsuchȱuse.”10ȱ
ȱ
PoorerȱUsersȱSmokingȱtheȱMost:ȱAȱstudyȱpublishedȱ“…inȱtheȱJournalȱofȱDrugȱIssuesȱ
foundȱthatȱtheȱproportionȱofȱmarijuanaȱusersȱwhoȱsmokeȱdailyȱhasȱrapidlyȱgrown,ȱandȱ
thatȱmanyȱofȱthoseȱfrequentȱusersȱareȱpoorȱandȱlackȱaȱhighȱschoolȱdiploma.”ȱȱAccordingȱ
toȱtheȱstudyȱtheȱprofileȱofȱmarijuanaȱusersȱisȱmuchȱcloserȱassociatedȱtoȱthatȱofȱcigaretteȱ
smokersȱthanȱalcoholȱdrinkers,ȱ“…andȱthatȱaȱhandfulȱofȱusersȱconsumeȱmuchȱofȱtheȱ
marijuanaȱusedȱinȱtheȱU.S.”ȱȱAlso,ȱ29ȱpercentȱofȱallȱmarijuanaȱuseȱacrossȱtheȱcountyȱisȱ
fromȱhouseholdsȱwithȱanȱannualȱincomeȱofȱlessȱthanȱ$20,000.ȱȱ“Theȱconcentrationȱofȱuseȱ
amongȱpoorerȱhouseholdsȱmeansȱthatȱmanyȱmarijuanaȱusersȱareȱspendingȱaȱhighȱ
proportionȱofȱtheirȱincomeȱonȱtheirȱmarijuanaȱhabit.ȱȱUsersȱwhoȱspendȱfullyȱoneȱquarterȱ
ofȱtheirȱincomeȱonȱweedȱaccountȱforȱ15ȱpercentȱofȱallȱmarijuanaȱuse.”11ȱ
Sources
ȱ
1ȱȱColoradoȱBehavioralȱRiskȱFactorȱSurveillanceȱSystemȱ2014,ȱ“MarijuanaȱUseȱinȱ
Colorado,”ȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironmentȱ
ȱ
2ȱȱCari Nierenberg,ȱLiveȱScience,ȱDecemberȱ29,ȱ2015,ȱ“PotȱScience:ȱȱTopȱMarijuanaȱ
Findingsȱofȱ2015,”ȱ<http://www.livescience.com/53218ȬtopȬmarijuanaȬscientificȬ
findingsȬ2015.html>,ȱaccessedȱDecemberȱ29,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
3ȱȱTheȱWashingtonȱPostȱasȱpublishedȱinȱTheȱDenverȱPost,ȱAugustȱ9,ȱ2016,ȱ“Poll:ȱȱ
Numberȱofȱputȱusersȱnearlyȱdoublesȱoverȱthreeȱyears,”ȱ
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/08/09/pollȬnumberȬofȬpotȬusersȬnearlyȬdoublesȬoverȬ
threeȬyears/,ȱaccessedȱAugustȱ9,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
4ȱȱSylviaȱSvriuga,ȱTheȱWashingtonȱPost,ȱDecemberȱ28,ȱ2015,ȱ“Canȱanyoneȱanswerȱthis:ȱȱ
Doesȱmarijuanaȱhelpȱyouȱgetȱgoodȱgradesȱandȱgraduateȱfromȱcollegeȱonȱtime?,ȱ
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/gradeȬpoint/wp/2015/12/18/canȬanyoneȬ
answerȬthisȬdoesȬmarijuanaȬhelpȬyouȬgetȬgoodȬgradesȬandȬgraduateȬfromȬcollegeȬonȬ
time/>,ȱaccessedȱJanuaryȱ18,ȱ2016ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 98
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SECTIONȱ3:ȱȱAdultȱMarijuanaȱUseȱ ȱ Pageȱ|ȱ76ȱ
ȱ
5ȱȱEileenȱShim,ȱNews.Mic,ȱAprilȱ16,ȱ2014,ȱ“HarvardȱScientistȱStudiesȱtheȱBrainsȱofȱPotȱ
Smokers,ȱandȱtheȱResultsȱDon’tȱLookȱGood,”ȱ<https://mic.com/articles/87743/harvardȬ
scientistsȬstudiedȬtheȬbrainsȬofȬpotȬsmokersȬandȬtheȬresultsȬdonȬtȬlookȬ
good#.EBTsOB51M>,ȱaccessedȱJanuaryȱ19,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
6ȱȱAirelȱKey,ȱIndependent,ȱSeptemberȱ4,ȱ2015,ȱ“MarijuanaȱuseȱamongȱUSȱcollegeȱ
studentsȱatȱ35ȱyearȱhigh,ȱsaysȱstudy,”ȱ
<http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/marijuanaȬuseȬamongȬusȬ
collegeȬstudentsȬatȬ35ȬyearȬhighȬsaysȬstudyȬ10487217.html>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ10,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
7ȱȱStudyȱauthorȱRetoȱAuer,ȱM.D.,ȱM.A.S.,ȱTheȱJAMAȱNetworkȱNewsȱRelease/Forȱtheȱ
Media,ȱFebruaryȱ1,ȱ2016,ȱ“LongȬTermȱMarijuanaȱUseȱwithȱWorseȱVerbalȱMemoryȱinȱ
MiddleȱAge,”ȱ<http://media.jamanetwork.com/newsȬitem/longȬtermȬmarijuanaȬuseȬ
associatedȬwithȬworseȬverbalȬmemoryȬinȬmiddleȬage/#>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ15,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
8ȱȱCESAR,ȱNovemberȱ30,ȱ2015,ȱVol.ȱ24,ȱIssueȱ15,ȱ“SmokingȱMostȱPrevalentȱModeȱofȱ
LifetimeȱMarijuanaȱUseȱAmongȱAdults;ȱ30%ȱReportȱConsumingȱinȱEdiblesȱandȱ10%ȱ
ReportȱVaporizing”,ȱ<http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/cesarfax/vol24/24Ȭ15.pdf>,ȱ
accessedȱJuneȱ7,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
9ȱȱJustinȱMcCarthy,ȱGallupȱPoll,ȱJulyȱ22,ȱ2015,ȱ“MoreȱThanȱFourȱinȱ10ȱAmericansȱSayȱ
TheyȱHaveȱTriedȱMarijuana,”ȱ<http://www.gallup.com/poll/184298/fourȬamericansȬsayȬ
triedȬmarijuana.aspx>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ7,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
10ȱȱCorrespondingȱauthorȱBridgetȱG.ȱGrant,ȱPh.D.,ȱTheȱJAMAȱNetwork/Forȱtheȱ
Media,ȱ“MarijuanaȱUseȱMoreȱthanȱDoublesȱfromȱ2001ȱtoȱ2013;ȱIncreaseȱinȱUseȱDisordersȱ
Too,”ȱ<http://media.jamanetwork.com/newsȬitem/marijuanaȬuseȬmoreȬthanȬdoublesȬ
fromȬ2001ȬtoȬ2013ȬincreaseȬinȬuseȬdisordersȬtoo/>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ15,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
11ȱȱTheȱWashingtonȱPostȱasȱpublishedȱinȱTheȱDenverȱPost,ȱAugustȱ14,ȱ2016,ȱ“Study:ȱȱ
Poorerȱmarijuanaȱusersȱsmokingȱtheȱmost,”ȱ
<http://www.denverpost.com/2016/08/14/studyȬpoorerȬmarijuanaȬusersȬsmokingȬtheȬ
most/>,ȱaccessedȱAugustȱ15,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ77ȱ
SECTION 4: Emergency
Department and
Hospital Marijuana-
Related Admissions
ȱ
ȱ
2015ȱmarijuanaȬrelatedȱemergencyȱdepartmentȱandȱhospitalizationȱdataȱforȱtheȱ
stateȱofȱColoradoȱwasȱnotȱavailableȱatȱtheȱtimeȱthisȱpublicationȱwasȱreleased.ȱ
Some Findings
ȱ
x ColoradoȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱvisitsȱperȱyearȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuana:ȱ
o 2013ȱ–ȱ14,148ȱ
o 2014ȱ–ȱ18,255ȱ
ȱ
x EmergencyȱDepartmentȱratesȱlikelyȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱincreasedȱ49ȱpercentȱinȱ
theȱtwoȬyearȱaverageȱ(2013Ȭ2014)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱ
comparedȱtoȱtheȱtwoȬyearȱaverageȱpriorȱtoȱlegalizationȱ(2011Ȭ2012).ȱ
ȱ
x Inȱ2014,ȱwhenȱretailȱmarijuanaȱbusinessesȱbeganȱoperating,ȱtheȱrateȱofȱemergencyȱ
departmentȱvisitsȱlikelyȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱincreasedȱ25ȱpercentȱinȱoneȱyear.ȱ
ȱ
x EmergencyȱDepartmentȱvisitsȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱperȱ100,000ȱinȱ2013:ȱ
o Denverȱrateȱ–ȱ415.46ȱ
o Coloradoȱrateȱ–ȱ248.32ȱ
Denver’sȱrateȱwasȱ67ȱpercentȱhigherȱthanȱColorado’sȱrateȱandȱ
increasedȱ25ȱpercentȱwhenȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱwasȱlegalizedȱinȱ
2013.ȱ
ȱȱ
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x Numberȱofȱhospitalizationsȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuana:ȱ
o 2011ȱ–ȱ6,305ȱ
o 2012ȱ–ȱ6,715ȱ
o 2013ȱ–ȱȱȱ8,272ȱ
o 2014ȱ–ȱ11,439ȱ
ȱ
x Hospitalȱratesȱlikelyȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱincreasedȱ32ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱtwoȬyearȱ
averageȱ(2013Ȭ2014)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱ
theȱtwoȬyearȱaverageȱpriorȱtoȱlegalizationȱ(2011Ȭ2012).ȱ
ȱ
x Inȱ2014,ȱwhenȱretailȱmarijuanaȱstoresȱbeganȱoperating,ȱtheȱrateȱofȱhospitalizationsȱ
likelyȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱincreasedȱ20ȱpercentȱinȱonlyȱoneȱyear.ȱ
ȱ
x Hospitalȱdischargesȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱperȱ100,000ȱinȱ2013:ȱ
o Denverȱrateȱ–ȱ245.94ȱ
o Coloradoȱrateȱ–ȱ148.80ȱ
Denver’sȱrateȱwasȱoverȱ65ȱpercentȱhigherȱthanȱColorado’sȱrateȱandȱ
increasedȱ29ȱpercentȱwhenȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱwasȱlegalizedȱinȱ
2013.ȱ
ȱ
x Children’sȱHospitalȱColoradoȱreportedȱ1ȱmarijuanaȱingestionȱamongȱchildrenȱ
underȱ9ȱyearsȱoldȱinȱ2009ȱcomparedȱtoȱ16ȱinȱ2015.ȱ
Definitions
ȱ
MarijuanaȬRelated:ȱȱAlsoȱreferredȱtoȱasȱ“marijuanaȱmentions.”ȱȱThisȱmeansȱtheȱdataȱ
couldȱbeȱobtainedȱfromȱlabȱtests,ȱselfȬadmittedȱorȱsomeȱotherȱformȱofȱvalidationȱbyȱtheȱ
physician.ȱȱThatȱdoesȱnotȱnecessarilyȱproveȱmarijuanaȱwasȱtheȱcauseȱofȱtheȱemergencyȱ
admissionȱorȱhospitalization.ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ79ȱ
Emergency Department Data
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ Colorado Hospital Association, Emergency Department Visit Dataset. Statistics prepared by the
Health Statistics and Evaluation Branch, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environmentȱ
ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ 2011ȱANDȱ2012ȱEMERGENCYȱDEPARTMENTȱDATAȱREFLECTSȱINCOMPLETEȱREPORTINGȱ
STATEWIDE.ȱȱINFERENCESȱCONCERNINGȱTRENDS,ȱINCLUDINGȱ2011ȱANDȱ2012,ȱSHOULDȱ
NOTȱBEȱMADE.ȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ80ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironment,ȱMonitoringȱHealthȱConcernsȱRelatedȱ
toȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱȈPOSSIBLEȱMARIJUANAȱEXPOSURES,ȱDIAGNOSES,ȱORȱBILLINGȱCODESȱINȱTHEȱFIRSTȱ
THREEȱDIAGNOSISȱCODES:ȱTHESEȱDATAȱWEREȱCHOSENȱTOȱREPRESENTȱTHEȱHDȱANDȱ
EDȱVISITSȱWHEREȱMARIJUANAȱUSEȱWASȱLIKELYȱAȱCAUSALȱORȱSTRONGȱCONTRIBUTINGȱ
FACTORȱTOȱTHEȱUNDERLYINGȱREASONȱFORȱTHEȱHDȱANDȱEDȱVISIT.ȱȱTHESEȱDATAȱ
CONSISTEDȱOFȱHDȱANDȱEDȱVISITSȱCODEDȱWITHȱDISCHARGEȱCODESȱRELATEDȱTOȱ
POISONINGȱBYȱPSYCHODYSLEPTICSȱORȱSEPARATEȱCODESȱRELATEDȱTOȱCANNABISȱ
ABUSEȱINȱTHEȱFIRSTȱTHREEȱDIAGNOSISȱCODESȱWHICHȱAREȱMOREȱLIKELYȱTOȱBEȱ
CLINICALLYȱSIGNIFICANTȱCODES.ȈȱȱȬȱCOLORADOȱDEPARTMENTȱOFȱPUBLICȱHEALTHȱANDȱ
ENVIRONMENT,ȱMONITORINGȱHEALTHȱCONCERNSȱRELATEDȱTOȱMARIJUANAȱINȱ
COLORADO:ȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ DATAȱNOTȱAVAILABLEȱPREȬ2011.ȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ81ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironment,ȱMonitoringȱHealthȱConcernsȱRelatedȱ
toȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ “POSSIBLEȱMARIJUANAȱEXPOSURES,ȱDIAGNOSES,ȱORȱBILLINGȱCODESȱINȱANYȱOFȱ
LISTEDȱDIAGNOSISȱCODES:ȱTHESEȱDATAȱWEREȱCHOSENȱTOȱREPRESENTȱTHEȱHDȱANDȱ
EDȱVISITSȱWHEREȱMARIJUANAȱCOULDȱBEȱAȱCAUSAL,ȱCONTRIBUTING,ȱORȱCOEXISTINGȱ
FACTORȱNOTEDȱBYȱTHEȱPHYSICIANȱDURINGȱTHEȱHDȱORȱEDȱVISIT.ȱȱFORȱTHESEȱDATA,ȱ
MARIJUANAȱUSEȱISȱNOTȱNECESSARILYȱRELATEDȱTOȱTHEȱUNDERLYINGȱREASONȱFORȱTHEȱ
HDȱORȱEDȱVISIT.ȱȱSOMETIMESȱTHESEȱDATAȱAREȱREFERREDȱTOȱASȱHDȱORȱEDȱVISITSȱ
WITHȱANYȱMENTIONȱOFȱMARIJUANA.ȈȱȬȱCOLORADOȱDEPARTMENTȱOFȱPUBLICȱHEALTHȱ
ANDȱENVIRONMENT,ȱMONITORINGȱHEALTHȱCONCERNSȱRELATEDȱTOȱMARIJUANAȱINȱ
COLORADO:ȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ DATAȱNOTȱAVAILABLEȱPREȬ2011.ȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ82ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ DenverȱOfficeȱofȱDrugȱStrategy,ȱTheȱDenverȱDrugȱStrategyȱCommission,ȱProceedingsȱofȱtheȱ
DenverȱEpidemiologyȱWorkȱGroupȱ(DEWG),ȱOctoberȱ29,ȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
Theȱhighestȱratesȱfromȱ2011ȱtoȱ2013ȱwereȱamongȱyoungȱadultsȱ(18ȱtoȱ25ȱyears).ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ 2011ȱANDȱ2012ȱEMERGENCYȱROOMȱDATAȱDOESȱNOTȱREPRESENTȱCOMPLETE,ȱ
STATEWIDEȱPARTICIPATION.ȱȱINCREASESȱOBSERVEDȱOVERȱTHESEȱTHREEȱYEARSȱMAYȱBEȱ
DUEȱPARTLY,ȱORȱCOMPLETELY,ȱTOȱINCREASESȱINȱREPORTINGȱBYȱEMERGENCYȱROOMS.ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ83ȱ
Hospitalization Data
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ Colorado Hospital Association, Hospital Discharge Dataset. Statistics prepared by the Health Statistics
and Evaluation Branch, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environmentȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ Colorado Hospital Association, Hospital Discharge Dataset. Statistics prepared by the Health Statistics
and Evaluation Branch, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ84ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironment,ȱMonitoringȱHealthȱConcernsȱRelatedȱ
toȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱȈPOSSIBLEȱMARIJUANAȱEXPOSURES,ȱDIAGNOSES,ȱORȱBILLINGȱCODESȱINȱTHEȱFIRSTȱ
THREEȱDIAGNOSISȱCODES:ȱTHESEȱDATAȱWEREȱCHOSENȱTOȱREPRESENTȱTHEȱHDȱANDȱ
EDȱVISITSȱWHEREȱMARIJUANAȱUSEȱWASȱLIKELYȱAȱCAUSALȱORȱSTRONGȱCONTRIBUTINGȱ
FACTORȱTOȱTHEȱUNDERLYINGȱREASONȱFORȱTHEȱHDȱANDȱEDȱVISIT.ȱȱTHESEȱDATAȱ
CONSISTEDȱOFȱHDȱANDȱEDȱVISITSȱCODEDȱWITHȱDISCHARGEȱCODESȱRELATEDȱTOȱ
POISONINGȱBYȱPSYCHODYSLEPTICSȱORȱSEPARATEȱCODESȱRELATEDȱTOȱCANNABISȱ
ABUSEȱINȱTHEȱFIRSTȱTHREEȱDIAGNOSISȱCODESȱWHICHȱAREȱMOREȱLIKELYȱTOȱBEȱ
CLINICALLYȱSIGNIFICANTȱCODES.ȈȱȬȱCOLORADOȱDEPARTMENTȱOFȱPUBLICȱHEALTHȱANDȱ
ENVIRONMENT,ȱMONITORINGȱHEALTHȱCONCERNSȱRELATEDȱTOȱMARIJUANAȱINȱ
COLORADO:ȱ2014ȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ85ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironment,ȱMonitoringȱHealthȱConcernsȱRelatedȱ
toȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱȈPOSSIBLEȱMARIJUANAȱEXPOSURES,ȱDIAGNOSES,ȱORȱBILLINGȱCODESȱINȱANYȱOFȱ
LISTEDȱDIAGNOSISȱCODES:ȱȱTHESEȱDATAȱWEREȱCHOSENȱTOȱREPRESENTȱTHEȱHDȱANDȱ
EDȱVISITSȱWHEREȱMARIJUANAȱCOULDȱBEȱAȱCAUSAL,ȱCONTRIBUTING,ȱORȱCOEXISTINGȱ
FACTORȱNOTEDȱBYȱTHEȱPHYSICIANȱDURINGȱTHEȱHDȱORȱEDȱVISIT.ȱȱFORȱTHESEȱDATA,ȱ
MARIJUANAȱUSEȱISȱNOTȱNECESSARILYȱRELATEDȱTOȱTHEȱUNDERLYINGȱREASONȱFORȱTHEȱ
HDȱORȱEDȱVISIT.ȱȱSOMETIMESȱTHESEȱDATAȱAREȱREFERREDȱTOȱASȱHDȱORȱEDȱVISITSȱ
‘WITHȱANYȱMENTIONȱOFȱMARIJUANA.’”ȱȬȱCOLORADOȱDEPARTMENTȱOFȱPUBLICȱHEALTHȱ
ANDȱENVIRONMENT,ȱMONITORINGȱHEALTHȱCONCERNSȱRELATEDȱTOȱMARIJUANAȱINȱ
COLORADO:ȱ2014ȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ86ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ DenverȱOfficeȱofȱDrugȱStrategy,ȱTheȱDenverȱDrugȱStrategyȱCommission,ȱProceedingsȱofȱtheȱ
DenverȱEpidemiologyȱWorkȱGroupȱ(DEWG),ȱOctoberȱ29,ȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
Theȱhighestȱratesȱfromȱ2011ȱtoȱ2013ȱwereȱamongȱyoungȱadultsȱ(18ȱtoȱ25ȱyears).ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ HOSPITALȱDISCHARGEȱDATAȱREPRESENTSȱANȱINDIVIDUAL’SȱINPATIENTȱSTAYȱATȱAȱ
HOSPITALȱREQUIRING,ȱATȱMINIMUM,ȱANȱOVERNIGHTȱSTAYȱANDȱISȱINȱREFERENCEȱTOȱ
WHENȱTHEȱPATIENTȱLEAVESȱTHEȱHOSPITAL.ȱȱAȱCODEȱISȱASSIGNEDȱASȱTOȱWHYȱTHEȱ
PATIENTȱWASȱINȱTHEȱHOSPITAL,ȱCALLEDȱTHEȱICDȬ9ȱCODE,ȱWHICHȱISȱUSEDȱFORȱBOTHȱ
THEȱPATIENT’SȱMEDICALȱRECORDȱANDȱFORȱBILLINGȱPURPOSES.ȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ87ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ GeorgeȱSamȱWang,ȱMD,ȱMarieȬClaireȱLeȱLait,ȱMS,ȱSaraȱJ.ȱDeakyne,ȱMPH,ȱAlvinȱC.ȱBronstein,ȱ
MD,ȱLalitȱBajaj,ȱMD,ȱMPH,ȱGenieȱRoosevelt,ȱMD,ȱMPH,ȱJulyȱ25,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ KennethȱFinn,ȱM.D.,ȱpresident,ȱSpringsȱRehabilitation,ȱPCȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ88ȱ
Cost
ȱ
CostȱofȱEmergencyȱRoom:ȱȱAȱstudyȱwasȱconductedȱofȱaȱcrossȱsectionȱofȱERȱ
encountersȱfromȱ2006ȱtoȱ2008.ȱȱTheȱstudyȱfoundȱthat,ȱ“Duringȱourȱstudyȱperiod,ȱtheȱ
medianȱchargeȱforȱoutpatientȱconditionsȱinȱtheȱemergencyȱroomȱwasȱ$1,233.”1ȱ
Related Material
ȱ
PuebloȱHospitalsȱAgainstȱMarijuanaȱCommercialization:ȱȱParkviewȱMedicalȱ
Center,ȱSt.ȱMaryȬCorwinȱMedicalȱCenterȱandȱPuebloȱCommunityȱHealthȱCenter,ȱthreeȱ
localȱPueblo,ȱColoradoȱhospitals,ȱannouncedȱtheirȱsupportȱforȱaȱballotȱmeasureȱaimedȱatȱ
endingȱcommercializationȱandȱtheȱpromotionȱofȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱcityȱandȱ
countyȱofȱPueblo.ȱȱ“Allȱthreeȱorganizationsȱspokeȱonȱbehalfȱofȱtheirȱcommunityȱboardsȱ
andȱstronglyȱbelieveȱtheȱimpactȱofȱretailȱmarijuanaȱisȱendangeringȱtheȱhealthȱofȱtheȱ
Puebloȱcommunityȱandȱdrainingȱpreciousȱhealthȱresources.”ȱȱDataȱinȱsupportȱofȱtheirȱ
positionȱincludesȱaȱ51ȱpercentȱincreaseȱinȱtheȱnumberȱofȱchildrenȱ18ȱandȱyoungerȱthatȱ
haveȱbeenȱtreatedȱatȱParkview’sȱemergencyȱroomȱasȱwellȱasȱtheȱfactȱthatȱnearlyȱhalfȱofȱ
theȱnewbornsȱwhoȱwereȱtestedȱforȱprenatalȱdrugȱexposureȱinȱMarchȱ2016ȱatȱSt.ȱMaryȬ
Corwinȱtestedȱpositiveȱforȱmarijuana.ȱȱPuebloȱCommunityȱHealthȱCenterȱalsoȱ
experiencedȱconcerningȱhealthȱtrendsȱsuchȱasȱfrequentȱuseȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱprenatalȱ
populationȱasȱwellȱasȱincreasedȱincidenceȱofȱmentalȱhealthȱdisordersȱrelatedȱtoȱ
marijuana.ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱlocalȱdoctorsȱinȱtheȱcommunity:ȱ
“Weȱareȱexperiencingȱaȱdramaticȱincreaseȱinȱnewbornsȱwhoȱtestȱpositiveȱforȱ
marijuanaȱalongȱwithȱanȱincreaseȱinȱteenageȱsuicideȱattempts,”ȱsaidȱSteveȱSimerville,ȱ
MD,ȱmedicalȱdirectorȱofȱSt.ȱMaryȬCorwin’sȱneonatalȱintensiveȱcareȱunitȱandȱpediatricȱ
serviceȱline.ȱȱ“Whileȱitȱisȱnotȱclearȱthatȱmarijuanaȱisȱdirectlyȱtheȱcauseȱofȱallȱtheseȱ
problems,ȱoneȱmightȱconcludeȱthatȱthisȱsurgeȱisȱtheȱresultȱofȱtheȱhighȬriskȱcultureȱthatȱ
commercializationȱofȱmarijuanaȱhelpsȱtoȱpromoteȱandȱisȱnotȱinȱtheȱbestȱinterestȱofȱtheȱ
Puebloȱcommunity.”ȱ
“Theȱemergencyȱdepartmentȱhasȱseenȱincreasedȱvisitsȱforȱprimaryȱcareȱneeds,ȱ
breathingȱproblemsȱrelatedȱtoȱinhalationȱofȱmarijuana,ȱincludingȱasthma,ȱbronchitis,ȱ
upperȱrespiratoryȱtractȱinfections,ȱasȱwellȱasȱpsychiatricȱneeds,ȱaccidentalȱorȱintentionalȱ
overdosesȱand,ȱunfortunately,ȱincreasedȱpediatricȱpatientsȱwithȱissuesȱrelatedȱtoȱ
marijuana,”ȱsaidȱKarenȱRandall,ȱMD,ȱaȱphysicianȱwithȱSouthernȱColoradoȱEmergencyȱ
MedicalȱAssociates,ȱwhoȱtreatsȱpatientsȱatȱParkviewȱMedicalȱCenter’sȱEmergencyȱ
Department.2ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ89ȱ
MoreȱKidsȱinȱtheȱEmergencyȱRoomȱDueȱtoȱMarijuana:ȱȱAȱstudyȱconductedȱbyȱaȱ
groupȱofȱColoradoȱdoctorsȱfoundȱthatȱtheȱnumberȱofȱchildren’sȱhospitalȱvisitsȱincreasedȱ
betweenȱtheȱtwoȱyearsȱpriorȱtoȱlegalizationȱandȱtheȱtwoȱyearsȱafterȱlegalization.ȱȱ
Further,ȱ“fifteenȱofȱtheȱ32ȱexposuresȱseenȱinȱtheȱchildren’sȱhospitalȱinȱ2014ȱandȱ2015ȱ
wereȱfromȱrecreationalȱmarijuana,ȱsuggestingȱthatȱlegalizationȱofȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱ
didȱaffectȱtheȱincidenceȱofȱpediatricȱexposures.”ȱȱTheȱstudyȱalsoȱfoundȱthatȱcomparedȱ
withȱotherȱunintentionalȱpediatricȱexposures,ȱsymptomsȱafterȱmarijuanaȱexposureȱcanȱ
beȱsevereȱforȱtheseȱyoungȱpatients.ȱȱ“…35%ȱofȱpatientsȱpresentingȱtoȱtheȱhospitalȱ
requiredȱadmission,ȱincreasingȱtheȱhospitalȱburdenȱandȱusingȱmoreȱhealthȱfinancialȱ
resources.”ȱȱAdditionallyȱtheȱstudyȱpointsȱoutȱthatȱ“ingestionȱofȱedibleȱproductsȱ
continuesȱtoȱbeȱaȱmajorȱsourceȱofȱmarijuanaȱexposuresȱinȱchildrenȱandȱposesȱaȱuniqueȱ
problemȱbecauseȱnoȱotherȱdrugȱisȱinfusedȱintoȱaȱpalatableȱandȱappetizingȱform.”ȱȱAsȱ
wellȱas,ȱ“dosingȱaȱdrugȱinȱaȱ‘servingȱsize’ȱlessȱthanȱtypicallyȱrecommendedȱforȱanȱ
equivalentȱfoodȱproductȱalsoȱcanȱbeȱaȱsourceȱofȱconfusion.”3ȱ
ȱ
MoreȱColoradoȱKidsȱinȱHospitalȱforȱMarijuanaȱSinceȱLegalization,ȱStudyȱSays:ȱȱAȱ
studyȱconductedȱbyȱaȱgroupȱofȱColoradoȱdoctorsȱfoundȱthatȱ“theȱnumberȱofȱColoradoȱ
childrenȱwho’veȱbeenȱreportedȱtoȱaȱpoisonȱcontrolȱcenterȱorȱexaminedȱatȱaȱhospitalȱforȱ
unintentionalȱmarijuanaȱexposureȱannuallyȱhasȱspikedȱsinceȱtheȱstateȱlegalizedȱ
recreationalȱcannabis…”ȱȱTheȱstudyȱfoundȱthat,ȱ“eightyȬsevenȱcasesȱofȱchildrenȱagesȱ9ȱ
andȱyoungerȱingesting,ȱinhalingȱorȱotherwiseȱexposedȱtoȱcannabisȱwereȱcalledȱinȱtoȱtheȱ
state’sȱregionalȱpoisonȱcontrolȱcenterȱfromȱ2014ȱthroughȱ2015ȱ–ȱmoreȱthanȱtheȱ76ȱtotalȱ
casesȱinȱtheȱfourȱyearsȱprecedingȱlegalization,ȱtheȱstudyȱsays.ȱȱExposureȬrelatedȱvisitsȱ
forȱtheȱsameȱageȱrangeȱalsoȱroseȱatȱChildren’sȱHospitalȱColoradoȱinȱAurora:ȱȱ32ȱvisitsȱforȱ
theȱfirstȱtwoȱyearsȱafterȱlegalization,ȱagainstȱ30ȱvisitsȱforȱtheȱfourȱyearsȱprior.ȱȱNearlyȱ
halfȱofȱtheȱhospitalȱvisitsȱsinceȱ2009ȱinvolvedȱediblesȱsuchȱasȱbrowniesȱandȱcandies.ȱȱ
Andȱalmostȱhalfȱofȱtheȱhospitalȱcasesȱinȱ2014ȱandȱ2015ȱinvolvedȱrecreational,ȱasȱopposedȱ
toȱmedicalȱmarijuana…”4ȱ
ȱ
PublicȱHealthȱResearchersȱLookȱatȱRiseȱinȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱHospitalizations:ȱȱ
“TheȱprevalenceȱofȱmarijuanaȱuseȱinȱtheȱU.S.ȱmoreȱthanȱdoubledȱbetweenȱ2001ȱandȱ
2013,ȱaccordingȱtoȱaȱstudyȱpublishedȱinȱOctoberȱ2015ȱbyȱJAMAȱPsychiatry.ȱȱHospitalȱ
utilizationȱrelatedȱtoȱtheȱdrugȱappearsȱtoȱhaveȱincreasedȱinȱtandem,ȱaccordingȱtoȱaȱnewȱ
analysis,ȱpresentedȱatȱtheȱAmericanȱPublicȱHealthȱAssociation’sȱannualȱmeeting,ȱheldȱinȱ
ChicagoȱinȱNovember.”ȱȱDr.ȱHeȱZhu,ȱaȱpostdoctoralȱassociateȱatȱDukeȱUniversityȱ
MedicalȱCenterȱinȱDurham,ȱNC,ȱwasȱresponsibleȱforȱtheȱnewȱanalysis.ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱDr.ȱ
Zhu,ȱ“Theȱuseȱofȱcannabisȱhasȱbeenȱfoundȱtoȱbeȱassociatedȱwithȱadverseȱphysicalȱandȱ
mentalȱhealthȱoutcomesȱinȱbothȱtheȱshortȱtermȱandȱtheȱlongȱterm.”ȱȱSheȱalsoȱnotedȱthatȱ
“…itȱcanȱbeȱlinkedȱtoȱdrugȱuseȱdisorder,ȱanxiety,ȱpsychoticȱsymptoms,ȱbreathingȱ
problems,ȱincreasedȱheartȱrate,ȱimpairedȱdriving,ȱandȱanȱincreasedȱriskȱofȱotherȱ
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substanceȱabuse.ȱȱThus,ȱtheȱincreaseȱofȱcannabisȱuseȱandȱitsȱadverseȱhealthȱeffectsȱwillȱ
potentiallyȱplaceȱmoreȱburdenȱonȱhealthȱcareȱsystems.”5ȱ
ȱ
EmergencyȱRoomȱVisitsȱDoubleȱforȱColoradoȱTourists:ȱȱ“Emergencyȱdepartmentȱ
visitsȱinvolvingȱmarijuanaȬusingȱvisitorsȱdoubledȱfromȱ2013ȱtoȱ2014,ȱtheȱfirstȱyearȱ
cannabisȱuseȱwasȱlegalizedȱinȱColorado,ȱaȱteamȱofȱDenverȬareaȱdoctorsȱsaid.”ȱȱ
AccordingȱtoȱDr.ȱAndrewȱMonte,ȱanȱemergencyȱroomȱtoxicologistȱatȱtheȱUniversityȱofȱ
Denver,ȱ“Atȱourȱinstitution,ȱtheȱrateȱofȱEDȱvisitsȱpossiblyȱrelatedȱtoȱcannabisȱuseȱamongȱ
outȬofȬstateȱresidentsȱdoubledȱfromȱ85ȱperȱ10,000ȱvisitsȱinȱ2013ȱtoȱ168ȱperȱ10,000ȱvisitsȱinȱ
2014,ȱwhichȱwasȱtheȱfirstȱyearȱofȱretailȱmarijuanaȱsales.”ȱȱSpecificȱreasonsȱforȱtheȱEDȱ
visitȱgenerallyȱrangeȱfromȱtheȱmarijuanaȱuseȱcausingȱanȱexacerbationȱofȱanȱexistingȱ
medicalȱcondition,ȱintoxicationȱandȱfearȱassociatedȱwithȱuse,ȱorȱinjuriesȱdirectlyȱrelatedȱ
toȱusingȱtheȱdrug.ȱȱ“‘Theseȱwouldȱbeȱthingsȱlikeȱmotorȱvehicleȱcollisionsȱwhenȱtheyȱareȱ
highȱorȱsmoking,’ȱMonteȱsaid.ȱ‘Cyclicȱvomiting,ȱwhichȱcanȱcomeȱwithȱheavyȱdailyȱuse,ȱ
isȱanotherȱissue,’ȱMonteȱsaid.”6ȱ
ȱ
TheȱHiddenȱCostsȱofȱMarijuanaȱUseȱinȱColorado:ȱȱOneȱEmergencyȱDepartment’sȱ
Experience:ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱaȱrecentȱstudyȱonȱtheȱeconomicȱimpactȱofȱmarijuanaȱuseȱ
withinȱColorado,ȱfromȱ2009ȱtoȱ2014ȱPenroseȬSt.ȱFrancisȱHospitalȱ(ColoradoȱSprings,ȱ
Colorado)ȱreportedȱaȱtrueȱlossȱofȱ$20ȱmillionȱinȱuncollectedȱcharges.ȱȱAdditionally,ȱtheȱ
studyȱdemonstratedȱanȱincreasingȱnumberȱofȱpatientsȱwhoȱareȱseenȱinȱtheȱemergencyȱ
roomȱalsoȱhaveȱusedȱcannabis.ȱȱTheseȱpatientsȱareȱnotȱalwaysȱableȱtoȱpayȱtheirȱbills,ȱ
resultingȱinȱaȱfinancialȱlossȱtoȱtheȱhospital.ȱ
Visitsȱwhereȱaȱdiagnosisȱrelatedȱtoȱcannabisȱwasȱidentifiedȱatȱtheȱstudyȱhospitalȱ
increasedȱfromȱ545ȱtoȱ2,042,ȱaȱ275ȱpercentȱincreaseȱbetweenȱ2009ȱandȱ2014.ȱȱTheȱpercentȱ
ofȱcannabisȱsubjectsȱadmittedȱasȱinpatientsȱfromȱtheȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱincreasedȱ
fromȱ9ȱpercentȱtoȱ15.3ȱpercentȱduringȱtheȱstudyȱperiod.ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱchargesȱ
unableȱtoȱbeȱcollectedȱincreasedȱ192ȱpercent.ȱ
Furthermore,ȱthereȱisȱdataȱtoȱsupportȱtransmissionȱofȱTHCȱtoȱtheȱfetusȱinȱpregnantȱ
mothersȱusingȱcannabis.ȱȱTheȱAmericanȱCongressȱofȱObstetriciansȱandȱGynecologistsȱ
(ACOG)ȱpublishedȱaȱCommitteeȱOpinionȱcitingȱnumerousȱstudiesȱtoȱsupportȱtheirȱ
recommendationsȱtoȱdiscourageȱuseȱofȱcannabisȱduringȱpregnancyȱandȱlactation,ȱ
includingȱuseȱofȱmedicalȱcannabis.ȱȱȱ
Fetalȱcorticalȱgrowthȱmayȱbeȱaffected;ȱlongȬtermȱeffectsȱofȱtheseȱchildrenȱareȱnotȱ
fullyȱknownȱorȱunderstood,ȱbutȱpreviousȱstudiesȱreportȱfindingsȱthatȱsuggestȱbehavioralȱ
abnormalitiesȱincludingȱhyperactivity,ȱdifficultyȱwithȱexecutiveȱfunctionsȱintoȱ
adolescence,ȱdepressionȱevenȱifȱtheyȱareȱnotȱusing,ȱandȱearlyȱadolescentȱaddiction.7ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ91ȱ
Sources
ȱ
1ȱȱCaldwellȱN,ȱSrebotnjakȱT,ȱWangȱT,ȱHsiaȱRȱ(2013ȱ“HowȱMuchȱWillȱIȱgetȱChargedȱforȱ
This?”ȱPatientȱChargesȱforȱTopȱTenȱDiagnosesȱinȱtheȱEmergencyȱDepartment,ȱPlopsȱ
ONEȱ8(2):ȱe55491.ȱDoi:10.1371/journal.pone.0055491,ȱaccessedȱJanuaryȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
2ȱȱSAMVermont,ȱAprilȱ27,ȱ2016,ȱ“HealthȱCareȱLeadersȱAnnounceȱSupportȱofȱBallotȱ
MeasureȱToȱOptȱOutȱOfȱMarijuanaȱCommercialization,”ȱ<ȱhttp://samȬ
vt.org/2016/04/28/healthȬcareȬleadersȬannounceȬsupportȬofȬballotȬmeasureȬtoȬoptȬoutȬ
ofȬmarijuanaȬcommercialization/>,ȱaccessedȱAprilȱ27,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
3ȱȱGeorgeȱSamȱWang,ȱMD,ȱMarieȬClaireȱLeȱLait,ȱMS,ȱSaraȱJ.ȱDeakyne,ȱMPH,ȱAlvinȱC.ȱ
Bronstein,ȱMD,ȱLalitȱBajaj,ȱMD,ȱMPH,ȱGenieȱRoosevelt,ȱMD,ȱMPH,ȱJulyȱ25,ȱ2016,ȱJAMAȱ
Pediatricsȱdoi:ȱ10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.0971,ȱ“UnintentionalȱPediatricȱExposuresȱtoȱ
MarijuanaȱinȱColorado,ȱ2009Ȭ2015”,ȱ
<http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2534480>,ȱaccessedȱJulyȱ25,ȱ
2016ȱ
ȱ
4ȱȱJasonȱHanna,ȱCNN,ȱJulyȱ27,ȱ2016,ȱ“MoreȱColoradoȱkidsȱinȱhospitalȱforȱmarijuanaȱ
sinceȱlegalization,ȱstudyȱsays”,ȱhttp://www.cnn.com/2016/07/27/health/coloradoȬ
marijuanaȬchildren/,ȱaccessedȱJulyȱ28,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
5ȱȱMollieȱDurkin,ȱJanuaryȱACPȱHospitalistȱbyȱtheȱAmericanȱCollegeȱofȱPhysicians,ȱ
“PublicȱhealthȱresearchersȱlookȱatȱriseȱinȱmarijuanaȬrelatedȱhospitalizations”,ȱ
<http://www.acphospitalist.org/archives/2016/01/conferenceȬcoverageȬpublicȬhealthȬ
marijuana.htm>,ȱaccessedȱAugustȱ9,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
6ȱȱMaggieȱFox,ȱNBCȱNews,ȱFebruaryȱ25,ȱ2016,ȱ“EmergencyȱRoomȱVisitsȱDoubleȱforȱ
MarijuanaȬUsingȱColoradoȱVisitors”,ȱ<http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/legalȬ
pot/emergencyȬroomȬvisitsȬdoubleȬmarijuanaȬusingȬcoloradoȬvisitorsȬn525081>,ȱ
accessedȱFebruaryȱ26,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
7ȱȱKennethȱFinn,ȱM.D.,ȱJanuaryȱ26,ȱ2015,ȱ“TheȱHiddenȱCostsȱofȱMarijuanaȱUseȱinȱ
Colorado:ȱOneȱEmergencyȱDepartment’sȱExperience,”ȱTheȱJournalȱofȱGlobalȱDrugȱPolicyȱ
andȱPractice,ȱ
<http://www.globaldrugpolicy.org/Issues/Vol%2010%20Issue%202/Articles/The%20Hid
den%20Costs%20of%20Marijuana%20Use%20in%20Colorado_Final.pdf>,ȱaccessedȱMayȱ
17,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ4:ȱȱEmergencyȱDepartmentȱandȱHospitalȱMarijuanaȬRelatedȱAdmissionsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ92ȱ
ȱ
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ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
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ȱ
ȱ
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THISȱPAGEȱINTENTIONALLYȱLEFTȱBLANKȱ
ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ5:ȱȱMarijuana–RelatedȱExposureȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ93ȱ
SECTION 5: Marijuana-Related
Exposure
ȱ
Some Findings
ȱ
x MarijuanaȬrelatedȱexposuresȱincreasedȱ100ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱthreeȬyearȱaverageȱ
(2013Ȭ2015)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱtheȱ
threeȬyearȱaverageȱ(2010Ȭ2012)ȱpriorȱtoȱlegalization.ȱ
ȱ
x Marijuanaȱonlyȱexposuresȱincreasedȱ155ȱpercentȱinȱtheȱthreeȬyearȱaverageȱ(2013Ȭ
2015)ȱsinceȱColoradoȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱcomparedȱtoȱtheȱthreeȬyearȱ
averageȱ(2010Ȭ2012)ȱpriorȱtoȱlegalization.ȱ
ȱ
x Childrenȱagesȱ0ȱtoȱ5ȱyearsȱoldȱmarijuanaȬrelatedȱexposuresȱincreasedȱ169ȱpercentȱ
afterȱlegalizationȱofȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱinȱColorado.ȱ
ȱ
x Inȱtheȱyearsȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱwasȱcommercializedȱ(2009–2012),ȱmarijuanaȬ
relatedȱexposuresȱaveragedȱaȱ42ȱpercentȱincreaseȱfromȱpriorȱyearsȱ(2006–2008)ȱ
average.ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ5:ȱȱMarijuana–RelatedȱExposureȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ94ȱ
Data
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ RockyȱMountainȱPoisonȱandȱDrugȱCenterȱReport,ȱColoradoȱMarijuanaȱStatisticsȱforȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ RockyȱMountainȱPoisonȱandȱDrugȱCenterȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ5:ȱȱMarijuana–RelatedȱExposureȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ95ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ RockyȱMountainȱPoisonȱandȱDrugȱCenterȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ RockyȱMountainȱPoisonȱandȱDrugȱCenterȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 118
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SECTIONȱ5:ȱȱMarijuana–RelatedȱExposureȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ96ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ RockyȱMountainȱPoisonȱandȱDrugȱCenterȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ RockyȱMountainȱPoisonȱandȱDrugȱCenterȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 119
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SECTIONȱ5:ȱȱMarijuana–RelatedȱExposureȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ97ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ RockyȱMountainȱPoisonȱandȱDrugȱCenterȱ
Related Material
ȱ
PotȱScienceȱ–ȱTopȱMarijuanaȱFindingsȱofȱ2015:1ȱ
x Betweenȱ2003ȱandȱ2013,ȱaccidentalȱmarijuanaȱexposureȱtoȱyouthȱunderȱageȱsixȱ
increasedȱbyȱaboutȱ150ȱpercent.ȱȱMoreȱthanȱ75ȱpercentȱofȱtheseȱexposuresȱ
involvedȱchildrenȱyoungerȱthanȱthree,ȱwhoȱaccidentallyȱswallowedȱpotȱlikelyȱ
foundȱinȱmarijuanaȱbrownies,ȱcookedȱandȱotherȱfoodȱproducts.ȱ
x Exposureȱratesȱinȱchildrenȱclimbedȱanȱaverageȱofȱ16ȱpercentȱaȱyearȱfromȱ2003ȱtoȱ
2013ȱinȱstatesȱthatȱlegalizedȱmarijuana,ȱcomparedȱwithȱaȱriseȱofȱaboutȱ5ȱpercentȱinȱ
statesȱwhereȱpotȱremainedȱillegal.ȱ
ȱ
StudyȱFindsȱSharpȱIncreasedȱinȱMarijuanaȱExposureȱAmongȱColoradoȱChildren:ȱȱ
AȱstudyȱpublishedȱinȱtheȱJAMAȱPediatricsȱjournalȱfoundȱthat,ȱ“…inȱColoradoȱtheȱratesȱofȱ
marijuanaȱexposureȱinȱyoungȱchildren,ȱmanyȱofȱthemȱtoddlers,ȱhaveȱincreasedȱ150ȱ
percentȱsinceȱ2014,ȱwhenȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱproducts,ȱlikeȱsweets,ȱwentȱonȱtheȱ
marketȱlegally.”ȱȱSymptomsȱfromȱtheseȱunintentionalȱexposuresȱcanȱbeȱanythingȱfromȱ
lethargyȱorȱagitationȱtoȱvomitingȱandȱlossȱofȱbalance.ȱȱ“Aȱhandfulȱofȱpatientsȱwereȱ
admittedȱtoȱintensiveȱcareȱunitsȱandȱintubated.”ȱȱWhileȱdoctorsȱandȱresearchersȱwereȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 120
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anticipatingȱaȱriseȱinȱtheȱnumberȱofȱtheseȱcasesȱafterȱColoradoȱvotedȱtoȱlegalizeȱ
recreationalȱmarijuana,“‘…weȱwereȱnotȱpreparedȱforȱtheȱdramaticȱincrease,’ȱsaidȱtheȱ
seniorȱauthorȱofȱtheȱstudy,ȱDr.ȱGenieȱE.ȱRoosevelt,ȱanȱassociateȱprofessorȱofȱemergencyȱ
medicineȱatȱtheȱUniversityȱofȱColoradoȱSchoolȱofȱMedicineȱandȱDenverȱHealthȱMedicalȱ
Center.”2ȱ
ȱ
RockyȱMountainȱPoisonȱandȱDrugȱCenterȱReport:3ȱȱ“Inȱ2015,ȱthereȱwereȱ231ȱhumanȱ
exposuresȱinvolvingȱmarijuana,ȱ12ȱexposuresȱinvolvingȱdogsȱandȱ1ȱexposureȱtoȱaȱcat.ȱ
x 91ȱofȱtheseȱcasesȱinvolvedȱanȱ‘edible’ȱmarijuanaȱproductȱsuchȱasȱmarijuanaȬ
infusedȱbrownies,ȱcookies,ȱcandies,ȱbeverages,ȱetc.ȱ
x Ofȱtheȱ231ȱexposures,ȱ117ȱ(51%)ȱinvolvedȱchildrenȱ0ȱtoȱ18ȱyearsȱofȱage.ȱ
o Theȱageȱgroupȱwithȱtheȱmostȱmarijuanaȱcasesȱ(26%)ȱwasȱforȱindividualsȱ
13ȱtoȱ19ȱyearsȱofȱage.”ȱ
ȱ
PotȬRelatedȱCallsȱtoȱColoradoȱandȱWashingtonȱPoisonȱCentersȱUp:ȱȱInȱaȱDenverȱ
PostȱarticleȱdatedȱJanuaryȱ25,ȱ2015ȱbyȱGeneȱJohnsonȱofȱtheȱAssociatedȱPress,ȱitȱcitesȱtheȱ
substantialȱincreaseȱinȱcallsȱtoȱpoisonȱcontrolȱcentersȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuana.ȱȱ“Theȱspikeȱinȱ
numbersȱsinceȱmarijuanaȱwasȱlegalizedȱincludesȱaȱtroublingȱjumpȱinȱcasesȱinvolvingȱ
youngȱkids.”ȱȱCallsȱtoȱtheȱColoradoȱpoisonȱcenterȱinȱ2014ȱalmostȱdoubledȱtheȱnumberȱofȱ
callsȱinȱ2013ȱandȱtripledȱtheȱcallsȱinȱ2012.ȱȱCallsȱtoȱtheȱWashingtonȱpoisonȱcenterȱjumpedȱ
aboutȱ50ȱpercentȱfromȱ2013ȱtoȱ2014.ȱȱCallsȱinvolvingȱchildrenȱnearlyȱdoubledȱinȱbothȱ
states.4ȱ
ȱ
ChildȱMarijuanaȱPoisoningȱIncidentsȱIncreaseȱAfterȱStatesȱLegalizeȱPot:ȱȱAȱstudyȱ
byȱresearchersȱatȱtheȱNationwideȱChildren’sȱHospitalȱreport,ȱ“Moreȱyoungȱchildrenȱareȱ
exposedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱinȱstatesȱafterȱtheȱdrugȱhadȱbecomeȱlegalȱforȱmedicalȱorȱ
recreationalȱuse…”ȱȱThisȱstudy,ȱinȱtheȱjournalȱClinicalȱPediatricsȱfound:ȱȱ“theȱrateȱofȱ
marijuanaȱexposuresȱamongȱchildrenȱ5ȱyearsȱoldȱandȱunderȱincreasedȱ16ȱpercentȱeachȱ
yearȱafterȱlegalizationȱinȱthoseȱstates.”ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱtheȱNationalȱPoisonȱDatabaseȱ
System,ȱchildȱexposuresȱincreasedȱ147ȱpercentȱfromȱ2006Ȭȱ2013.5ȱ
ȱ
ChildrenȱandȱTHCȬInfusedȱEdibles:ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱaȱColoradoȱSpringsȱGazetteȱ
Op/EdȱdatedȱJuneȱ21,ȱ2015,ȱtitledȱ‘THCȱextractsȱconcentrateȱproblems’:ȱȱ“InȱColorado,ȱ
theȱnumberȱofȱexposuresȱtoȱTHCȬinfusedȱediblesȱinȱyourȱchildrenȱincreasedȱfourfoldȱinȱ
oneȱyear,ȱfromȱ19ȱcasesȱinȱ2013ȱtoȱ95ȱinȱ2014,ȱaccordingȱtoȱtheȱRockyȱMountainȱPoisonȱ
andȱDrugȱCenter.”6ȱ
ȱ
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Sources
ȱ
1ȱȱCari Nierenberg,ȱLiveȱScience,ȱDecemberȱ29,ȱ2015,ȱ“PotȱScience:ȱȱTopȱMarijuanaȱ
Findingsȱofȱ2015,”ȱ<http://www.livescience.com/53218ȬtopȬmarijuanaȬscientificȬ
findingsȬ2015.html>,ȱaccessedȱDecemberȱ29,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
2ȱȱJanȱHoffman,ȱTheȱNewȱYorkȱTimes,ȱJulyȱ25,ȱ2016,ȱ“StudyȱFindsȱSharpȱIncreaseȱinȱ
MarijuanaȱExposureȱAmongȱColoradoȱChildren,”ȱ
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/26/health/marijuanaȬediblesȬareȬgettingȬintoȬ
coloradoȬchildrensȬhandsȬstudyȬsays.html?_r=0,ȱaccessedȱJulyȱ25,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
3ȱȱRockyȱMountainȱPoisonȱandȱDrugȱCenter,ȱ“ColoradoȱMarijuanaȱStatisticsȱforȱ2015”ȱ
ȱ
4ȱȱGeneȱJohnson,ȱTheȱCannabist,ȱJanuaryȱ23,ȱ2015,ȱ“PotȬrelatedȱpoisonȱcontrolȱcallsȱupȱ
inȱWashington,ȱColorado,”ȱ<www.thecannabist.co/2015/01/23/potȬrelatedȬpoisonȬ
controlȬcallsȬwashingtonȬcolorado/28495/>,ȱaccessedȱJanuaryȱ26,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
5ȱȱJackieȱBorchardt,ȱNortheastȱOhioȱMediaȱGroup,ȱJuneȱ16,ȱ2015,ȱ“Childȱmarijuanaȱ
poisoningȱincidentsȱincreaseȱafterȱstatesȱlegalizeȱpot,”ȱ
<http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2015/06/child_poisoning_cases_increase.ht
ml%23incart_river>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ17,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
6ȱȱEditorialȱBoardȱmembersȱWayneȱLaugesenȱandȱPulaȱDavisȱinȱcollaborationȱwithȱ
journalistȱChristineȱTatum,ȱTheȱGazette,ȱJuneȱ21,ȱ2015,ȱ“THCȱextractsȱconcentrateȱ
problems,”ȱ<http://gazette.com/thcȬextractsȬconcentrateȬproblems/article/1554097>,ȱ
accessedȱJuneȱ2,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
ȱȱ
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ȱ
ȱ
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ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
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THISȱPAGEȱINTENTIONALLYȱLEFTȱBLANKȱ
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SECTION 6: Treatment
ȱ
Some Findings
ȱ
x MarijuanaȱtreatmentȱdataȱfromȱColoradoȱinȱyearsȱ2005–2015ȱdoesȱnotȱappearȱtoȱ
demonstrateȱaȱdefinitiveȱtrend.ȱȱColoradoȱaveragesȱapproximatelyȱ6,500ȱ
treatmentȱadmissionsȱannuallyȱforȱmarijuanaȱabuse.ȱ
ȱ
x Overȱtheȱlastȱtenȱyears,ȱtheȱtopȱthreeȱdrugsȱinvolvedȱinȱtreatmentȱadmissions,ȱinȱ
descendingȱorder,ȱwereȱalcoholȱ(averageȱ13,382),ȱmarijuanaȱ(averageȱ6,652)ȱandȱ
methamphetamineȱ(averageȱ5,298).ȱ
Data
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ CenterȱforȱBehavioralȱHealthȱStatisticsȱandȱQuality,ȱSubstanceȱAbuseȱandȱMentalȱHealthȱ
ServicesȱAdministration,ȱTreatmentȱEpisodeȱDataȱSetȱ(TEDS)ȱBasedȱonȱadministrativeȱdataȱ
reportedȱbyȱStatesȱtoȱTEDSȱthroughȱMayȱ13,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱȱ
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ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱHealthȱServices,ȱOfficeȱofȱBehavioralȱHealth,ȱ2005Ȭ2015ȱ
ȱȱ
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ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ CenterȱforȱBehavioralȱHealthȱStatisticsȱandȱQuality,ȱSubstanceȱAbuseȱandȱMentalȱHealthȱ
ServicesȱAdministration,ȱTreatmentȱEpisodeȱDataȱSetȱ(TEDS)ȱBasedȱonȱadministrativeȱdataȱ
reportedȱbyȱStatesȱtoȱTEDSȱthroughȱMayȱ13,ȱ2016
ȱȱ
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
12Ȭ17 31.2 28.2 28.3 28.7 29 27.7 24.1 22.4 19.8 18.8
18Ȭ20 13 13.3 13 14 12.9 11.9 12.1 11.2 9.4 9.4
21Ȭ25 20 20.2 19.6 20.2 20.5 19.9 20.5 20.9 22.4 21.3
26+35.8 38.3 39.1 37.1 37.6 40.5 43.3 45.5 48.7 50.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
PercentȱofȱAdmissionsPercentȱofȱMarijuanaȱTreatmentȱ
AdmissionsȱbyȱAgeȱGroup
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ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱHealthȱServices,ȱOfficeȱofȱBehavioralȱHealth,ȱ2005Ȭ2015ȱ
Comments from Colorado Treatment Providers
ȱ
“…SymptomsȱAreȱSoȱDebilitating…”:ȱȱ“Manyȱpatientsȱminimizeȱtheȱconsequencesȱ
ofȱcannabisȱuse,ȱyetȱtheyȱconsistentlyȱreportȱthatȱtheyȱhaveȱbecomeȱisolated,ȱparanoidȱ
andȱunableȱtoȱeffectivelyȱinteractȱwithȱtheȱoutsideȱworld.ȱInȱtreatment,ȱthereȱhasȱbeenȱaȱ
consistentȱincreaseȱinȱpsychosisȱassociatedȱwithȱpatientsȱwhoȱuseȱcannabis.ȱȱThoughtȱ
broadcasting,ȱthoughtȱinsertion,ȱideasȱofȱreferenceȱandȱcommandȱhallucinationsȱareȱnotȱ
uncommon.ȱȱTheseȱsymptomsȱoftenȱoccurȱinȱtheȱabsenceȱofȱanyȱotherȱpsychiatricȱ
disorder.ȱȱTheȱsymptomsȱappearȱtoȱdecreaseȱoverȱtime,ȱwithȱmoreȱtimeȱinȱrecovery,ȱbutȱ
itȱisȱunclearȱwhetherȱtheȱsymptomsȱareȱlongȱlasting.ȱȱSinceȱtheseȱsymptomsȱareȱsoȱ
debilitating,ȱitȱisȱcrucialȱtoȱlearnȱmoreȱaboutȱtheȱlongȱtermȱeffectsȱofȱcannabisȱuse.”1ȱ
ȱ
“…LivesȱHaveȱBeenȱCompletelyȱDisrupted…”:ȱȱ“Inȱmyȱprofessionalȱexperience,ȱ
haveȱdefinitelyȱseenȱmoreȱcannabisȱuseȱinȱtheȱindividualsȱIȱamȱtreating.ȱȱIȇveȱalsoȱseenȱ
anȱincreasingȱnumberȱofȱyoungȱmenȱcomingȱintoȱtreatmentȱwithȱsymptomsȱofȱmania,ȱ
psychosisȱandȱdangerousȱbehaviorsȱassociatedȱwithȱcannabisȱuse.ȱȱTheirȱlivesȱhaveȱbeenȱ
completelyȱdisruptedȱdueȱtoȱtheȱcannabisȱuse.ȱȱUnfortunately,ȱabstinenceȱfromȱtheȱ
cannabisȱuseȱaloneȱisȱnotȱenoughȱtoȱmakeȱtheȱsymptomsȱgoȱaway.ȱȱTheyȱrequireȱmoodȱ
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stabilizingȱandȱantiȬpsychoticȱmedicationsȱtoȱgetȱtoȱaȱpointȱthatȱtheyȱcanȱcommunicateȱ
coherentlyȱenoughȱandȱtrustȱothersȱenoughȱtoȱparticipateȱinȱtherapy.ȱȱIȱdoȱthinkȱthisȱisȱ
relatedȱtoȱtheȱincreasedȱavailabilityȱandȱpotency,ȱandȱthisȱisȱconsistentȱwithȱtheȱ
scientificȱliterature.ȱ
Onȱaȱpersonalȱnote,ȱmyȱ10ȱandȱ11ȱyearȱoldȱchildrenȱknowȱwhatȱcannabisȱsmokeȱ
smellsȱlike,ȱidentifyingȱcannabisȱinȱtheȱareaȱratherȱthanȱwonderingȱifȱitȱisȱaȱskunk.ȱȱ
Publicȱuseȱoccursȱeverywhere.ȱȱChildrenȱcallȱeachȱother,ȱ‘vapers,’ȱinȱtheirȱlessȱkindȱ
moments,ȱandȱchildrenȱwithȱanythingȱgreenȱareȱmadeȱfunȱof.ȱȱOneȱofȱmyȱ11ȱyearȱoldȇsȱ
friendsȱsinceȱpreschoolȱwasȱallegedlyȱexpelledȱforȱsellingȱcannabisȱonȱtheȱ5thȱgradeȱ
campus.ȱȱAsȱaȱparent,ȱIȇmȱterrifiedȱforȱtheȱfutureȱofȱourȱchildren.”2ȱ
ȱ
“…PsychosisȱandȱCannabisȱisȱWellȱDocumented…”:ȱȱ“Weȱrecentlyȱreviewedȱdataȱ
forȱpatientsȱreceivingȱtreatmentȱinȱtheȱresidentialȱportionȱofȱourȱsubstanceȱabuseȱ
treatmentȱcenter,ȱCeDAR.ȱȱWhatȱweȱfoundȱwasȱthatȱpatientsȱwhoȱmetȱcriteriaȱforȱaȱ
cannabisȱuseȱdisorderȱwereȱmarkedlyȱyoungerȱthanȱthoseȱthatȱdidȱnot,ȱwereȱmuchȱmoreȱ
likelyȱtoȱhaveȱotherȱsubstanceȱuseȱdisordersȱ(anȱaverageȱofȱ2.8ȱsubstanceȱuseȱdisorderȱ
diagnosesȱvsȱ1.9ȱsubstanceȱuseȱdisorderȱdiagnosesȱwhenȱcannabisȱuseȱdisorderȱwasȱ
excluded)ȱandȱthereȱwasȱaȱtrendȱtowardsȱmoreȱmentalȱhealthȱpathologyȱinȱthisȱdataȱsetȱ
asȱwell.ȱ
Anecdotally,ȱIȱandȱmyȱcolleaguesȱhaveȱseenȱtheȱnumberȱofȱpatientsȱwithȱcannabisȱ
useȱdisorderȱadmittedȱtoȱourȱfacilityȱincreaseȱoverȱtime.ȱȱTheȱamountȱofȱcannabisȱthatȱ
patientsȱdescribeȱconsumingȱisȱalsoȱincreasing,ȱwhileȱtheȱageȱtheyȱreportȱfirstȱstartingȱtoȱ
useȱisȱdecreasing.ȱȱOverallȱtheȱseverityȱofȱcannabisȱuseȱdisorderȱweȱseeȱappearsȱmoreȱ
severeȱasȱdoȱtheȱpsychosocialȱsequelaeȱofȱthisȱaddiction.ȱȱTheȱlinkȱbetweenȱpsychosisȱ
andȱcannabisȱisȱwellȱdocumentedȱandȱitȱisȱbecomingȱroutineȱtoȱadmitȱyoungȱmenȱwhoȱ
haveȱusedȱcannabisȱsinceȱearlyȱadolescenceȱandȱwhoȱpresentȱwithȱpsychosis.ȱȱManyȱofȱ
theseȱpatientsȱmayȱsufferȱlongȱstandingȱneuropsychiatricȱsymptomsȱasȱtheȱresultȱofȱ
cannabisȱuse.ȱȱTheȱburdenȱofȱthisȱillnessȱisȱdisproportionatelyȱfallingȱonȱourȱyoungerȱ
population.”3ȱ
Related Material
ȱ
Studentsȱ“GettingȱBored”ȱwithȱMarijuanaȱandȱ“GraduatingȱonȱtoȱSomethingȱ
Stronger”:ȱȱWhenȱColoradoȱMattersȱhostȱRyanȱWarnerȱaskedȱAmandaȱIngram,ȱaȱ
DenverȱHealthȱtherapistȱstaffedȱatȱtheȱsubstanceȱabuseȱclinicȱatȱBruceȱRandolphȱSchool,ȱ
inȱaȱradioȱinterviewȱaboutȱtheȱroleȱofȱlegalȱmarijuanaȱinȱaddiction,ȱsheȱstated:ȱ
“WhatȱI’mȱhearingȱfromȱtheȱchildrenȱisȱthatȱit’sȱlegal,ȱit’sȱOKȱtoȱuseȱnow,ȱit’sȱalsoȱ
natural.ȱȱAndȱbecauseȱit’sȱlegalȱandȱtheirȱfamiliesȱandȱadultȱfriendsȱareȱusingȱit,ȱtheyȱfeelȱ
likeȱit’sȱjustified.ȱȱAndȱwhatȱthey’reȱdoingȱisȱthey’reȱusingȱsoȱmuchȱofȱitȱnowȱthatȱthey’reȱ
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kindȱofȱgettingȱboredȱwithȱitȱandȱgraduatingȱonȱtoȱsomethingȱstronger.ȱȱThisȱisȱjustȱwhatȱ
I’mȱseeingȱinȱBruceȱRandolphȱalone.ȱȱIȱcan’tȱspeakȱforȱtheȱstateȱofȱColorado.”4ȱ
ȱ
America’sȱYouth:ȱTheȱMarijuanaȱMartyrs:ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱdataȱfromȱArapahoeȱ
House,ȱaȱtreatmentȱnetworkȱinȱColorado,ȱ“…teenageȱadmissionsȱforȱmarijuanaȱ
addictionȱinȱColoradoȱincreasedȱbyȱ66ȱpercentȱbetweenȱ2011ȱandȱ2014,ȱcorrelatingȱwithȱ
theȱ2012ȱpassageȱofȱAmendmentȱ64.”ȱȱDr.ȱChristianȱThurstoneȱofȱtheȱUniversityȱofȱ
Coloradoȱstatedȱthat,ȱ“…95ȱpercentȱofȱtheȱteenagersȱtreatedȱforȱsubstanceȱabuseȱandȱ
addictionȱinȱmyȱadolescentȱsubstanceȬabuseȱtreatmentȱclinicȱatȱDenverȱHealthȱareȱthereȱ
becauseȱofȱtheirȱmarijuanaȱuse,ȱandȱbecauseȱnationwide,ȱ67ȱpercentȱofȱteensȱareȱreferredȱ
toȱsubstanceȱtreatmentȱbecauseȱofȱtheirȱmarijuanaȱuse.ȱȱMarijuanaȱisȱtheȱNo.ȱ1ȱreasonȱ
whyȱadolescentsȱseekȱsubstanceȬabuseȱtreatmentȱinȱtheȱUnitedȱStates.”5ȱ
ȱ
FormerȱNationalȱInstituteȱonȱDrugȱAbuseȱ(NIDA)ȱDirector’sȱTakeȱonȱLegalizedȱ
Marijuana:ȱȱTheȱlackȱofȱpublicȱawarenessȱandȱlackȱofȱmediaȱattentionȱregardingȱ“…theȱ
nearȬdoublingȱofȱpastȱyearȱmarijuanaȱuseȱnationallyȱamongȱadultsȱageȱ18ȱandȱolderȱandȱ
theȱcorrespondingȱincreaseȱinȱproblemsȱrelatedȱtoȱitsȱuse,”ȱhasȱallowedȱforȱaȱshiftȱinȱ
publicȱperceptionȱaboutȱmarijuanaȱaccordingȱtoȱRobertȱL.ȱDuPont,ȱM.Dȱ(member,ȱ
RiverMendȱHealthȱScientificȱAdvisoryȱBoard;ȱPresident,ȱInstituteȱforȱBehaviorȱandȱ
HealthȱInc.;ȱFirstȱDirector,ȱNationalȱInstituteȱonȱDrugȱAbuse).ȱȱ“Becauseȱtheȱaddictionȱ
rateȱforȱmarijuanaȱremainsȱstable—withȱaboutȱoneȱinȱthreeȱpastȱyearȱmarijuanaȱusersȱ
experiencingȱaȱmarijuanaȱuseȱdisorderȱ–ȱtheȱtotalȱnumberȱofȱAmericansȱwithȱmarijuanaȱ
useȱdisordersȱalsoȱhasȱsignificantlyȱincreased.ȱȱItȱisȱparticularlyȱdisturbingȱthatȱtheȱ
publicȱisȱunawareȱofȱtheȱfactȱthat,ȱofȱallȱAmericansȱwithȱsubstanceȱuseȱdisordersȱdueȱtoȱ
drugsȱotherȱthanȱalcohol,ȱnearlyȱ60ȱpercentȱareȱdueȱtoȱmarijuana.ȱȱThatȱmeansȱthatȱmoreȱ
Americansȱareȱaddictedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱthanȱanyȱotherȱdrug,ȱincludingȱheroin,ȱcocaine,ȱ
methamphetamine,ȱandȱtheȱnonmedicalȱuseȱofȱprescriptionȱdrugs.”6ȱ
ȱ
LegalȱandȱAddictive:ȱȱ“WeȱhaveȱnoticedȱthatȱthoseȱpresentingȱwithȱCannabisȱUseȱ
Disorderȱareȱmoreȱcommittedȱtoȱtheirȱuseȱandȱharderȱtoȱgetȱthroughȱtoȱthanȱinȱyearsȱ
past.ȱȱPatientsȱtellȱusȱregularlyȱthatȱtheyȱwillȱgiveȱupȱotherȱdrugs/alcoholȱbutȱnotȱ
marijuanaȱandȱremindȱusȱofȱitsȱlegalȱstatus.ȱȱThisȱlogicȱwouldȱobviouslyȱholdȱnoȱwaterȱ
withȱalcoholȱandȱisȱaȱdisturbingȱtrendȱgivenȱthatȱpatientsȱtellingȱusȱthisȱȱareȱoftenȱinȱdireȱ
straits.ȱȱTheirȱuse/addictionȱhasȱhadȱandȱisȱhavingȱextremelyȱdetrimentalȱeffectsȱonȱtheirȱ
livesȱyetȱtheyȱtellȱusȱitȱcan’tȱbeȱanȱissueȱbecauseȱmarijuanaȱisȱ‘legalȱandȱnonȬaddictive.’”7ȱ
ȱ
YouthȱinȱTreatment:ȱȱDenverȱHealthȱClinicȱyouthȱareȱmaleȱ(73.6ȱpercent),ȱmeanȱageȱ
(15.8ȱyears)ȱandȱthereȱprimarilyȱforȱcannabisȱuseȱdisorderȱ(98.1ȱpercent).ȱȱOtherȱ
psychiatricȱdiagnosesȱinclude:ȱȱattentionȬdeficit/hyperactivityȱdisorder,ȱanxietyȱ
disorder,ȱmajorȱdepressiveȱdisorderȱandȱpostȬtraumaticȱstressȱdisorder.8ȱ
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Sources
ȱ
1ȱȱBariȱKȱPlatter,ȱMS,ȱRN,ȱPMHCNSȬBC,ȱClinicalȱNurseȱSpecialist,ȱCenterȱforȱ
Dependency,ȱAddictionȱandȱRehabilitationȱ(CeDAR),ȱUniversityȱofȱColoradoȱHealth,ȱ
Aurora,ȱColorado,ȱAugustȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
2ȱȱLauraȱF.ȱMartin,ȱM.D.ȱDistinguishedȱFellowȱofȱtheȱAmericanȱPsychiatricȱ
Association,ȱAmericanȱBoardȱofȱAddictionȱMedicineȱDiplomateȱMedicalȱDirector,ȱ
CenterȱforȱDependency,ȱAddictionȱandȱRehabilitationȱ(CeDAR),ȱAssociateȱProfessor,ȱ
DepartmentȱofȱPsychiatry,ȱUniversityȱofȱColoradoȱSchoolȱofȱMedicine,ȱAugustȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
3ȱȱRuthȱMarieȱHuhn,ȱM.D.,ȱBoardȱCertifiedȱAttendingȱPsychiatristȱatȱtheȱCenter for
Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation (CeDAR),ȱInstructor,ȱDepartmentȱofȱPsychiatry,ȱ
UniversityȱofȱColoradoȱSchoolȱofȱMedicine,ȱAugustȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
4ȱȱAndreaȱDukakis,ȱColoradoȱPublicȱRadio,ȱFebruaryȱ18,ȱ2016,ȱ“SchoolsȱBecomeȱ
GroundȱZeroȱForȱSubstanceȱAbuseȱTreatment”,ȱhttp://www.cpr.org/news/story/schoolsȬ
becomeȬgroundȬzeroȬsubstanceȬabuseȬtreatment,ȱaccessedȱFebruaryȱ18,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
5ȱȱKayleighȱMcEnany,ȱAbovethelaw.com,ȱDecemberȱ31,ȱ2015,ȱ“America’sȱYouth:ȱȱTheȱ
MarijuanaȱMartyrs,”ȱhttp://abovethelaw.com/2015/12/americasȬyouthȬtheȬmarijuanaȬ
martyrs/,ȱaccessedȱJanuaryȱ4,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
6ȱȱRobertȱL.ȱDuPont,ȱM.D.,ȱRiverMendȱHealth,ȱ“MarijuanaȱLegalizationȱHasȱLedȱToȱ
MoreȱUseȱAndȱAdditionȱWhileȱIllegalȱMarketȱContinuesȱToȱThrive”,ȱ
<http://www.rivermendhealth.com/resources/marijuanaȬlegalizationȬledȬuseȬaddictionȬ
illegalȬmarketȬcontinuesȬthrive/>,ȱaccessedȱAugustȱ9,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
7ȱȱClinicalȱDirectorȱMichaelȱBarnes,ȱPhD,ȱLMFT,ȱBusinessȱDevelopment/Communityȱ
Liaison,ȱCeDAR/UniversityȱofȱColoradoȱHospital,ȱSeptemberȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
8ȱȱThurstoneȱC,ȱHullȱM,ȱLeNoueȱS,ȱBrandȱN,ȱRiggsȱPDȱ(acceptedȱforȱpublication),ȱ“Aȱ
Completer’sȱAnalysisȱofȱanȱIntegratedȱPsychiatric/SubstanceȱTreatmentȱforȱAdolescentsȱ
andȱYoungȱAdults,”ȱUniversityȱofȱColoradoȱJournalȱofȱPsychiatryȱandȱPsychologyȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 130
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THISȱPAGEȱINTENTIONALLYȱLEFTȱBLANKȱ
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SECTIONȱ7:ȱȱDiversionȱofȱColoradoȱMarijuanaȱȱPageȱ|ȱ109ȱ
SECTION 7: Diversion of Colorado
Marijuana
ȱ
Definitions
ȱ
ColoradoȱMarijuanaȱInterdictionȱSeizures:ȱȱIncidentsȱwhereȱstateȱhighwayȱpatrolsȱ
stoppedȱaȱdriverȱforȱaȱtrafficȱviolationȱandȱsubsequentlyȱfoundȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱ
destinedȱforȱotherȱpartsȱofȱtheȱcountry.ȱȱTheseȱinterdictionȱseizuresȱareȱreportedȱonȱaȱ
voluntaryȱbasisȱtoȱtheȱNationalȱSeizureȱSystemȱ(NSS)ȱmanagedȱbyȱtheȱElȱPasoȱ
IntelligenceȱCenterȱ(EPIC).ȱȱTheseȱareȱrandomȱtrafficȱstops,ȱnotȱinvestigations,ȱandȱdoȱ
notȱincludeȱlocalȱlawȱenforcementȱdata.ȱ
Some Findings
ȱ
x Duringȱ2009–2012,ȱwhenȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱwasȱcommercialized,ȱtheȱyearlyȱ
averageȱnumberȱinterdictionȱseizuresȱofȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱincreasedȱ357ȱ
percentȱfromȱ53ȱtoȱ242ȱperȱyear.ȱ
ȱ
x HighwayȱpatrolȱinterdictionȱseizuresȱofȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱincreasedȱ37ȱpercentȱ
fromȱ288ȱtoȱ394ȱduringȱ2013–2015,ȱwhenȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱwasȱlegalized.ȱ
ȱ
x TheȱtotalȱaverageȱnumberȱofȱpoundsȱofȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱseizedȱfromȱ2005–
2008ȱcomparedȱtoȱ2009–2015ȱincreasedȱ30ȱpercentȱfromȱ2,763ȱpoundsȱtoȱ3,586ȱ
pounds.ȱ
ȱ
x Ofȱtheȱ394ȱseizuresȱinȱ2015,ȱthereȱwereȱ36ȱdifferentȱstatesȱdestinedȱtoȱreceiveȱ
marijuanaȱfromȱColorado.ȱȱTheȱmostȱcommonȱdestinationsȱidentifiedȱwereȱ
Missouri,ȱIllinois,ȱTexas,ȱIowaȱandȱFlorida.ȱ
ȱ
x MoreȱthanȱhalfȱofȱallȱseizuresȱcontainingȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱoriginatedȱfromȱ
Denver.ȱ
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Data
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ElȱPasoȱIntelligenceȱCenter,ȱNationalȱSeizureȱSystem,ȱasȱofȱAugustȱ15,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
Aȱ2014ȱsurveyȱofȱapproximatelyȱ100ȱinterdictionȱexpertsȱestimatesȱtheyȱseizeȱ10ȱ
percentȱorȱless.ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ THEȱCHARTSȱONLYȱINCLUDEȱCASESȱWHEREȱCOLORADOȱMARIJUANAȱWASȱACTUALLYȱ
SEIZEDȱANDȱREPORTED.ȱȱITȱISȱUNKNOWNȱHOWȱMANYȱCOLORADOȱMARIJUANAȱLOADSȱ
WEREȱNOTȱDETECTEDȱOR,ȱIFȱSEIZED,ȱWEREȱNOTȱREPORTED.ȱ
ȱȱ
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ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ElȱPasoȱIntelligenceȱCenter,ȱNationalȱSeizureȱSystem,ȱasȱofȱAugustȱ15,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
Inȱtheȱthreeȱyearsȱ(2013Ȭ2015)ȱofȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱinȱColorado,ȱ
highwayȱpatrolȱseizuresȱhaveȱresultedȱinȱapproximatelyȱ4.5ȱtonsȱofȱColoradoȱ
marijuanaȱbeingȱseized.ȱ
ȱ
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ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ElȱPasoȱIntelligenceȱCenter,ȱNationalȱSeizureȱSystem,ȱasȱofȱAugustȱ15,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
Thereȱwereȱ38ȱseizuresȱforȱwhichȱtheȱdestinationȱwasȱunknown.ȱ
Top Three Cities for Marijuana Origin
ȱ
OriginatingȱCityȱRankingȱ NumberȱofȱSeizuresȱfrom
OriginatingȱCityȱ Percentageȱ
1.ȱ Denverȱ 178ȱ 65%ȱ
2.ȱ ColoradoȱSpringsȱ 22ȱ 8%ȱ
3.ȱ Auroraȱ 10ȱ 4%ȱ
ȱ
*ȱOfȱtheȱ394ȱseizures,ȱonlyȱ272ȱseizuresȱhadȱanȱoriginȱcityȱassociatedȱtoȱthem.ȱȱTheȱ
numbersȱaboveȱrepresentȱtheȱtopȱthreeȱcitiesȱwhereȱmarijuanaȱseizuresȱoriginatingȱfromȱ
withinȱColorado.ȱ
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A Few Examples of Interdictions
ȱ
150ȱPoundsȱofȱColoradoȱMarijuanaȱDestinedȱforȱMissouri:ȱȱInȱDecemberȱofȱ2015,ȱaȱ
KansasȱHighwayȱPatrolȱtrooperȱstoppedȱaȱtractorȱtrailerȱtravelingȱeastboundȱonȱIȬ70ȱ
throughȱKansas.ȱȱUponȱfurtherȱinvestigation,ȱ150ȱpoundsȱofȱhydroponicȬgradeȱ
marijuanaȱwasȱdiscoveredȱinȱtheȱload.ȱȱTheȱmarijuanaȱwasȱfromȱDenver,ȱColoradoȱandȱ
wasȱheadedȱtoȱMissouri.ȱ
ȱ
100ȱPoundsȱofȱColoradoȱMarijuana:ȱInȱDecemberȱ2015,ȱWichitaȱdrugȱtaskȱforceȱ
seizedȱ100ȱpoundsȱofȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱbeingȱtransportedȱinȱaȱCadillacȱEscaladeȱ
boundȱforȱTampa,ȱFlorida.ȱȱTheȱthreeȱCubanȱmalesȱfromȱFloridaȱclaimedȱtheyȱdidȱnotȱ
knowȱwhoȱtheȱdrugsȱbelongedȱtoȱbutȱfoundȱitȱinȱaȱdumpster.ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȱasȱaȱChristmasȱPresent:ȱȱOnȱDecemberȱ22,ȱ2015,ȱanȱOklahomaȱHighwayȱ
PatrolȱtrooperȱstoppedȱaȱvehicleȱtravelingȱeastboundȱalongȱIȬ40.ȱȱWhenȱquestionedȱ
aboutȱaȱChristmasȱpresentȱinȱtheȱvehicle,ȱtheȱdriverȱbecameȱnervousȱandȱprovidedȱanȱ
improbableȱreasonȱforȱtheȱpackage.ȱȱAȱserviceȱdogȱperformedȱanȱ“airȱsniff”ȱonȱtheȱ
vehicleȱandȱitsȱcontents,ȱindicatingȱonȱtheȱChristmasȱpresentȱonly.ȱȱInsideȱtheȱpackageȱ
wasȱapproximatelyȱ3ȱpoundsȱofȱhydroponicȱmarijuanaȱandȱ40ȱsmallȱcontainersȱofȱTHCȱ
wax.ȱȱTheȱmaleȱdriverȱwasȱtravelingȱfromȱColoradoȱSprings,ȱColoradoȱtoȱSeale,ȱ
Alabama.ȱ
ȱ
FelonȱwithȱaȱGun:ȱȱOnȱDecemberȱ22,ȱ2015,ȱaȱNebraskaȱStateȱPatrolȱtrooperȱstoppedȱ
aȱvehicleȱwithȱtwoȱadultȱmalesȱandȱoneȱwomanȱtravelingȱfromȱArvada,ȱColoradoȱtoȱ
SiouxȱFalls,ȱSouthȱDakota.ȱȱUponȱfurtherȱinvestigation,ȱtheȱoccupantsȱwereȱfoundȱtoȱbeȱ
inȱpossessionȱofȱ4ȱpoundsȱofȱhashish,ȱ4ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuanaȱandȱaȱ.40ȱcaliberȱGlockȱ
firearm.ȱȱBothȱmalesȱwereȱarrestedȱforȱpossessionȱwithȱintentȱtoȱdeliverȱandȱpossessionȱ
ofȱaȱfirearmȱwhileȱcommittingȱaȱfelony.ȱȱTheȱwomanȱwasȱreleased.ȱȱOneȱofȱtheȱmalesȱ
wasȱfromȱColoradoȱandȱoneȱfromȱSouthȱDakota.ȱȱ
ȱ
EdiblesȱandȱWaxȱtoȱOklahoma:ȱȱInȱJulyȱofȱ2016,ȱaȱKansasȱHighwayȱPatrolȱtrooperȱ
stoppedȱaȱvehicleȱforȱtrafficȱviolations.ȱȱSubsequentȱtoȱtheȱstop,ȱtheȱtrooperȱdiscoveredȱ5ȱ
poundsȱofȱmarijuana,ȱ5ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuanaȬinfusedȱediblesȱandȱ69ȱgramsȱofȱTHCȱwaxȱ
insideȱtheȱvehicle.ȱȱThisȱvehicle,ȱregisteredȱinȱOklahoma,ȱwasȱcomingȱfromȱDenver,ȱ
ColoradoȱenȱrouteȱtoȱOklahoma.ȱ
ȱ
11ȱPoundsȱtoȱKentucky:ȱȱOnȱJanuaryȱ8,ȱ2015,ȱaȱColoradoȱStateȱPatrolȱofficerȱ
conductedȱaȱtrafficȱstopȱofȱaȱvehicleȱtravelingȱfromȱColoradoȱSprings,ȱColoradoȱtoȱ
Kentuckyȱresultingȱinȱtheȱarrestȱofȱtheȱdriverȱandȱtheȱseizureȱofȱ11ȱpoundsȱmarijuana.ȱȱ
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Theȱmarijuanaȱwasȱvacuumȱsealedȱandȱconcealedȱinȱaȱduffelȱbag.ȱȱItȱisȱsuspectedȱthatȱ
theȱmarijaunaȱcameȱfromȱaȱgrowȱoperationȱaȱresidenceȱinȱColoradoȱSprings.ȱ
ȱ
TwoȱIowaȱDealersȱPurchaseȱ33ȱPoundsȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColoradoȱforȱ$50,000:ȱȱInȱ
lateȱOctoberȱofȱ2015,ȱtwoȱIowaȱmenȱwereȱpulledȱoverȱbyȱlocalȱlawȱenforcementȱinȱ
DouglasȱCounty,ȱNebraska.ȱȱTheȱtwoȱwereȱheadingȱeastboundȱalongȱIȬ80ȱafterȱ
departingȱColoradoȱandȱheadingȱforȱFortȱDodge,ȱIowa.ȱȱAfterȱtheȱDouglasȱCountyȱ
deputyȱsheriffȱsmelledȱmarijuanaȱcomingȱfromȱinsideȱtheȱvehicle,ȱaȱsearchȱrevealedȱ
moreȱthanȱ33ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuana.ȱȱTheȱtwoȱmenȱadmittedȱtoȱbringingȱ$50,000ȱwithȱ
themȱtoȱpurchaseȱmarijuanaȱfromȱaȱColoradoȱsourceȱforȱtheȱpurposeȱofȱreȬsellingȱitȱinȱ
theȱFortȱDodgeȱarea.1ȱ
ȱ
123ȱPoundsȱofȱMarijuanaȱFoundȱinȱCarȱwithȱColoradoȱPlatesȱDuringȱOhioȱTrafficȱ
Stop:ȱȱOnȱJanuaryȱ13,ȱ2016,ȱaȱSubaruȱstationȱwagonȱwithȱColoradoȱlicenseȱplatesȱwasȱ
pulledȱoverȱonȱIȬ70ȱbetweenȱDaytonȱandȱColumbus,ȱOhioȱforȱfollowingȱtooȱclosely.ȱȱAȱ
searchȱwarrantȱwasȱobtainedȱafterȱaȱdrugȬsniffingȱdogȱalertedȱtoȱtheȱvehicle.ȱȱAȱtotalȱofȱ
123ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuanaȱ(aȱ$615,000ȱvalue)ȱwasȱdiscoveredȱinsideȱtheȱvehicle.ȱȱTheȱtwoȱ
men,ȱbothȱColoradoȱresidents,ȱfaceȱchargesȱforȱpossessionȱandȱtraffickingȱmarijuana.2ȱ
ȱ
FloridaȱtoȱReceiveȱ75ȱPoundsȱofȱMarijuana:ȱȱOnȱJanuaryȱ22,ȱ2016,ȱaȱMissouriȱStateȱ
PatrolȱtrooperȱstoppedȱaȱrentalȱvehicleȱregisteredȱinȱColoradoȱforȱaȱtrafficȱviolation.ȱȱAȱ
subsequentȱsearchȱrevealedȱ75ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuanaȱdispursedȱbetweenȱthreeȱduffleȱ
bagsȱlocatedȱinȱtheȱrearȱcargoȱareaȱofȱtheȱvehicle.ȱȱTheȱvehicleȱwasȱcomingȱfromȱDenver,ȱ
ColoradoȱenȱrouteȱtoȱMiami,ȱFlorida.ȱ
ȱ
37ȱPoundsȱofȱMarijuanaȱatȱaȱBusȱDepot:ȱȱOnȱNovemberȱ20,ȱ2015,ȱaȱKansasȱCity,ȱ
MissouriȱPoliceȱDepartmentȱInterdictionȱSquadȱofficerȱlocatedȱaȱsuspiciousȱbagȱatȱaȱ
commercialȱbusȱdepot.ȱȱAȱsubsequentȱsearchȱrevealedȱ37.4ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuanaȱinsideȱ
theȱbag.ȱȱTheȱbaggageȱwasȱcomingȱfromȱDenver,ȱColoradoȱenȱrouteȱtoȱKnoxville,ȱ
Tennessee.ȱ
ȱ
SpeedingȱtoȱTexas:ȱȱInȱAugustȱofȱ2015,ȱTexasȱHighwayȱPatrolȱpulledȱoverȱaȱdriverȱ
forȱspeedingȱwhileȱtheȱsubjectȱwasȱtravelingȱsouthboundȱalongȱUSȱRouteȱ81ȱnearȱ
Rhome,ȱTexas.ȱȱUponȱfurtherȱinvestigation,ȱ25.5ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuanaȱwasȱbeingȱ
transportedȱinȱtheȱvehicle.ȱȱTheȱvehicleȱwasȱfromȱTexas,ȱandȱtheȱdriverȱwasȱtravelingȱ
fromȱDenver,ȱColoradoȱtoȱDallas,ȱTexas.ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȱSeedsȱDestinedȱforȱtheȱEastȱCoast:ȱȱOnȱMarchȱ14,ȱ2016,ȱaȱMissouriȱStateȱ
HighwayȱPatrolȱtrooperȱstoppedȱaȱvehicleȱregisteredȱinȱColoradoȱforȱaȱtrafficȱviolation.ȱȱ
Aȱsubsequentȱsearchȱrevealedȱ70ȱmarijuanaȱseeds,ȱ2ȱouncesȱofȱmarijuana,ȱ3ȱvialsȱofȱTHCȱ
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oilȱandȱ40ȱmlȱofȱpsilocybinȱmushroomsȱsporesȱhiddenȱinsideȱaȱlockedȱsafeȱinȱtheȱtrunkȱ
ofȱtheȱvehicle.ȱȱTheȱvehicleȱwasȱcomingȱfromȱBoulder,ȱColoradoȱenȱrouteȱtoȱSterling,ȱ
Virginia.ȱ
ȱ
NewȱYorkȱJetȬSetters:ȱȱInȱAugustȱofȱ2015,ȱanȱIowaȱStateȱPatrolȱtrooperȱpulledȬoverȱaȱ
vehicleȱtravelingȱeastboundȱonȱIȬ80ȱwhileȱfollowingȱanotherȱvehicleȱtooȬclosely.ȱȱDuringȱ
theȱinvestigation,ȱitȱwasȱdiscoveredȱthatȱtheȱsubjectsȱinȱtheȱvehicleȱhadȱflownȱfromȱNewȱ
YorkȱtoȱDenverȱandȱwereȱnowȱdrivingȱbackȱtoȱNewȱYorkȱinȱaȱrentalȱcar.ȱȱTheȱsubjectsȱ
providedȱconsentȱtoȱsearchȱtheȱvehicle.ȱȱWhenȱtheȱsearchȱwasȱperformed,ȱofficersȱfoundȱ
55ȱsyringesȱcontainingȱcannabisȱoil,ȱ10ȱcontainersȱofȱTHCȱcontainingȱgummies,ȱandȱ
approximatelyȱ6ȱpoundsȱofȱTHCȱinfusedȱedibles.ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȱandȱTHCȱWaxȱFoundȱinȱAutotransport:ȱȱInȱFebruaryȱofȱ2016,ȱaȱKansasȱ
HighwayȱPatrolȱtrooperȱstoppedȱaȱvehicleȱregisteredȱinȱMassachusettsȱforȱaȱtrafficȱ
violation.ȱȱAȱsubsequentȱsearchȱrevealedȱ41ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuanaȱandȱ2.5ȱpoundsȱofȱ
THCȱwaxȱwasȱconcealedȱinȱduffleȱbagsȱlocatedȱinȱtheȱtrunkȱofȱtheȱvehicleȱbeingȱhauledȱ
byȱtheȱtractorȱtrailer.ȱȱTheȱvehicleȱwasȱcomingȱfromȱDenver,ȱColoradoȱenȱrouteȱtoȱ
Massachusetts.ȱ
ȱ
15ȱPoundsȱofȱColoradoȱMarijuanaȱtoȱFlorida:ȱȱInȱAugustȱofȱ2016,ȱaȱ27ȬyearȬoldȱmanȱ
wasȱarrestedȱinȱColoradoȱSprings,ȱColoradoȱonȱsuspicionȱofȱattemptingȱtoȱtransportȱ15ȱ
poundsȱofȱmarijuanaȱtoȱFlorida.ȱȱWhenȱpoliceȱcontactedȱtheȱsuspect,ȱheȱwasȱdrunk,ȱhadȱ
$28,000ȱU.S.ȱcurrency,ȱ3ȱgramsȱofȱcocaineȱandȱaȱpistol.3ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȱbyȱTrain:ȱȱInȱNovemberȱ2015,ȱKansasȱCityȱPoliceȱInterdictionȱSquadȱ
arrestedȱaȱ62ȬyearȬoldȱColoradoȱwomanȱtravelingȱonȱanȱAmtrakȱtrainȱfromȱBoncarbo,ȱ
ColoradoȱtoȱSt.ȱLouis,ȱMissouri.ȱȱInȱherȱsuitcasesȱwereȱseveralȱvacuumȬsealedȱpackagesȱ
containingȱ5ȱpoundsȱofȱhighȬgradeȱmarijuanaȱandȱ50ȱgramsȱofȱTHCȱwax.ȱ
A Few Examples of Investigations
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ THEȱEXAMPLESȱBELOWȱAREȱONLYȱAȱSMALLȱSAMPLEȱOFȱTHEȱMANYȱINVESTIGATIONSȱ
INVOLVINGȱCOLORADOȱMARIJUANAȱCITEDȱBYȱVARIOUSȱDRUGȱUNITS.ȱ
ȱ
IncreaseȱinȱOrganizedȱCrime:ȱȱ“Sinceȱ2014,ȱthereȱhasȱbeenȱaȱnotableȱincreaseȱinȱ
organizedȱnetworksȱofȱsophisticatedȱresidentialȱgrowsȱinȱColoradoȱthatȱareȱorchestratedȱ
andȱoperatedȱbyȱdrugȱtraffickingȱorganizations.ȱȱTheseȱorganizationsȱcurrentlyȱoperateȱ
hundredsȱofȱlargeȬscaleȱhomeȱgrowsȱthroughoutȱColorado.ȱȱHarvestedȱmarijuanaȱisȱ
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shippedȱorȱtransportedȱoutȱofȱColoradoȱtoȱmarketsȱinȱtheȱMidwestȱandȱEastȱCoast.ȱȱ
HomeȱgrowsȱhaveȱsignificantlyȱincreasedȱillicitȱproductionȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱColorado.”4ȱ
ȱ
OrganizedȱCrimeȱComesȱtoȱColoradoȱtoȱCashȱinȱonȱIllegalȱMarijuanaȱHomeȱ
Grows:ȱȱ“OnȱMarchȱ31,ȱ[2016]ȱsheriff’sȱdeputiesȱfromȱtheȱSpecialȱInvestigationsȱ
NarcoticsȱSectionȱraidedȱaȱsingleȬfamilyȱhomeȱthatȱwasȱinȱtheȱprocessȱofȱbeingȱ
convertedȱintoȱaȱ‘growȱhouse’.ȱAuthoritiesȱdiscoveredȱ127ȱmarijuanaȱplants,ȱoverȱ
$100,000ȱinȱgrowingȱequipment,ȱandȱtwoȱCubanȱnationals.”ȱInȱtheȱfollowingȱweeksȱfourȱ
moreȱindividualsȱwereȱarrestedȱinȱregardsȱtoȱsimilarȱcases.ȱȱLikeȱtheȱfirstȱtwo,ȱallȱofȱtheȱ
individualsȱhadȱsimilarȱbackgrounds,ȱwereȱCubanȱnationals,ȱwereȱtransformingȱ
residentialȱhomesȱintoȱelaborateȱmarijuanaȱgrowȱoperations,ȱandȱallȱwereȱrecentȱ
transplantsȱtoȱColorado.ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱDEAȱAssistantȱSpecialȱAgentȱinȱChargeȱKevinȱ
Merrill,ȱ“It’sȱnotȱjustȱCubans.ȱWeȱhaveȱVietnameseȬbasedȱorganizations,ȱRussianȱ
organizedȱpeople.ȱȱButȱweȱhaveȱseenȱaȱlargeȱinfluxȱofȱCubansȱcomingȱhere.ȱȱAndȱweȱ
believeȱthatȱallȱtheȱorganizationsȱareȱhereȱbecauseȱweȱhaveȱaȱperceivedȱlackȱofȱ
enforcement.”ȱȱȱ
ColoradoȱSpringsȱMayorȱJohnȱSuthers,ȱwhoȱpreviouslyȱservedȱ10ȱyearsȱasȱattorneyȱ
generalȱofȱColorado,ȱ“…callsȱ‘theȱtotalȱnightmare’ȱscenarioȱaȱbyproductȱofȱtheȱstate’sȱ
recentȱlegalizationȱofȱfirstȱmedicinal,ȱandȱlaterȱrecreational,ȱmarijuana.ȱPeopleȱfromȱoutȱ
ofȱtownȱorȱevenȱforeignȱcountriesȱmoveȱtoȱColoradoȱandȱ‘buyȱorȱleaseȱhousesȱbyȱtheȱ
hundredsȱifȱnotȱthousands’,”ȱexplainsȱSuthers.ȱȱThisȱtypeȱofȱcriminalȱactivityȱisȱ
underminingȱaȱkeyȱargumentȱusedȱforȱlegalizingȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱfirstȱplace,ȱwhichȱisȱtoȱ
eliminateȱtheȱblackȱmarket.ȱȱTheseȱnewȱColoradoȱresidentsȱareȱconvertingȱresidentialȱ
homesȱtoȱindustrialȱgrowȱoperationsȱandȱthenȱ“…transportingȱitȱoutȱofȱstateȱtoȱ
marijuanaȱmarketsȱnationallyȱandȱinternationally.”5ȱ
ȱ
DiversionȱofȱColoradoȱMarijuanaȱViolatesȱBothȱStateȱandȱFederalȱLaws:ȱȱ
OrganizedȱcrimeȱelementsȱwithȱoutȬofȬstateȱtiesȱincreasinglyȱareȱusingȱColoradoȱhomesȱ
toȱgrowȱlargeȱamountsȱofȱmarijuanaȱillegallyȱforȱtransportȱandȱsaleȱacrossȱtheȱnation.ȱȱ
“Anytimeȱthere’sȱmoneyȱtoȱbeȱmade,ȱcrimeȱcomesȱwithȱit,”ȱsaidȱHuerfanoȱCountyȱ
(Colorado)ȱSheriffȱBruceȱNewman.ȱȱ“There’sȱaȱlotȱofȱlawȱenforcementȱactivityȱfocusedȱ
onȱthis,”ȱsaidȱJohnȱWalsh,ȱColorado’sȱU.S.ȱattorney.ȱȱ“Theseȱoperationsȱviolateȱfederalȱ
lawȱbutȱalsoȱstateȱlaw.”ȱ
Inȱtheȱpast,ȱmanyȱofȱtheseȱillicitȱoperationsȱgravitatedȱtoȱruralȱareasȱofȱColorado;ȱ
howeverȱthisȱtrendȱhasȱshiftedȱtoȱcriminalsȱrentingȱorȱbuyingȱhomesȱandȱquicklyȱ
convertingȱtheȱhomesȱtoȱbeginȱcultivatingȱhundreds,ȱorȱevenȱthousands,ȱofȱplants.ȱ
“LawȱenforcementȱflexedȱitsȱmuscleȱThursdayȱ[Aprilȱ14,ȱ2016]ȱmorningȱbyȱraidingȱ
aboutȱ30ȱlocationsȱ—ȱmanyȱofȱthemȱhomesȱ—ȱbetweenȱElȱPasoȱCountyȱandȱtheȱnorthȱ
Denverȱareaȱasȱpartȱofȱanȱoperationȱtargetingȱaȱpotȱtraffickingȱorganization.”ȱȱInȱeachȱofȱ
theȱeightȱcasesȱtheȱcountyȱsheriff’sȱofficeȱdiscoveredȱthatȱtheȱresidentsȱwereȱnotȱonlyȱ
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fromȱoutȱofȱstate,ȱbutȱmanyȱhadȱinternationalȱties.ȱȱ“Theirȱplanȱisȱtoȱsendȱitȱoutȱofȱstate,”ȱ
saidȱPuebloȱCountyȱSheriffȱKirkȱTaylor.ȱ“That’sȱwellȬdocumented.”ȱ
“Theyȱcanȱkindȱofȱhideȱinȱplainȱsight,”ȱsaidȱBarbraȱRoach,ȱspecialȱagentȱinȱchargeȱofȱ
theȱDrugȱEnforcementȱAdministration’sȱ(DEA)ȱDenverȱdivision.ȱȱ“Theyȱdon’tȱtryȱtoȱ
abideȱbyȱtheȱlawȱinȱanyȱway.ȱȱForȱaȱwhile,ȱtheyȱwereȱgoingȱintoȱwarehouses.ȱȱNowȱtheyȱ
areȱjustȱgoingȱintoȱhomes.”ȱȱ“Roachȱsaidȱtheȱunintendedȱconsequencesȱofȱtheȱillicitȱ
growsȱcanȱbeȱvast,ȱfromȱfiresȱtoȱwaterȱpollutionȱtoȱdevaluingȱrentalȱproperty.”ȱ
Walshȱsaidȱ“TheȱDEAȱhasȱbeenȱworkingȱwithȱlocalȱpoliceȱdepartmentsȱandȱsheriff’sȱ
officesȱtoȱaddressȱtheȱproblem.ȱȱHeȱpointedȱtoȱanȱoperationȱlastȱyearȱthatȱtargetedȱ20ȱ
peopleȱinȱsouthernȱColorado’sȱFremontȱandȱCusterȱcountiesȱaccusedȱofȱharvestingȱ
marijuanaȱatȱeightȱpropertiesȱandȱshippingȱitȱtoȱFloridaȱviaȱUPS.ȱȱFederalȱagentsȱandȱ
localȱpoliceȱconfiscatedȱ28ȱguns,ȱmoreȱthanȱ$25,000ȱandȱ50ȱpoundsȱofȱprocessedȱ
marijuanaȱasȱpartȱofȱthatȱcase.”6ȱ
ȱ
DrugȱTraffickersȱHidingȱinȱPlainȱSight:ȱȱInȱAprilȱ2016,ȱaȱmultiȬstateȱinvestigationȱ
intoȱtheȱillegalȱdistributionȱofȱmarijuanaȱoutsideȱColoradoȱresultedȱinȱpoliceȱandȱfederalȱ
agentsȱarrestingȱmoreȱthanȱ40ȱpeopleȱandȱseizedȱpilesȱofȱpotȱplants.ȱȱ“Officersȱsearchedȱ
aboutȱ30ȱpropertiesȱduringȱtheȱraids,ȱwhichȱspannedȱfromȱtheȱDenverȱareaȱsouthȱtoȱ
ColoradoȱSprings.”ȱ
“TheȱcaseȱinvolvedȱpeopleȱwhoȱmovedȱtoȱColoradoȱfromȱTexasȱspecificallyȱtoȱgrowȱ
marijuanaȱthatȱwouldȱbeȱillegallyȱexported.”ȱ
“Authoritiesȱdescribedȱtheȱcaseȱasȱtheȱlatestȱexampleȱofȱdrugȱtraffickersȱseekingȱsafeȱ
havenȱinȱtheȱstate’sȱflourishingȱmarijuanaȱindustryȱinȱorderȱtoȱshipȱtheȱdrugȱoutȱofȱstate,ȱ
whereȱitȱcanȱsellȱforȱmoreȱthanȱdoubleȱwhatȱitȱwouldȱinȱColorado.”ȱ
“Traffickersȱhideȱamongȱtheȱstate’sȱsanctionedȱwarehousesȱandȱfarms,ȱbutȱalsoȱinȱ
neighborhoodsȱwhereȱconcernedȱneighborsȱsometimesȱtipȱpolice,ȱauthoritiesȱsay.”7ȱ
ȱ
CriminalȱOrganizationȱCoordinatedȱMarijuanaȱtoȱNorthȱCarolina:ȱȱInȱJanuaryȱ
2016,ȱaȱmemberȱofȱaȱcriminalȱorganizationȱcoordinatedȱaȱdeliveryȱofȱmarijuanaȱwithȱtheȱ
driverȱofȱaȱtractorȱtrailerȱatȱaȱtruckȱstopȱinȱDenver.ȱȱTheȱdriverȱofȱtheȱtractorȱtrailerȱwasȱ
stoppedȱinȱKansasȱinȱrouteȱtoȱNorthȱCarolinaȱwithȱ27ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuanaȱhiddenȱinȱ
theȱtractor’sȱcab.8ȱ
ȱ
InterstateȱDrugȱTraffickingȱOrganization:ȱȱInȱAprilȱ2015,ȱanȱinterstateȱmarijuanaȱ
traffickingȱorganizationȱheadedȱbyȱaȱDenverȬbasedȱtraffickerȱidentifiedȱtenȱtoȱfifteenȱ
marijuanaȱgrowȱhousesȱinȱtheȱDenverȱandȱColoradoȱSpringsȱmetroȱareas.ȱȱThisȱdrugȱ
traffickingȱorganizationȱutilizedȱseveralȱrentalȱpropertiesȱforȱtheirȱmarijuanaȬgrowȱ
operations.ȱȱTheȱorganizationȱgrewȱmarijuanaȱinȱColoradoȱandȱthenȱdistributedȱtheirȱ
finishedȱproductȱtoȱcustomersȱinȱotherȱstatesȱthatȱincludedȱNorthȱCarolina,ȱGeorgiaȱandȱ
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Texas.ȱȱTheȱmarijuanaȱwasȱtransportedȱtoȱtheȱotherȱstatesȱbyȱtractorȱtrailer,ȱpersonalȱ
vehiclesȱandȱotherȱmailȱservice.8ȱ
ȱ
CityȱofȱPuebloȱCrackingȱDown:ȱȱPuebloȱauthoritiesȱwereȱnotifiedȱbyȱconcernedȱ
citizensȱregardingȱillegalȱmarijuanaȱhomeȱgrows.ȱȱBetweenȱMarchȱandȱAugustȱ2016,ȱ
authoritiesȱtargetedȱvariousȱillegalȱhomeȱgrows.ȱȱSearchȱwarrantsȱforȱoverȱ30ȱresidentialȱ
homesȱwereȱexecuted.ȱȱFirstȱrespondersȱenteredȱhomesȱthatȱwereȱoverrunȱwithȱ
marijuanaȱplantsȱandȱvariousȱgrowȱequipment,ȱworthȱwellȱoverȱ$450,000ȱinȱvalue,ȱ
throughoutȱtheȱhouse.ȱȱTheȱhomesȱwereȱprimarilyȱoccupiedȱbyȱgrowersȱforȱtheȱsoleȱ
purposeȱofȱcultivatingȱmarijuanaȱandȱexportingȱtheȱfinishedȱproductsȱforȱprofit.ȱȱ
Approximatelyȱ82ȱpoundsȱofȱprepackagedȱmarijuanaȱreadyȱforȱdistributionȱwasȱseizedȱ
duringȱthisȱtimeframe.ȱȱInȱsomeȱcases,ȱthereȱwereȱchildrenȱlivingȱinȱtheseȱtoxicȱ
environments.ȱȱSeveralȱofȱtheseȱhomesȱwereȱdeclaredȱcondemnedȱbyȱtheȱhealthȱ
departmentȱforȱexcessiveȱmoldȱandȱunsafeȱelectricalȱwork.ȱȱInȱsomeȱcases,ȱhighȬvolumeȱ
THCȱextractionȱlabsȱwereȱlocated.ȱȱToȱdate,ȱ41ȱarrestsȱhaveȱbeenȱmade.ȱȱPartiesȱarrestedȱ
wereȱprimarilyȱfromȱFlorida,ȱCuba,ȱRussiaȱandȱVietnam.ȱȱOverȱ7,250ȱplantsȱwereȱseizedȱ
fromȱvariousȱPuebloȱneighborhoods.9ȱ
ȱ
$620,000ȱandȱOverȱ2,000ȱMarijuanaȱPlants:ȱȱInȱJuneȱ2015,ȱnumerousȱagenciesȱ
investigatedȱaȱmultiȬfacetedȱmarijuanaȱcultivationȱandȱdrugȱtraffickingȱorganization.ȱȱ
Thisȱenterpriseȱgrewȱmarijuanaȱinȱnumerousȱwarehousesȱandȱresidencesȱinȱtheȱgreaterȱ
Denverȱmetroȱarea,ȱthenȱshippedȱtheȱmarijuanaȱtoȱTexas,ȱKansas,ȱOhio,ȱNewȱYorkȱandȱ
Nebraskaȱforȱretailȱdistribution.ȱȱMoneyȱlaunderingȱwasȱidentifiedȱwhenȱmembersȱofȱ
theȱdrugȱtraffickingȱorganizationȱusedȱbusinessesȱandȱfinancialȱinstitutionsȱtoȱlaunderȱ
theȱillegalȱdrugȱproceeds.ȱȱAȱcoordinatedȱtakeȱdownȱofȱtheȱorganizationȱoccurredȱatȱ11ȱ
marijuanaȱgrowȱwarehouses,ȱ21ȱresidences,ȱ15ȱbankȱaccountsȱandȱ4ȱsafeȱdepositȱboxes.ȱȱ
“Asȱaȱresultȱagentsȱandȱdetectivesȱseizedȱ$620,000ȱcash;ȱ2,139ȱmarijuanaȱplants;ȱ438ȱ
poundsȱofȱfinishedȱmarijuana;ȱ20ȱvehicles;ȱoneȱboat;ȱtwoȱjetȱskis;ȱoneȱsnowmobile;ȱ
approximatelyȱ600ȱgrowȱlightsȱandȱ600ȱballasts;ȱjewelryȱwithȱanȱestimatedȱvalueȱofȱoverȱ
$100,000;ȱsilverȱcoinsȱandȱsilverȱbullion.ȱȱArrestsȱwereȱnotȱmadeȱatȱthisȱtimeȱasȱtheȱ
investigationȱisȱongoing.ȱȱItȱisȱanticipatedȱthatȱindictmentsȱanȱarrestsȱwillȱoccurȱinȱtheȱ
comingȱmonths.”10ȱ
ȱ
5ȱTonsȱofȱIllegalȱMarijuana:ȱȱAsȱofȱMarchȱ2016,ȱPuebloȱCountyȱauthoritiesȱhaveȱ
conductedȱ17ȱillegalȱmarijuanaȱhomeȱgrowȱeradicationȱoperationsȱresultingȱinȱ25ȱarrestsȱ
andȱoverȱ5,100ȱillegalȱmarijuanaȱplantȱseizuresȱfromȱtheȱhomeȱgrows.11ȱ
ȱ
ItȱWasn’tȱSupportedȱtoȱWorkȱThisȱWay:ȱȱAuthoritiesȱwereȱnotifiedȱofȱaȱpossibleȱ
illegalȱgrowȱoperationȱbyȱaȱlocalȱvigilantȱinȱPueblo,ȱCOȱjustȱdaysȱbeforeȱ127ȱmarijuanaȱ
plants,ȱoverȱ$100,000ȱinȱgrowingȱequipment,ȱandȱtwoȱCubanȱnationalsȱwereȱdiscoveredȱ
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byȱsheriff’sȱdeputies.ȱȱTheȱsingleȱfamilyȱhomeȱthatȱwasȱoccupiedȱbyȱ28ȬyearȬoldȱAdrielȱ
TrujilloȱDanielȱandȱ41ȬyearȬoldȱLeosbelȱLedesmaȱQuintanaȱwasȱinȱtheȱprocessȱofȱbeingȱ
convertedȱintoȱaȱ“grow”ȱhouse.ȱȱOverȱtheȱcourseȱofȱtheȱnextȱfewȱweeks,ȱauthoritiesȱ
discoveredȱseveralȱotherȱinstancesȱofȱCubanȱtransplantsȱmovingȱtoȱColoradoȱinȱorderȱtoȱ
setȱupȱillegalȱmarijuanaȱgrowȱhouses.ȱ
“Weȱhaveȱquiteȱaȱbitȱofȱevidence”ȱtoȱbelieveȱtheyȱareȱmemberȱofȱ“Cubanȱcartels,”ȱ
PuebloȱSheriffȱKirkȱTaylorȱstatedȱinȱanȱinterview.ȱȱ
Local,ȱstate,ȱandȱfederalȱofficialsȱbelieveȱitȇsȱnotȱjustȱisolatedȱtoȱPueblo.ȱȱȈItȇsȱacrossȱ
theȱentireȱstateȱofȱColorado,ȈȱDEAȱassistantȱspecialȱagentȱinȱchargeȱKevinȱMerrillȱsays.ȱ
ȈItȇsȱjustȱbasicallyȱtakenȱoverȱtheȱstate,ȱtheseȱresidentialȱgrows.Ȉȱ
ItȱisȱwhatȱColoradoȱSpringsȱMayorȱJohnȱSuthersȱcallsȱȈtheȱtotalȱnightmareȈȱscenario,ȱ
aȱbyproductȱofȱtheȱstateȇsȱrecentȱlegalizationȱofȱfirstȱmedicinal,ȱandȱlaterȱrecreational,ȱ
marijuana.ȱ
PeopleȱfromȱoutȱofȱtownȱorȱevenȱforeignȱcountriesȱmoveȱtoȱColoradoȱandȱȈbuyȱorȱ
leaseȱhousesȱbyȱtheȱhundredsȱifȱnotȱthousands,ȈȱexplainsȱSuthers,ȱwhoȱpreviouslyȱ
servedȱ10ȱyearsȱasȱattorneyȱgeneralȱofȱtheȱstate.12ȱ
ȱ
SevenȱMenȱIndictedȱforȱIllegalȱMarijuanaȱHomeȱGrows:ȱȱInȱMarchȱ2016,ȱSouthernȱ
ColoradoȱDEAȱDrugȱTaskȱForcesȱsecuredȱsearchȱwarrantsȱandȱraidedȱfiveȱhomesȱinȱ
PuebloȱWest.ȱȱSomeȱofȱtheseȱillegalȱhomeȱgrowȱoperationsȱareȱlocatedȱdirectlyȱacrossȱtheȱ
streetȱfromȱeachȱother.ȱȱAuthoritiesȱseizedȱ1,879ȱmarijuanaȱplants,ȱbutaneȱhashȱoilȱlabȱ
equipment,ȱ16ȱpoundsȱofȱprocessedȱmarijuanaȱandȱnineȱhandȱgunsȱandȱshotguns.ȱȱ
SevenȱmenȱhaveȱbeenȱindictedȱinȱDenverȱU.S.ȱDistrictȱCourtȱonȱ13ȱcountsȱofȱillegalȱ
marijuanaȱproductionȱandȱdistributionȱtoȱFlorida.13ȱ
ȱ
AnticipateȱHundredsȱofȱMarijuanaȱBusts:ȱȱInȱMarchȱ2016,ȱColoradoȱSpringsȱMayorȱ
JohnȱSuthersȱwillȱbeȱtargetingȱunregistered,ȱcommercialȬsizedȱoperationsȱrunȱbyȱoutȬofȬ
stateȱresidents,ȱmainlyȱfromȱFloridaȱandȱwithȱtiesȱtoȱcartels.ȱȱ“Florida’sȱproximityȱtoȱ
Cubaȱhasȱincreasinglyȱmadeȱitȱanȱentryȱpointȱforȱdrugȱcartelsȱlookingȱtoȱpenetrateȱ
marketsȱinȱtheȱU.S.,ȱofficialsȱsay.ȱȱ‘IfȱyouȱlookȱatȱwhoȱisȱbeingȱbustedȱinȱPuebloȱandȱwhoȱ
willȱbeȱbustedȱinȱColoradoȱSpringsȱoverȱtheȱsummer,ȱyouȱcanȱtell:ȱȱTheseȱareȱorganizedȱ
crime,’ȱSuthersȱsaid.”ȱ
TheȱDenverȱDrugȱEnforcementȱAgencyȱagentsȱsaidȱtheyȱhaveȱidentifiedȱatȱleastȱ186ȱ
largeȬscaleȱmarijuanaȱgrowsȱoperatingȱinȱColoradoȱSpringsȱandȱtraffickingȱproductsȱtoȱ
theȱMidwestȱandȱEastȱCoast.ȱ
“SinceȱMarchȱ31,ȱtheȱPuebloȱCountyȱSheriff’sȱOfficeȱandȱDEAȱagentsȱhaveȱraidedȱ23ȱ
illegalȱgrowsȱandȱarrestedȱ35ȱpeople.ȱȱOfȱthoseȱarrests,ȱ26ȱpeopleȱhaveȱbeenȱfromȱoutȱofȱ
state,ȱallȱbutȱoneȱwithȱtiesȱtoȱFlorida.ȱȱAtȱleastȱsixȱresidentsȱwereȱCubanȱnationals,ȱtheȱ
sheriff’sȱofficeȱsaid.”ȱ
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TimȱScott,ȱresidentȱagentȱinȱchargeȱforȱDEA’sȱColoradoȱSpringsȱBureauȱtoldȱtheȱCityȱ
CouncilȱinȱApril,ȱ“YouȱhaveȱtoȱunderstandȱwhatȱColoradoȱis.ȱȱAfghanistanȱisȱtheȱsourceȱ
countryȱforȱheroin.ȱȱVenezuelaȱandȱColumbiaȱareȱsourceȱcountriesȱforȱcocaine.ȱȱMexicoȱ
isȱtheȱsourceȱcountryȱforȱmethamphetamines.ȱȱYouȱ[Colorado]ȱareȱtheȱsourceȱstateȱforȱ
marijuana.”14ȱ
ȱ
GeorgiaȱCoupleȱTravelingȱwithȱInfantȱTraffickingȱColoradoȱMarijuana:ȱȱInȱ
Februaryȱ2016,ȱaȱcoupleȱandȱtheirȱinfantȱtraveledȱinȱaȱvehicleȱfromȱGeorgiaȱtoȱColoradoȱ
Springsȱtoȱpurchaseȱmarijuana.ȱȱDuringȱtheirȱtimeȱinȱColoradoȱSprings,ȱtheȱcoupleȱmadeȱ
multipleȱcashȱdepositsȱatȱseveralȱbanksȱtotalingȱaboutȱ$20,000,ȱwhichȱwasȱpaymentȱforȱ
marijuana.ȱȱTheȱcoupleȱlaterȱmetȱinȱColoradoȱSpringsȱwithȱaȱcourierȱwhoȱdeliveredȱtoȱ
themȱthreeȱsuitcasesȱfilledȱwithȱmarijuana.ȱȱTheȱcoupleȱwasȱlaterȱstoppedȱinȱKansasȱenȱ
routeȱtoȱGeorgiaȱwithȱ32ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuanaȱcontainedȱinȱtheȱsuitcases.15ȱ
ȱ
FloridiansȱMovingȱtoȱColoradoȱforȱDrugȱTrafficking:ȱȱInȱJuneȱ2016,ȱDEA’sȱGrandȱ
Junction,ȱColoradoȱOfficeȱseizedȱ675ȱillegalȱmarijuanaȱplants,ȱ3ȱgunsȱandȱ3ȱouncesȱofȱ
cocaineȱfromȱ5ȱdifferentȱresidentialȱrentalȱpropertiesȱinȱMesaȱandȱDeltaȱcountiesȱ
Colorado.ȱȱTurnsȱoutȱtheȱgroupȱofȱCubanȱnationalsȱrentedȱtheȱhomesȱforȱtheȱsoleȱ
purposeȱofȱsettingȱupȱillegalȱmarijuanaȱhomeȱgrows.ȱȱTheseȱindividualsȱobtainedȱdoctorȱ
recommendationsȱtoȱgrowȱorȱtoȱpossessȱupȱtoȱ99ȱplantsȱforȱpersonalȱuseȱwhenȱinȱrealityȱ
thisȱmarijuanaȱwasȱbeingȱshippedȱtoȱFloridaȱandȱNewȱJersey.ȱȱ“…despiteȱhavingȱdoctorȱ
recommendationsȱtoȱuseȱmarijuanaȱforȱchronicȱpain,ȱthereȱwasȱnoȱitemsȱlocatedȱduringȱ
theȱsearchȱwarrantsȱthatȱindicatedȱanyȱofȱtheȱdefendantsȱwereȱusingȱanyȱmarijuanaȱatȱ
all.”16ȱ
ȱ
2,700ȱPotȱPlantsȱSeized:ȱȱInȱJulyȱ2015,ȱDeltaȱCountyȱ(Colorado)ȱSheriff’sȱOfficeȱ
servedȱaȱsearchȱwarrantȱonȱanȱillegalȱmarijuanaȱhomeȱgrow.ȱȱAuthoritiesȱseizedȱ2,700ȱ
potȱplants.ȱȱSheriffȱMckeeȱsaidȱtheȱagenciesȱwereȱworriedȱthatȱtheȱmarijuanaȱwasȱbeingȱ
processedȱwithȱtheȱintentȱtoȱdistribute,ȱwhichȱisȱbannedȱinȱDeltaȱCounty.ȱȱ“Twoȱpeopleȱ
wereȱinvestigated,ȱbutȱchargesȱorȱcitationsȱhaveȱyetȱtoȱbeȱissued.”17ȱ
ȱ
Drugs,ȱGunsȱandȱMoney:ȱȱ“Throughoutȱ2015,ȱDEAȱDenverȱandȱcounterpartsȱinȱ
LarimerȱandȱDouglasȱcountiesȱinvestigatedȱaȱnetworkȱofȱmarijuanaȱgrowsȱoperatedȱbyȱ
anȱoutȬofȬstateȱdrugȱtraffickingȱorganization.ȱȱTheȱmarijuanaȱwasȱgoingȱtoȱChicagoȱandȱ
toȱFlorida.ȱȱInȱAugust,ȱSeptember,ȱandȱDecember,ȱstateȱsearchȱwarrantsȱresultedȱinȱtheȱ
seizuresȱofȱoverȱ1,800ȱplants,ȱoverȱ100ȱpoundsȱofȱprocessedȱmarijuana,ȱalmostȱ$1ȱmillionȱ
inȱassets,ȱandȱ45ȱfirearms,ȱmanyȱofȱwhichȱwereȱmilitaryȬstyleȱautomaticȱrifles.”18ȱ
ȱ
HomeȱGrowȱOwnerȱKillsȱtoȱProtectȱHisȱIllegalȱMarijuana:ȱȱInȱMarchȱ2016,ȱthreeȱ
individualsȱattemptedȱtoȱburglarizeȱanȱillegalȱhomeȱgrowȱcontainingȱ400ȱmarijuanaȱ
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SECTIONȱ7:ȱȱDiversionȱofȱColoradoȱMarijuanaȱȱPageȱ|ȱ121ȱ
plants.ȱȱTheȱFloridaȱresidentsȱoccupyingȱtheȱhomeȱshotȱandȱkilledȱoneȱofȱtheȱthree.ȱȱTheȱ
residentsȱhaveȱbeenȱarrestedȱonȱchargesȱlinkedȱtoȱtheȱmarijuanaȱoperation.ȱȱHuerfanoȱ
CountyȱSheriffȱNewmanȱattributesȱthisȱincidentȱtoȱtheȱinfluxȱofȱFloridaȱresidentsȱ
movingȱtoȱColoradoȱtoȱillegallyȱgrowȱmarijuanaȱandȱtakingȱitȱbackȱtoȱtheirȱstates.19ȱ
ȱ
LicensedȱMarijuanaȱStoreȱSourceȱforȱDiversion?:ȱȱInȱJulyȱ2016,ȱanȱeyeȱwitnessȱ
reportsȱaȱyoungȱmanȱenterȱaȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱdispensaryȱandȱorderȱoneȱpoundȱofȱ
marijuana.ȱȱThisȱwasȱwellȱbeyondȱtheȱlegalȱlimitȱforȱpossessionȱandȱforȱdistributionȱatȱ
anyȱsingleȱtransaction.ȱȱTheȱcustomerȱarguedȱwithȱtheȱclerkȱaboutȱpriceȱandȱtheyȱagreedȱ
onȱaȱpriceȱofȱ$2,500.ȱȱTheȱyoungȱmanȱwalkedȱhappilyȱoutȱtheȱfrontȱdoorȱofȱtheȱmedicalȱ
marijuanaȱdispensaryȱwithȱoneȱentireȱpoundȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱhisȱhand.20ȱ
ȱ
ResidentsȱHarassedȱbyȱMarijuanaȱGrowers:ȱȱ“InȱSeptemberȱ2015,ȱtheȱDEAȱ
ColoradoȱSpringsȱResidentȱOfficeȱinvestigatedȱaȱnetworkȱofȱmarijuanaȱgrowȱhousesȱinȱ
southernȱColorado.ȱȱAtȱleastȱnineȱmarijuanaȱgrowsȱhousesȱwereȱoperatedȱbyȱmembersȱ
ofȱaȱFloridaȬbasedȱdrugȱtraffickingȱorganizationȱwhoȱhadȱrecentlyȱrelocatedȱtoȱColoradoȱ
toȱproduceȱlargeȱamountsȱofȱmarijuanaȱforȱtheirȱcustomersȱalongȱtheȱEastȱCoast.ȱȱ
Duringȱtheȱinvestigation,ȱoneȱofȱtheȱgrowȱhousesȱwasȱdestroyedȱbyȱfire,ȱandȱneighborsȱ
wereȱrepeatedlyȱintimidatedȱandȱharassedȱbyȱtheȱgrowers.ȱȱInȱSeptemberȱ2015,ȱtheȱ
executionȱofȱsearchȱwarrantsȱatȱtheȱgrowȱsitesȱresultedȱinȱtheȱseizureȱofȱoverȱ1,000ȱ
marijuanaȱplants,ȱ50ȱpoundsȱofȱharvestedȱmarijuana,ȱandȱ28ȱfirearms”.21
ȱ
MoneyȱLaunderingȱSchemes:ȱȱ“Theȱfinancialȱsystemȱisȱoftenȱexploitedȱbyȱmarijuanaȱ
traffickersȱbasedȱinȱColoradoȱandȱtheirȱcustomersȱinȱotherȱstates.ȱȱAȱmyriadȱofȱmoneyȱ
launderingȱschemesȱareȱusedȱtoȱintegrateȱmarijuanaȱcashȱintoȱtheȱfinancialȱsystem.ȱȱ
Mostȱrecently,ȱthereȱisȱwidespreadȱuseȱofȱfunnelȱaccounts.ȱȱCashȱfromȱmarijuanaȱ
purchasesȱisȱdepositedȱintoȱtheȱsources’ȱbankȱaccountsȱatȱbranchesȱthroughoutȱtheȱ
MidwesternȱandȱeasternȱU.S.ȱȱWithinȱaȱdayȱorȱtwo,ȱtheȱmoneyȱisȱwithdrawnȱatȱATMsȱinȱ
Coloradoȱorȱtransferredȱtoȱadditionalȱaccounts.ȱȱReportingȱbyȱbanksȱdocumentsȱmillionsȱ
ofȱdollarsȱinȱcashȱdepositsȱrelatedȱtoȱoutȬofȬstateȱmarijuanaȱsalesȱonȱaȱmonthlyȱbasis.”21ȱ
ȱ
12ȬPoundȱSeizureȱLeadsȱtoȱaȱLargeȬScaleȱDrugȱTraffickingȱOperation:ȱȱInȱFebruaryȱ
2016,ȱTexasȱStateȱPatrolȱconductedȱaȱtrafficȱstopȱresultingȱinȱ12ȱpoundsȱofȱhighȱgradeȱ
marijuanaȱbeingȱseizedȱinȱrouteȱfromȱColoradoȱdestinedȱforȱFlorida.ȱȱThisȱledȱtoȱtheȱ
identificationȱofȱ5ȱhomesȱinȱPueblo,ȱColoradoȱthatȱwereȱactivelyȱcultivatingȱmarijuanaȱ
withȱtheȱintentȱtoȱtransportȱtoȱFlorida.ȱȱInȱMarchȱ2016,ȱsearchȱwarrantsȱwereȱexecutedȱatȱ
theȱfiveȱpropertiesȱresultingȱinȱtheȱseizureȱofȱ2ȱactiveȱBHOȱextractionȱlabs,ȱ1,895ȱ
marijuanaȱplants,ȱapproximatelyȱ17ȱpoundsȱofȱprocessedȱmarijuanaȱandȱaȱsmallȱamountȱ
ofȱmarijuanaȱ“shatter.”ȱȱInȱaddition,ȱapproximatelyȱ$75,000ȱworthȱofȱmarijuanaȱgrowȱ
equipment,ȱapproximatelyȱ$2,000.00ȱUSCȱandȱ9ȱfirearmsȱwereȱseizedȱfromȱtheȱ
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properties.ȱȱSevenȱdefendantsȱwereȱarrestedȱonȱvariousȱchargesȱtoȱincludeȱpossessionȱ
withȱintentȱtoȱmanufactureȱorȱdistributeȱmarijuana.22
Comments
ȱ
KansasȱAttemptingȱtoȱProveȱColoradoȱMarijuanaȱisȱWreakingȱHavocȱonȱtheȱState:ȱȱ
AsȱofȱJanuaryȱofȱ2016,ȱDerekȱSchmidt,ȱKansasȱAttorneyȱGeneral,ȱisȱinȱtheȱprocessȱofȱ
gatheringȱevidenceȱrelatedȱtoȱtheȱillegalȱexportȱofȱmarijuanaȱfromȱtheȱneighboringȱstateȱ
ofȱColorado.ȱȱTheȱKansasȱOfficeȱofȱtheȱAttorneyȱGeneralȱhasȱrecentlyȱannouncedȱthatȱitȱ
isȱsendingȱsurveysȱtoȱprosecutorsȱandȱlawȱenforcementȱofficialsȱwithinȱtheȱstate.ȱȱTheȱ
underlyingȱpurposeȱofȱtheȱeffortsȱtoȱcollectȱinformationȱonȱtheȱnegativeȱeffectȱofȱ
ColoradoȱmarijuanaȱisȱgearedȱtowardsȱsupportingȱaȱlawsuitȱfiledȱwithȱtheȱU.S.ȱSupremeȱ
CourtȱbyȱOklahomaȱandȱNebraska.ȱȱCurrently,ȱcriminalȱjusticeȱinformationȱsystemsȱareȱ
notȱtrackingȱtheȱoriginȱofȱmarijuanaȱencounteredȱbyȱKansasȱlawȱenforcement.ȱȱ
“Thereȱareȱnumerousȱandȱpersistentȱanecdotalȱaccountsȱofȱmarijuanaȱacquiredȱinȱ
ColoradoȱandȱillegallyȱtransportedȱintoȱKansasȱcausingȱharmȱhere,”ȱSchmidtȱisȱquotedȱ
asȱsaying.ȱȱ“Butȱbecauseȱofȱtechnologyȱlimits,ȱtheȱconfirmingȱdataȱisȱelusive.ȱȱSinceȱ
Colorado’sȱexperimentȱwithȱlegalizationȱisȱaffectingȱKansas,ȱweȱneedȱtoȱknowȱmoreȱ
aboutȱwhatȱisȱactuallyȱhappeningȱhereȱsoȱpolicymakersȱcanȱmakeȱinformedȱdecisions.”23ȱ
ȱ
NebraskaȱResourcesȱInundatedȱbyȱColoradoȱMarijuana:ȱȱ“NebraskaȱSheriffȱAdamȱ
Haywardȱsaysȱhisȱresourcesȱhaveȱbeenȱstretchedȱthinȱasȱmoreȱmarijuanaȱlegallyȱ
purchasedȱinȱColoradoȱcrossesȱintoȱNebraska.”ȱ
Potentialȱpotȱcustomersȱwillȱseeȱaȱhandmadeȱsignȱinȱretailȱdispensaries:ȱȱ“Itȱisȱillegalȱ
toȱtakeȱmarijuanaȱoutȱofȱtheȱstate.”ȱȱButȱthisȱdoesȱnotȱstopȱindividualsȱfromȱbreakingȱtheȱ
law.ȱȱSinceȱlegalization,ȱNebraskaȱlawȱenforcementȱacrossȱtheȱborderȱisȱbusierȱthanȱever,ȱ
asȱeastwardȱdriversȱattemptȱtoȱleaveȱColoradoȱwithȱtheirȱpotȱproducts.ȱInȱJanuaryȱofȱ
thisȱyear,ȱNebraskaȱauthoritiesȱbookedȱ23ȱpossessionȱofȱmarijuanaȱcasesȱcomingȱfromȱ
Colorado.ȱȱLicensedȱdispensaryȱproductsȱsuchȱasȱjointsȱtoȱpsychedelicȱglassȱpipesȱtoȱ
edibles,ȱsuchȱasȱcannabisȬinfusedȱgummyȱbears,ȱchipsȱandȱcookiesȱareȱtheȱitemsȱbeingȱ
purchasedȱinȱColoradoȱandȱimmediatelyȱbecomeȱillegalȱcontrabandȱonceȱitȱcrossesȱoverȱ
toȱNebraska.ȱ
“SheriffȱHaywardȱsaysȱmostȱdriversȱwhoȱareȱcaughtȱwithȱweedȱareȱpulledȱoverȱforȱ
basicȱtrafficȱviolationsȱlikeȱspeedingȱorȱfailingȱtoȱsignalȱaȱlaneȱchange.”ȱ
“Duringȱaȱrecentȱtrafficȱstop,ȱSheriffȱHaywardȱconfiscatedȱfourȱlargeȱplasticȱbagsȱ
withȱsixȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuana.ȱȱTheȱdriver,ȱwhoȱHaywardȱsaidȱpurchasedȱtheȱcannabisȱ
fromȱaȱColoradoȱdispensaryȱandȱplannedȱtoȱsellȱitȱinȱNebraska,ȱwasȱconvictedȱonȱfelonyȱ
charges.”24ȱ
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Sources
ȱ
1ȱȱKETVȱABCȱ7/ȱOmaha,ȱNebraska,ȱOctoberȱ26,ȱ2015,ȱ“2ȱmenȱpulledȱoverȱwithȱmoreȱ
thanȱ33ȱlbs.ȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱcar,”ȱ<http://www.ketv.com/news/2ȬmenȬpulledȬoverȬwithȬ
moreȬthanȬ33ȬlbsȬofȬmarijuanaȬinȬcar/36056424>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ16,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
2ȱȱChrisȱLoveless,ȱKRDO.com,ȱJanuaryȱ21,ȱ2016,ȱ“123ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuanaȱfoundȱinȱ
carȱwithȱColoradoȱplatesȱduringȱOhioȱtrafficȱstop,”ȱ<http://www.krdo.com/news/123Ȭ
poundsȬofȬmarijuanaȬfoundȬinȬcarȬwithȬcoloradoȬplatesȬduringȬohioȬtrafficȬ
stop/37557470>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ9,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
3ȱȱChhunȱSun,ȱTheȱGazette,ȱAugustȱ1,ȱ2016,ȱ“Police:ȱȱManȱwantedȱtoȱtakeȱ15ȱpoundsȱofȱ
marijuanaȱfromȱColoradoȱSpringsȱtoȱFlorida”,ȱ<http://gazette.com/policeȬmanȬwantedȬ
toȬtakeȬ15ȬpoundsȬofȬmarijuanaȬfromȬcoloradoȬspringsȬtoȬflorida/article/1581726>,ȱ
accessedȱAugustȱ2,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
4ȱȱDrugȱEnforcementȱAdministrationȱIntelligenceȱReport,ȱJuneȱ2016,ȱ“Residentialȱ
MarijuanaȱGrowsȱinȱColorado:ȱTheȱNewȱMethȱHouses?”ȱ
ȱ
5ȱȱDanielȱHalper,ȱTheȱWeeklyȱStandard,ȱMayȱ23,ȱ2016,ȱ“ItȱWasn’tȱSupposedȱtoȱWorkȱ
ThisȱWay”,ȱ<http://www.weeklystandard.com/itȬwasntȬsupposedȬtoȬworkȬthisȬ
way/article/2002373>,ȱaccessedȱMayȱ23,ȱ2016Aȱ
ȱ
6ȱȱJesseȱPaul,ȱTheȱDenverȱPost,ȱAprilȱ15,ȱ2016,ȱ“Moreȱillicitȱpotȱbeingȱgrownȱinȱ
Coloradoȱhomes,ȱshippedȱoutȱofȱstate”,ȱ<ȱhttp://www.denverpost.com/2016/04/15/moreȬ
illicitȬpotȬbeingȬgrownȬinȬcoloradoȬhomesȬshippedȬoutȬofȬstate/>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ8,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
7ȱȱSadieȱGurman,ȱAssociatedȱPress,ȱAprilȱ14,ȱ2016,ȱ“DozensȱarrestedȱinȱDenverȬareaȱ
potȱraidsȱtargetingȱexporters”,ȱ
<http://bigstory.ap.org/article/807b6023984b40d793324a1b0187e1cd/dozensȬarrestedȬ
denverȬareaȬpotȬraidsȬtargetingȬexporters>,ȱaccessedȱAprilȱ14,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
8ȱȱDrugȱEnforcementȱAdministration,ȱDenverȱFieldȱDivision,ȱJulyȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
9ȱȱPuebloȱSheriff’sȱOffice,ȱMediaȱCenter/PressȱReleasesȱsinceȱMarchȱ2016–Augustȱ
2016,ȱ<http:www.sheriff.co.pueblo.co.us/pio/?m=201608>,ȱaccessedȱ08/12/16ȱ
ȱ
10ȱȱDrugȱEnforcementȱAdministration,ȱDenverȱFieldȱDivision,ȱMarchȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ7:ȱȱDiversionȱofȱColoradoȱMarijuanaȱȱPageȱ|ȱ124ȱ
11ȱȱTheȱDenverȱPost,ȱMayȱ7,ȱ2016,ȱ“LatestȱPuebloȱBustȱNetsȱ200ȱMoreȱPlants,”ȱ
<http://www.pressreader.com>,ȱaccessedȱMayȱ7,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
12ȱȱDanielȱHalper,ȱTheȱWeeklyȱStandard,ȱMayȱ29,ȱ2016,ȱ“ItȱWasn’tȱSupportedȱtoȱWorkȱ
ThisȱWay,”ȱ<http://www.msn.com/enȬus/news/crime/itȬwasntȬsupposedȬtoȬworkȬthisȬ
way/arȬBBtpIoY?ocid=se>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ10,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
13ȱȱKirkȱMitchell,ȱTheȱDenverȱPost,ȱJulyȱ12,ȱ2016,ȱ“7ȱindictedȱinȱwideȬscaleȱillegalȱpotȱ
operationȱinȱPuebloȱWest;ȱTiesȱtoȱFlorida,”ȱ
<http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/12/wideȬscaleȬillegalȬpotȬoperationȬpuebloȬwestȬ
florida/>,ȱaccessedȱJulyȱ13,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
14ȱȱTheȱGazetteȱasȱpublishedȱinȱTheȱDenverȱPostȱMayȱ30,ȱ2016,ȱ“ColoradoȱSpringsȱ
Mayor:ȱDayȱofȱreckoningȱcomingȱforȱcity’sȱillegalȱmarijuanaȱgrowers,”ȱ
<http://www.denverpost.com/2016/05/30/coloradoȬspringsȬmayorȬdayȬofȬreckoningȬ
comingȬforȬcitysȬillegalȬmarijuanaȬgrowers/>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ2,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
15ȱȱDrugȱEnforcementȱAdministration,ȱDenverȱFieldȱDivision,ȱJulyȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
16ȱȱDrugȱEnforcementȱAdministration,ȱDenverȱFieldȱDivision,ȱJuneȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
17ȱȱAssociatedȱPress,ȱTheȱDailyȱSentinel,ȱJulyȱ10,ȱ2015,ȱ“Authoritiesȱseizeȱ2,700ȱpotȱ
plantsȱinȱDeltaȱCounty”,ȱ<http://www.gjsentinel.com/breaking/articles/authoritiesȬ
seizeȬ2700ȬpotȬplantsȬinȬdeltaȬcounty>,ȱaccessedȱJulyȱ10,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
18ȱȱDrugȱEnforcementȱAdministrationȱȬȱDenverȱFieldȱDivisionȱandȱLarimerȱCountyȱ
(Colorado)ȱSheriff’sȱOffice,ȱMayȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
19ȱȱJesseȱPaul,ȱTheȱDenverȱPost,ȱMarchȱ30,ȱ2016,ȱ“Feds,ȱsheriffȱprobeȱintruder’sȱkillingȱ
atȱHuerfanoȱhomeȱfilledȱwithȱillegalȱpot,”ȱ
<http://www.denverpost.com/2016/03/30/fedsȬsheriffȬprobeȬintrudersȬkillingȬatȬ
huerfanoȬhomeȬfilledȬwithȬillegalȬpotȬ2/>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ8,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
20ȱȱMonteȱStiles,ȱ“Theȱmellowȱworldȱofȱpot,ȱShangriȬLaȱinȱDenver,”ȱeȬmailȱmessage,ȱ
Julyȱ1,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
21ȱȱDrugȱEnforcementȱAdministration,ȱDenverȱFieldȱDivision,ȱMayȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
22ȱȱDrugȱEnforcementȱAdministration,ȱDenverȱFieldȱDivision,ȱAprilȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
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23ȱȱMichaelȱRoberts,ȱWestword,ȱJanuaryȱ5,ȱ2016,ȱ“KansasȱAttemptingȱtoȱProveȱ
ColoradoȱMarijuanaȱisȱWreakingȱHavocȱonȱState,”ȱ
<http://www.westword.com/news/kansasȬattemptingȬtoȬproveȬcoloradoȬmarijuanaȬisȬ
wreakingȬhavocȬonȬstateȬ7484055>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ16,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
24ȱȱHannahȱYi,ȱRockyȱMountainȱPBS,ȱFebruaryȱ14,ȱ2015,ȱ“Illegalȱcrossing:ȱȱSeeȱtheȱ
confiscatedȱweedȱatȱtheȱColoradoȬNebraskaȱborder,”ȱ
<http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/illegalȬcrossingȬheresȬweedȬauthoritiesȬ
confiscatedȬnebraskaȬcoloradoȬborder/>,ȱaccessedȱAugustȱ9,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTION 8: Diversion by Parcel
ȱ
Some Findings
ȱ
x SeizuresȱofȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱU.S.ȱmailȱhasȱincreasedȱ427ȱpercentȱfromȱ
anȱaverageȱofȱ70ȱparcelsȱ(2010Ȭ2012)ȱtoȱ369ȱparcelsȱ(2013Ȭ2015)ȱinȱtheȱthreeȬyearȱ
averageȱthatȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱhasȱbeenȱlegal.ȱ
ȱ
x SeizuresȱofȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱU.S.ȱmailȱhasȱincreasedȱ471ȱpercentȱfromȱ
anȱaverageȱofȱ129ȱpoundsȱ(2010Ȭ2012)ȱtoȱ736ȱpoundsȱ(2013Ȭ2015)ȱinȱtheȱthreeȬyearȱ
averageȱthatȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱhasȱbeenȱlegal.ȱ
Data
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ THESEȱFIGURESȱONLYȱREFLECTȱPACKAGESȱSEIZED;ȱTHEYȱDOȱNOTȱINCLUDEȱPACKAGESȱ
OFȱCOLORADOȱMARIJUANAȱTHATȱWEREȱMAILEDȱANDȱREACHEDȱTHEȱINTENDEDȱ
DESTINATION.ȱȱINTERDICTIONȱEXPERTSȱBELIEVEȱTHEȱPACKAGESȱSEIZEDȱWEREȱJUSTȱTHEȱ
“TIPȱOFȱTHEȱICEBERG.”ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ UnitedȱStatesȱPostalȱInspectionȱService,ȱProhibitedȱMailingȱofȱNarcoticsȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 150
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SECTIONȱ8:ȱȱDiversionȱbyȱParcelȱȱPageȱ|ȱ128ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ UnitedȱStatesȱPostalȱInspectionȱService,ȱProhibitedȱMailingȱofȱNarcoticsȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ UnitedȱStatesȱPostalȱInspectionȱServiceȱ–ȱProhibitedȱMailingȱofȱNarcoticsȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 151
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SECTIONȱ8:ȱȱDiversionȱbyȱParcelȱȱPageȱ|ȱ129ȱ
Private Parcel Companies
ȱ
Thereȱareȱcourierȱdeliveryȱserviceȱcompanies,ȱwithȱlocationsȱthroughoutȱtheȱ
country,ȱfromȱwhichȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱdestinedȱforȱotherȱstatesȱhaveȱbeenȱ
seized.ȱȱUnlikeȱtheȱU.S.ȱPostalȱService,ȱaȱcentralȱdataȱsystemȱdoesȱnotȱexistȱforȱ
theseȱvariousȱprivateȱcouriers.ȱ
ȱ
AnȱinquiryȱofȱsomeȱHIDTAsȱrelatedȱtoȱtheȱrandomȱseizureȱofȱColoradoȱmarijuanaȱinȱ
theirȱregionȱthroughȱparcelȱservicesȱotherȱthanȱtheȱU.S.ȱPostalȱService:ȱ
ȱ
Appalachia:ȱȱ14ȱpackagesȱofȱmarijuanaȱweighingȱaȱtotalȱofȱ80ȱpoundsȱwithȱaȱthirdȱofȱ
theȱpackagesȱdestinedȱforȱFlorida.ȱ
ȱ
Chicago:ȱȱ24ȱpackagesȱofȱbulkȱmarijuana,ȱconcentrate,ȱandȱediblesȱweighingȱaȱtotalȱ
ofȱ10.5ȱpounds.ȱ
ȱ
GulfȱCoast:ȱȱ85ȱpackagesȱofȱbulkȱmarijuana,ȱconcentrates,ȱandȱediblesȱweighingȱaȱ
totalȱofȱ97ȱpoundsȱwithȱ31ȱdifferentȱstatesȱidentifiedȱasȱtheȱdestinations.ȱ
ȱ
Houston:ȱȱ7ȱpackagesȱofȱbulkȱmarijuanaȱandȱconcentratesȱweighingȱaȱtotalȱofȱ8ȱ
pounds.ȱ
ȱ
Midwest:ȱȱ8ȱpackagesȱwithȱvariousȱformsȱofȱmarijuanaȱheadedȱtoȱMissouriȱweighingȱ
aȱtotalȱofȱ8ȱpounds.ȱ
ȱ
Ohio:ȱȱ18ȱpackagesȱofȱbulkȱmarijuanaȱandȱediblesȱweighingȱaȱtotalȱofȱ21ȱpounds.ȱ
ȱ
Washington/Baltimore:ȱȱ12ȱpackagesȱwithȱmarijuanaȱweighingȱaȱtotalȱofȱ4ȱpounds.ȱ
Some Examples
ȱ
NorthȱMetroȱTaskȱForceȱParcelȱSeizures:ȱȱDuringȱcalendarȱyearȱ2015,ȱNorthȱMetroȱ
DrugȱTaskȱForceȱworkedȱcloselyȱwithȱFedEx,ȱUPSȱandȱUSPIS.ȱȱNorthȱMetroȱinterceptedȱ
32ȱseparateȱpackagesȱcontainingȱmarijuanaȱfromȱColoradoȱthatȱwereȱdestinedȱtoȱ17ȱ
differentȱstates.ȱȱTheȱcombinedȱweightȱofȱtheseȱpackagesȱexceededȱ84ȱpounds.1ȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ8:ȱȱDiversionȱbyȱParcelȱȱPageȱ|ȱ130ȱ
BadȱLuckȱinȱMarijuanaȱIndustryȱLeadsȱtoȱArrest:ȱȱInȱAprilȱ2015,ȱaȱmajorȱparcelȱ
companyȱalertedȱChicagoȱPoliceȱtoȱaȱpackageȱcomingȱfromȱColoradoȱthatȱhadȱaȱstrongȱ
odorȱofȱmarijuana.ȱȱPoliceȱobtainedȱaȱsearchȱwarrantȱandȱseizedȱnearlyȱ7ȱpoundsȱofȱ
marijuana.ȱȱTheȱindividualȱtoȱwhomȱtheȱpackageȱwasȱdeliveredȱwasȱarrested.ȱȱThisȱ
individualȱwasȱidentifiedȱasȱpartȱofȱtheȱyoungȱentrepreneursȱwhoȱwentȱtoȱColoradoȱ
aboutȱfiveȱyearsȱpriorȱtoȱmakeȱmoneyȱinȱtheȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱindustry.ȱȱApparentlyȱ
heȱmovedȱtoȱColoradoȱandȱgrewȱmarijuanaȱplantsȱinȱaȱwarehouseȱoutsideȱofȱDenver.ȱȱ
Atȱtheȱsameȱtime,ȱhisȱwifeȱoperatedȱaȱsmallȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱdispensaryȱinȱDenver.ȱȱ
Priorȱtoȱthisȱarrestȱinȱ2015,ȱheȱwasȱarrestedȱinȱ2010ȱbyȱChicagoȱPoliceȱforȱaȱparcelȱpostȱ
packageȱcontainingȱ40ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuana.ȱȱTheȱindividualȱreflectedȱonȱhisȱhardȱluckȱ
inȱtheȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱbusinessȱandȱstated,ȱ“Someȱpeopleȱinȱtheȱindustryȱhaveȱgottenȱ
lucky.ȱȱOtherȱguysȱlikeȱmeȱhaveȱgottenȱcaughtȱinȱtheȱsystem.”2ȱ
ȱ
MedicalȱMarijuanaȱStoreȱOwnerȱtoȱReceiveȱ$16,000:ȱȱInȱFebruaryȱ2015,ȱthreeȱ
suspiciousȱparcelsȱwereȱidentified.ȱȱAȱsearchȱwarrantȱwasȱobtainedȱandȱrevealedȱtheȱ
packagesȱcontainedȱoverȱ$16,000ȱinȱcash.ȱȱTheseȱthreeȱparcels,ȱallȱcomingȱfromȱdifferentȱ
locationsȱincludingȱIdaho,ȱPennsylvaniaȱandȱIllinois,ȱwereȱdestinedȱforȱaȱColoradoȱ
Springsȱmetroȱareaȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱstoreȱowner.1ȱ
ȱ
22ȱPoundsȱofȱBoulderȱ(Colorado)ȱMarijuanaȱSentȱtoȱNewȱJersey:ȱȱ“Policeȱarrestedȱaȱ
26ȬyearȬoldȱmanȱtheyȱsayȱwasȱrunningȱaȱpotȬdistributionȱoperationȱoutȱofȱaȱLawrenceȱ
[NewȱJersey]ȱhomeȱafterȱheȱclaimedȱaȱ22Ȭpoundȱpackageȱofȱmarijuanaȱthatȱcameȱ
throughȱtheȱmailȱWednesday.ȱȱMichaelȱLester,ȱwhoȱfacesȱsevenȱdrugȱcharges,ȱwasȱ
releasedȱonȱ$75,000ȱbail.ȱȱHisȱarrestȱfollowedȱaȱsixȬmonthȱinvestigationȱbyȱLawrenceȱ
policeȱandȱtheȱMercerȱCountyȱNarcoticsȱTaskȱForce.ȱȱPoliceȱsayȱtheȱpackageȱhadȱmoreȱ
thanȱ300ȱedibleȱmarijuanaȱproductsȱwithȱaȱstreetȱvalueȱofȱ$9,000.ȱȱDuringȱaȱsearchȱofȱtheȱ
GreenfieldȱAvenueȱhome,ȱpoliceȱalsoȱuncoveredȱadditionalȱedibleȱmarijuanaȱproducts,ȱ
marijuanaȱextracts,ȱhashishȱandȱoils,ȱpackagingȱmaterials,ȱscales,ȱpackingȱmachines,ȱaȱ
moneyȱcounterȱandȱmoreȱthanȱ$50,000ȱinȱcash.ȱȱTwoȱvehiclesȱwereȱalsoȱseizedȱasȱ
suspectedȱnarcoticsȱproceeds,ȱpoliceȱsaid.”ȱȱItȱwasȱlaterȱdeterminedȱthroughȱ
investigationȱthatȱtheȱmarijuanaȱcameȱfromȱBoulder,ȱColorado.4ȱ
ȱ
ColoradoȱMarijuanaȱtoȱTexas:ȱȱInȱFebruaryȱ2015,ȱaȱTexasȱmanȱwasȱarrestedȱforȱ
tryingȱtoȱsendȱhimselfȱmarijuanaȱandȱmarijuanaȱproductsȱheȱpurchasedȱinȱPueblo,ȱ
Colorado.ȱȱApparentlyȱtheȱsubjectȱpurchasedȱtheȱmarijuanaȱinȱPuebloȱandȱthenȱmailedȱitȱ
toȱhimselfȱinȱSanȱAngelo,ȱTexasȱwhereȱheȱresides.ȱȱTheȱpackage,ȱwhenȱseized,ȱcontainedȱ
9ȱpoundsȱofȱ“highȬgradeȱmarijuana”ȱandȱmarijuanaȱediblesȱasȱwellȱasȱcoughȱsyrups,ȱ
skinȱpatchesȱandȱ“wax”ȱthatȱhadȱbeenȱ“legallyȱpurchased”ȱfromȱtwoȱseparateȱ
dispensariesȱinȱPueblo.ȱȱThisȱindividualȱwasȱarrestedȱinȱTexas.5ȱ
ȱ
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SECTIONȱ8:ȱȱDiversionȱbyȱParcelȱȱPageȱ|ȱ131ȱ
TrafficȱStopȱLeadsȱtoȱParcelȱInterception:ȱInȱSeptemberȱ2015,ȱ“Federalȱ
prosecutorsȱchargedȱ20ȱpeopleȱinȱColoradoȱsuspectedȱofȱtraffickingȱmarijuanaȱ
outȱofȱstate.”ȱȱAȱtrafficȱstopȱinȱPennsylvaniaȱrevealedȱ34ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuana.ȱȱ
“AuthoritiesȱsayȱtheyȱalsoȱfollowedȱaȱvehicleȱtoȱaȱColoradoȱSpringsȱUPSȱstoreȱ
andȱfoundȱtheȱsuspectsȱintendedȱtoȱshipȱmarijuanaȱtoȱFlorida.ȱȱAuthoritiesȱsayȱ
warrantsȱconductedȱinȱtheȱsouthernȱColoradoȱtownsȱofȱCotopaxiȱandȱWestcliffeȱ
ledȱtoȱtheȱseizureȱofȱ1,000ȱmarijuanaȱplants,ȱ50ȱpoundsȱofȱdriedȱmarijuana,ȱandȱ28ȱ
firearms.”6ȱ
ȱ
BrowniesȱtoȱFlorida:ȱȱInȱMarchȱ2015,ȱtheȱWestȱMetroȱTaskȱForceȱrespondedȱtoȱaȱ
parcelȱcompanyȱthatȱopenedȱaȱsuspiciousȱpackageȱandȱfoundȱtwoȱbaggiesȱwithȱ
marijuanaȱbrownies,ȱalongȱwithȱaȱbusinessȱcard.ȱȱTheȱcardȱreadȱ“SweetȱMaryȱJaneȱ–ȱ
MercifulȱChocolate.”ȱȱTheȱpackageȱwasȱdestinedȱforȱSulphurȱSprings,ȱFlorida.1ȱ
ȱ
StuffedȱAnimalsȱwithȱMarijuana:ȱȱInȱJuneȱ2015,ȱLovelandȱPoliceȱDepartmentȱwasȱ
calledȱoutȱonȱaȱsuspiciousȱpackageȱfromȱaȱparcelȱcompany.ȱȱTheyȱdiscoveredȱthatȱtheȱ
packageȱcontainedȱstuffedȱanimalsȱfullȱofȱmarijuanaȱandȱweighingȱoverȱ2ȱounces.ȱȱTheȱ
packageȱwasȱcomingȱfromȱColoradoȱenȱrouteȱtoȱNavarre,ȱFlorida.1ȱ
ȱ
HelpingȱaȱFriend:ȱȱInȱSeptemberȱ2014,ȱWestȱMetroȱTaskȱForceȱinvestigatorsȱ
respondedȱwhenȱaȱ29ȬyearȬoldȱmaleȱattemptedȱtoȱsendȱanȱovernightȱpackageȱcontainingȱ
miscellaneousȱfoodȱitemsȱandȱmarijuanaȱconcentrate.ȱȱWhenȱarrested,ȱtheȱindividualȱ
toldȱtheȱinvestigatorsȱheȱwasȱattemptingȱtoȱ“help”ȱaȱfriendȱwhoȱlivedȱinȱHawaii.1ȱ
ȱ
SuspiciousȱPackageȱContainedȱColoradoȱMarijuana:ȱInȱJanuaryȱ2016,ȱKansasȱCityȱ
MissouriȱPoliceȱDepartmentȱInterdictionȱSquadȱlocatedȱaȱsuspiciousȱparcelȱatȱtheȱ
commercialȱsortingȱhub.ȱȱTheȱpackageȱwasȱseizedȱandȱcontainedȱ10.4ȱpoundsȱofȱ
Coloradoȱmarijuana.ȱȱTheȱpackageȱoriginatedȱoutȱofȱLakewood,ȱColoradoȱandȱdestinedȱ
forȱKansasȱCity,ȱMissouri.6ȱ
ȱ
KȬ9ȱAlertsȱonȱHighȱGradeȱMarijuana:ȱȱInȱNovemberȱ2015ȱaȱWashington/Baltimoreȱ
HIDTAȱinterdictionȱteamȱinterceptedȱaȱpackageȱfromȱAurora,ȱColoradoȱdestinedȱforȱ
Blacksburg,ȱVirginia.ȱȱAȱcanineȱalertedȱtoȱtheȱpackage,ȱwhichȱwasȱsubsequentlyȱfoundȱ
toȱcontainȱapproximatelyȱ½ȱpoundȱofȱhighȬgradeȱmarijuanaȱandȱaboutȱ1ȱpoundȱofȱ
marijuanaȱedibles.7ȱ
ȱ
Aspen,ȱColoradoȱtoȱNeptuneȱBeach,ȱFlorida:ȱȱInȱMarchȱ2016,ȱaȱNorthȱFloridaȱ
HIDTAȱinterdictionȱteamȱseizedȱaȱlittleȱoverȱ11ȱpoundsȱofȱhighȬgradeȱmarijuanaȱsentȱ
fromȱAspen,ȱColoradoȱtoȱanȱaddressȱinȱNeptuneȱBeach,ȱFlorida.8ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 154
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SECTIONȱ8:ȱȱDiversionȱbyȱParcelȱȱPageȱ|ȱ132ȱ
ȱ
Overȱ30ȱPoundsȱofȱMarijuanaȱtoȱtheȱEastȱCoast:ȱȱInȱMayȱ2015,ȱanȱAppalachiaȱ
HIDTAȱinterdictionȱunitȱseizedȱoverȱ33ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuanaȱcomingȱfromȱDenver,ȱ
ColoradoȱenȱrouteȱtoȱNewȱYork.9ȱ
ȱ
K9ȱAlertȱinȱKansasȱCity,ȱMissouri:ȱȱInȱDecemberȱ2015,ȱaȱcanineȱalertedȱtoȱaȱparcelȱ
withȱ24ȱpoundsȱofȱmarijuanaȱthatȱwasȱdestinedȱtoȱGeorgiaȱfromȱDenver,ȱColorado.6ȱ
Sources
ȱ
1ȱȱRockyȱMountainȱHighȱIntensityȱDrugȱTraffickingȱarea,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
2ȱȱCBS2ȱLocal/Chicago,ȱAprilȱ6,ȱ2015,ȱ“ManȱBustedȱAgainȱForȱColoradoȬToȬChicagoȱ
UPSȱMarijuanaȱShipment,”ȱ<http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/04/06/manȬbustedȬagainȬ
forȬcoloradoȬtoȬchicagoȬupsȬmarijuanaȬshipment/>,ȱaccessedȱAprilȱ6,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
3ȱȱCristinaȱRojas,ȱNJ.com,ȱJulyȱ28,ȱ2016,ȱ“Lawrenceȱmanȱbustedȱwithȱ22Ȭpoundȱ
marijuanaȱpackage,”ȱ
<http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2016/07/lawrence_man_busted_with_22Ȭ
pound_marijuana_packag.html>,ȱaccessedȱAugustȱ11,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
4ȱȱJesseȱPaul,ȱTheȱDenverȱPost,ȱFebruaryȱ5,ȱ2015,ȱ“Puebloȱpolice:ȱȱTexasȱmanȱarrestedȱ
afterȱtryingȱtoȱsendȱ$63,000ȱofȱmarijuana,”ȱ
<http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_27465615/puebloȬpoliceȬtexasȬmanȬarrestedȬ
afterȬtryingȬsend?source=infinite>,ȱaccessedȱFebruaryȱ5,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
5ȱȱCBSȱDenver/Channelȱ4,ȱSeptemberȱ3,ȱ2015,ȱ“20ȱPeopleȱInȱColoradoȱFaceȱFederalȱ
PotȱTraffickingȱCharges”,ȱ<http://denver.cbslocal.com/2015/09/03/20ȬpeopleȬinȬ
coloradoȬfaceȬfederalȬpotȬtraffickingȬcharges/>,ȱaccessedȱSeptemberȱ3,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
6ȱȱMidwestȱHighȱIntensityȱDrugȱTraffickingȱAreaȱ
ȱ
7ȱȱWashington/BaltimoreȱHighȱIntensityȱDrugȱTraffickingȱAreaȱ
ȱ
8ȱȱNorthȱFloridaȱHighȱIntensityȱDrugȱTraffickingȱAreaȱ
ȱ
9ȱȱAppalachiaȱHighȱIntensityȱDrugȱTraffickingȱAreaȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ9:ȱȱRelatedȱDataȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ133ȱ
ȱ
SECTION 9: Related Data
ȱ
Topics
ȱ
x Crimeȱ
x Revenueȱ
x EventȱPlanners’ȱViewsȱofȱDenverȱ
x Homelessȱ
x Suicidesȱ
x EnvironmentalȱImpactȱ
x THCȱPotencyȱ
x MarijuanaȱUseȱandȱAlcoholȱConsumptionȱ
x MedicalȱMarijuanaȱRegistryȱ
x LicensedȱMarijuanaȱBusinessesȱasȱofȱJanuaryȱ2015ȱ
x BusinessȱComparisonsȱasȱofȱJanuaryȱ2015ȱ
x DemandȱandȱMarketȱSizeȱ
x 2014ȱReportedȱSalesȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColoradoȱ
x 2014ȱPriceȱofȱMarijuanaȱ
x LocalȱResponseȱtoȱtheȱMedicalȱandȱRecreationalȱMarijuanaȱIndustryȱinȱColoradoȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ SOMEȱOFȱTHEȱDATAȱREPORTEDȱINȱTHISȱSECTIONȱISȱBECAUSEȱTHEREȱHAVEȱBEENȱSOȱ
MANYȱINQUIRIESȱONȱTHEȱPARTICULARȱSUBJECT,ȱSUCHȱASȱCRIMEȱANDȱSUICIDES.ȱȱTHISȱ
ISȱNOTȱTOȱINFERȱTHATȱTHEȱDATAȱISȱDUEȱTOȱTHEȱLEGALIZATIONȱOFȱMARIJUANA.ȱ
Some Findings
ȱ
x CrimeȱinȱDenverȱandȱColoradoȱhasȱincreasedȱfromȱ2013ȱtoȱ2015.ȱ
ȱ
x Coloradoȱannualȱtaxȱrevenueȱfromȱtheȱsaleȱofȱrecreationalȱandȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱ
wasȱ$115,579,432ȱ(CY2015)ȱorȱaboutȱ0.5ȱpercentȱofȱColorado’sȱtotalȱstatewideȱ
budgetȱ(FY2016).ȱ
ȱ
x “Denverȱisȱlosingȱvisitorsȱandȱvaluableȱconventionȱbusinessȱasȱaȱresultȱofȱtheseȱ
overallȱsafetyȱ(orȱperceptionȱofȱsafety)ȱissues...”ȱ–ȱVISITȱDENVERȱreportȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 156
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SECTIONȱ9:ȱȱRelatedȱDataȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ134ȱ
x AsȱofȱJanuaryȱ2016,ȱthereȱwereȱ424ȱretailȱmarijuanaȱstoresȱinȱtheȱstateȱofȱ
Coloradoȱcomparedȱtoȱ322ȱStarbucksȱandȱ202ȱMcDonald’s.ȱ
ȱ
x 68ȱpercentȱofȱlocalȱjurisdictionsȱhaveȱbannedȱmedicalȱandȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱ
businesses.ȱ
Crime
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱBureauȱofȱInvestigation,ȱhttp://crimenco.cbi.state.co.us/ȱ
ȱ
Fromȱ2014ȱtoȱ2015:ȱ
o Propertyȱcrimeȱincreasedȱ6.2ȱpercentȱ
o Violentȱcrimeȱincreasedȱ6.7ȱpercentȱ
o Allȱcrimeȱincreasedȱ6.2ȱpercentȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ9:ȱȱRelatedȱDataȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ135ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ CityȱandȱCountyȱofȱDenver,ȱDenverȱPoliceȱDepartment,ȱCrimeȱStatisticsȱandȱMaps,ȱAprilȱ2016ȱ
ȱȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 158
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SECTIONȱ9:ȱȱRelatedȱDataȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ136ȱ
*AllȱReportedȱCrimeȱinȱDenverȱ
2013ȱ 2014ȱ 2015ȱ ȱ
55,115ȱreportedȱ
crimesȱ
61,276ȱreportedȱ
crimesȱ
63,816ȱreportedȱ
crimesȱ
8,701ȱreportedȱ
crimesȱincreaseȱ
fromȱ2013ȱtoȱ2015
(16ȱpercentȱ
increase)ȱ
*ȱActualȱnumberȱofȱcrimesȱinȱDenverȱ(newȱprocessȱbeganȱinȱMayȱ2013)ȱ
ȱ
Fromȱ2014ȱtoȱ2015:ȱ
o Crimesȱagainstȱpersonsȱincreasedȱ7.5ȱpercentȱ
o Crimesȱagainstȱpropertyȱincreasedȱ6ȱpercentȱ
o Crimesȱagainstȱsocietyȱincreasedȱ15.6ȱpercentȱ
o Allȱotherȱoffensesȱdecreasedȱ5.7ȱpercentȱ
o AllȱDenverȱcrimesȱincreasedȱ4.1ȱpercentȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ NationalȱIncidentȱBasedȱReportingȱSystemȱdefinitionsȱinȱtheȱCityȱandȱCountyȱofȱDenver,ȱ
Aprilȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ DenverȱPoliceȱDepartment,ȱTrafficȱOperationsȱBureau/Vice/DrugȱBureauȱviaȱDataȱAnalysisȱUnitȱ
ȱȱ
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SECTIONȱ9:ȱȱRelatedȱDataȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ137ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ BoulderȱPoliceȱDepartment,ȱRecordsȱandȱInformationȱServicesȱ
ȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ THEȱCITYȱOFȱBOULDERȱDIDȱNOTȱHAVEȱAȱMUNICIPALȱSTATUTEȱSPECIFICȱTOȱPUBLICȱ
CONSUMPTIONȱOFȱMARIJUANAȱUNTILȱMIDȬ2013.ȱ
ȱ
Related Material
ȱ
LegalizedȱMarijuanaȱBringsȱViolenceȱtoȱDowntownȱDenver’sȱ16thȱStreetȱMall:ȱȱȱ
VideoȱwasȱpostedȱtoȱFacebookȱofȱaȱmanȱwieldingȱPVCȱpipesȱandȱviolentlyȱswingingȱ
themȱatȱanyoneȱwithinȱreach.ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱpolice,ȱtheȱmanȱfromȱIndianaȱhadȱonlyȱbeenȱ
inȱDenverȱforȱaȱweekȱbeforeȱtheȱincidentȱoccurred.ȱȱInȱresponseȱtoȱtheȱattack,ȱDenverȱ
MayorȱMichaelȱHancockȱstated,ȱ“Let’sȱbeȱclear.ȱMarijuanaȱisȱdrawingȱpeopleȱtoȱtheȱ
mall.ȱȱTheȱtravelersȱareȱveryȱclear.ȱȱIȱcanȱtellȱyouȱthisȱbecauseȱI’veȱtalkedȱtoȱtheȱ
travelers,”ȱsaidȱHancock.ȱ“Thisȱisȱoneȱofȱtheȱresultsȱofȱtheȱlegalȱmarijuanaȱindustryȱinȱ
Denverȱandȱwe’reȱgoingȱtoȱhaveȱtoȱdealȱwithȱit.”ȱDueȱtoȱseveralȱsuchȱincidentsȱ
occurringȱinȱtheȱareaȱtheȱMayorȱandȱDenverȱPoliceȱDepartmentȱannouncedȱtheyȱwouldȱ
beȱincreasingȱpatrolsȱonȱtheȱ16thȱStreetȱMall.ȱȱ“Theȱstrategyȱforȱimprovedȱsafetyȱinvolvesȱ
spendingȱoverȱhalfȱaȱmillionȱdollarsȱtoȱincreaseȱpoliceȱpatrolsȱandȱaddȱresources.”1ȱ
ȱ
ViolentȱCrimesȱareȱUpȱinȱColorado:ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱtheȱColoradoȱBureauȱofȱ
Investigation’sȱannualȱcrimeȱreport,ȱ“officialsȱsayȱhomicidesȱincreasedȱbyȱnearlyȱ15ȱ
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percentȱstatewideȱlastȱyearȱwhileȱrapesȱincreasedȱbyȱalmostȱ11ȱpercent.”ȱȱAdditionally,ȱ
“Robberiesȱroseȱnearlyȱ10ȱpercentȱandȱmotorȱvehicleȱtheftsȱroseȱaboutȱ28ȱpercent.ȱ
Burglariesȱwereȱupȱaboutȱ1ȱpercent.”ȱComparedȱwithȱ2014ȱnumbers,ȱoverallȱcrimesȱinȱ
Coloradoȱroseȱmoreȱthanȱ6ȱpercentȱinȱ2015.ȱȱ“Theȱreportȱisȱbasedȱonȱstatisticsȱfromȱ245ȱ
lawȬenforcementȱagenciesȱstatewide,”ȱandȱ“Itȱdidn’tȱspeculateȱonȱtheȱreasonsȱbehindȱ
anyȱofȱtheȱtrends.”2ȱ
ȱ
HalloweenȱMassȱShooter:ȱȱOnȱOctoberȱ31,ȱ2015,ȱaȱColoradoȱSpringsȱmanȱshotȱandȱ
killedȱthreeȱpeopleȱinȱaȱrampageȱthatȱendedȱinȱaȱshootoutȱwithȱpolice.ȱȱNoahȱHarphamȱ
wasȱseenȱpacingȱoutsideȱofȱhisȱhomeȱwithȱanȱARȬ15ȱinȱhand.ȱȱConcernedȱbystandersȱ
reportedȱtheȱsituationȱtoȱpoliceȱbutȱwereȱinitiallyȱturnedȱawayȱbecauseȱHarphamȱdidȱ
notȱappearȱthreateningȱtoȱanyoneȱatȱtheȱtime.ȱȱMinutesȱlater,ȱtheȱshooterȱgotȱintoȱaȱ
confrontationȱwithȱaȱpassingȱbicyclist.ȱȱWithȱlittleȱwarning,ȱtheȱshooterȱfiredȱfiveȱ
rounds,ȱstrikingȱandȱkillingȱtheȱthreeȬtourȱIraqȱWarȱveteran.ȱȱTheȱgunmanȱthenȱwalkedȱ
downȱtheȱstreetȱandȱopenedȱfireȱonȱtwoȱinnocentȱwomenȱsittingȱoutȱinȱfrontȱofȱtheirȱ
residence.ȱȱBothȱwomenȱdiedȱshortlyȱafterȱdueȱtoȱtheirȱinjuries.ȱȱPoliceȱofficersȱ
respondingȱtoȱtheȱcallȱconfrontedȱtheȱgunman,ȱkillingȱhimȱafterȱbeingȱshotȱatȱseveralȱ
times.ȱ
Anȱinvestigativeȱreportȱreleasedȱbyȱauthoritiesȱincludedȱaȱtoxicologyȱreportȱonȱtheȱ
shooter.ȱȱTheȱshooterȱtestedȱpositiveȱforȱmarijuanaȱonly,ȱwhichȱmayȱhaveȱbeenȱaȱ
contributingȱfactorȱtoȱtheȱrampageȱwhichȱclaimedȱtheȱlivesȱofȱfour.3ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȬMotivatedȱArmedȱRobbery:ȱȱInȱAugustȱ2016,ȱfiveȱmalesȱarmedȱwithȱ
firearmsȱassaulted,ȱrobbedȱandȱburglarizedȱanȱexȬCripȱgangȱmemberȱforȱmarijuanaȱinȱ
AdamsȱCounty,ȱColorado.ȱȱTheȱvictimȱwasȱshotȱthreeȱtimesȱandȱseverelyȱbeatenȱonȱhisȱ
porchȱbyȱtheȱfiveȱassailants.ȱȱTheȱvictimȱwasȱtargetedȱbecauseȱhisȱresidenceȱisȱknownȱforȱ
dealingȱdrugs,ȱespeciallyȱmarijuana.ȱȱSuspectsȱadmittedȱthatȱthisȱwasȱpremeditatedȱasȱ
theyȱsatȱandȱwatchedȱsixȱcarsȱdriveȱupȱtoȱtheȱresidenceȱwithȱseveralȱindividualsȱwalkingȱ
awayȱwithȱ“baggies”ȱinȱtheirȱhands.ȱȱTheȱsuspectsȱwereȱprimarilyȱafterȱmarijuana,ȱ
moneyȱandȱanyȱvaluables.ȱȱOneȱindividualȱhadȱtheȱassignmentȱofȱductȬtapingȱtheȱ
victim’sȱwifeȱandȱchildrenȱifȱtheyȱwereȱpresentȱatȱtheȱtimeȱofȱtheȱattack.4ȱ
ȱ
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Revenue
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ DepartmentȱofȱRevenue,ȱMonthlyȱMarijuanaȱTaxes,ȱLicensesȱandȱFeesȱTransfersȱandȱ
Distributionȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ FIGURESȱDOȱNOTȱINCLUDEȱANYȱCITYȱTAXES:ȱȱTHEȱSTATEȱDOESȱNOTȱASSESSȱORȱ
COLLECTȱTHOSEȱTAXES.ȱ
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ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ Governor’sȱOfficeȱofȱStateȱPlanningȱandȱBudgetingȱ
Related Material
ȱ
ColoradoȱStateȱRevenueȱGainsȱAreȱAȱMyth:ȱȱ“Youȱdoȱnotȱlegalizeȱforȱtaxation.ȱȱItȱisȱ
aȱmyth.ȱȱYouȱareȱnotȱgoingȱtoȱpaveȱstreets.ȱȱYouȱareȱnotȱgoingȱtoȱbeȱableȱtoȱpayȱ
teachers,”ȱAndrewȱFreedman,ȱdirectorȱofȱMarijuanaȱCoordinationȱforȱColorado,ȱsaidȱonȱ
BostonȱHeraldȱRadio.ȱȱ“Theȱbigȱredȱherringȱisȱtheȱwholeȱthingȱthatȱtheȱtaxȱrevenueȱwillȱ
solveȱaȱbunchȱofȱcrises.ȱȱButȱitȱwon’t.”5ȱ
ȱ
IsȱTheȱTaxȱRevenueȱWorthȱIt?:ȱȱTheȱRoaringȱForkȱSchoolȱDistrict’sȱRobȱSteinȱstated,ȱȱ
“Itȱwasȱaȱprettyȱsmartȱmoveȱofȱthoseȱpeopleȱwhoȱareȱtryingȱtoȱgetȱtheȱmarijuanaȱ
legislationȱpassedȱtoȱtryȱtoȱtieȱitȱtoȱschoolsȱbecauseȱit’sȱcertainlyȱwhereȱpeopleȱhaveȱthatȱ
impression.ȱȱIt’sȱjustȱnotȱaccurateȱthatȱmarijuanaȱexciseȱtaxesȱareȱtheȱdifferenceȱmakersȱ
forȱschoolsȱorȱschoolȱfacilities.”ȱȱWhileȱStein’sȱschoolȱdistrictȱwasȱawardedȱsomeȱgrantȱ
moneyȱfromȱtheȱmarijuanaȱtaxȱrevenueȱtoȱcontributeȱtowardsȱbuildingȱaȱnewȱaddition,ȱ
andȱheȱisȱ“notȱungratefulȱforȱtheȱmarijuanaȱtaxȱmoney”ȱheȱisȱstillȱleftȱwonderingȱifȱitȱisȱ
trulyȱworthȱit.ȱȱ“Whatȱweȱdon’tȱknowȱyetȱisȱtheȱtotalȱsocietalȱcostsȱofȱmarijuanaȱ
legalization,”ȱSteinȱsaid.6ȱ
ȱ
ColoradoȇsȱStatewideȱBudget,ȱ
FYȱ2016
MarijuanaȱTaxȱRevenue*
(MedicalȱandȱRecreational)ȱ=ȱ0.5%
*Revenueȱfromȱmarijuanaȱtaxes asȱaȱportionȱofȱColoradoȇsȱtotalȱstatewideȱbudget
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Event Planners’ Views of Denver
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ VISITȱDENVER,ȱImpactsȱofȱtheȱDowntownȱEnvironmentȱonȱtheȱTourismȱIndustryȱandȱVisitorȱ
Perceptionsȱreportȱ
ȱ
VISITȱDENVERȱisȱtheȱmarketingȱorganizationȱforȱtheȱcityȱandȱitȱmeasures,ȱrecordsȱ
andȱreportsȱhundredsȱofȱdataȱpoints,ȱtoȱincludeȱsafetyȱtrendsȱandȱfeedbackȱreceivedȱ
fromȱconventionȱandȱleisureȱvisitors.ȱȱBasedȱonȱdataȱcollectedȱtheyȱcameȱawayȱwithȱ
threeȱkeyȱtakeaways:ȱ
x “Theȱdowntownȱenvironmentȱisȱtheȱ#1ȱcomplaintȱfromȱmeetingȱplanners,ȱfarȱ
surpassingȱanyȱotherȱcategories.ȱȱTheȱseverityȱofȱthisȱissueȱhasȱincreasedȱandȱasȱ
ofȱ2014ȱnearlyȱ50%ȱofȱmeetingȱplannersȱnegativelyȱcommentedȱonȱhomeless,ȱ
youth,ȱpanhandling,ȱsafety,ȱcleanliness,ȱandȱdrugsȱincludingȱpublicȱmarijuanaȱ
consumption.”ȱ
x “Denverȱranksȱveryȱhighȱonȱwalkability,ȱaffordability,ȱfacilities,ȱandȱotherȱ
factors.ȱȱHowever,ȱDenverȱasȱaȱ‘safeȱcity’ȱranksȱsignificantlyȱlowerȱaccordingȱtoȱ
interviewsȱwithȱkeyȱconventionȱplannersȱconductedȱbyȱanȱindependentȱthirdȬ
party.”ȱ
x “Denverȱisȱlosingȱvisitorsȱandȱvaluableȱconventionȱbusinessȱasȱaȱresultȱofȱtheseȱ
overallȱsafetyȱ(orȱperceptionȱofȱsafety)ȱissues.ȱȱUnfortunately,ȱwordȱisȱbeginningȱ
toȱspreadȱamongȱmeetingȱplannersȱaboutȱtheȱsafetyȱchallengesȱDenverȱisȱfacing.ȱȱ
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Asȱtheȱmarketȱorganizationȱforȱtheȱcity,ȱweȱfearȱnotȱbeingȱableȱtoȱbrandȱDenverȱ
awayȱfromȱthisȱgrowingȱreputation.”ȱ
CommentsȱmadeȱbyȱtheȱColoradoȱConventionȱCenterȱclientsȱandȱvisitorsȱtoȱDenver:ȱ
“I’mȱsorryȱbutȱIȱwouldȱneverȱconsiderȱputtingȱattendeesȱinȱdangerȱbyȱholdingȱaȱ
conventionȱinȱyourȱcity.ȱȱWeȱareȱstayingȱatȱEmbassyȱSuitesȱdowntownȱonȱ16th,ȱ
andȱlastȱnightȱwitnessedȱaȱgroupȱofȱaboutȱ30ȱteenagersȱattackȱaȱmanȱwalkingȱ
alongȱ16thȱstreet.ȱȱIȱamȱtoldȱthisȱisȱnotȱanȱunusualȱoccurrence.ȱȱTheȱhomelessȱ
situationȱisȱveryȱsad,ȱandȱpublicȱstreetsȱreekȱofȱweed.ȱȱTheȱDenverȱpoliceȱshouldȱ
beȱmoreȱalertȱtoȱlargeȱgroupsȱofȱminorsȱcongregatingȱonȱcityȱstreetsȱattackingȱ
tourists.ȱȱMyȱfeedbackȱfromȱthisȱmeetingȱwillȱbeȱtoȱneverȱlocateȱhereȱagain;ȱIȱhaveȱ
feltȱmuchȱsaferȱinȱdowntownȱNYC,ȱPhilly,ȱSeattle,ȱandȱChicago.”ȱ
“Iȱamȱaȱ5thȱgenerationȱColoradoȱnative.ȱȱIȱamȱdowntownȱforȱaȱnationalȱ
conventionȱandȱwithinȱ10ȱminutesȱofȱwalkingȱtoȱtheȱConventionȱCenterȱIȱwasȱsoȱ
disheartened:ȱȱIȱdidn’tȱfeelȱsafeȱandȱitȱwasȱ2:00ȱinȱtheȱafternoon.ȱȱIȱpassedȱdrunks,ȱ
disheveledȱpeople,ȱsmelledȱweedȱbeingȱsmokedȱinȱtheȱopen.ȱȱItȱwasȱdisgustingȱ
andȱIȱthoughtȱsoȱthisȱisȱwhereȱtheȱcurrentȱgovernmentȱisȱtakingȱus.ȱȱIȱuseȱ[sic]ȱtoȱ
beȱsoȱproudȱofȱDenverȱandȱColorado;ȱtodayȱIȱwasȱheartȱsickȱandȱembarrassed,ȱ
knowingȱI’dȱbeȱapologizingȱtoȱcolleaguesȱcomingȱfromȱotherȱstatesȱthatȱdidn’tȱ
haveȱsanctuaryȱcities,ȱlegalizedȱpotȱetc.ȱȱMayorȱHancock,ȱyouȱneedȱtoȱrethinkȱ
whatȱyou’reȱdoingȱbeforeȱtheȱDenverȱthatȱwasȱbeautifulȱandȱsafeȱisȱgone.”ȱ
“ThisȱclientȱchoseȱtoȱcontractȱwithȱtheȱHyattȱRegencyȱSanȱAntonio.ȱȱIȱwouldȱlikeȱ
toȱshareȱwithȱyouȱwhyȱDenverȱdroppedȱoffȱhisȱlist.ȱȱThisȱclientȱdoesȱaȱlotȱofȱ
businessȱinȱDenverȱandȱwasȱdisappointedȱtoȱsee,ȱinȱhisȱopinion,ȱhowȱthingsȱhaveȱ
changedȱinȱtheȱcityȱsinceȱmarijuanaȱwasȱlegalized.ȱȱHeȱsaysȱheȱseesȱlotsȱofȱpeopleȱ
walkingȱaroundȱlookingȱ‘outȱofȱit’ȱandȱdoesȱnotȱwantȱtoȱexposeȱhisȱattendeesȱtoȱ
this.ȱȱIȱhopeȱyouȱdon’tȱmindȱtheȱhonestlyȱ[sic]ȱbutȱIȱwantedȱyouȱtoȱknowȱexactlyȱ
‘why’.”ȱ
“Greetings,ȱweȱwantedȱtoȱpassȱalongȱsomeȱcommentsȱbasedȱonȱaȱnationalȱ
meetingȱweȱhostedȱforȱourȱindustryȱinȱDenverȱinȱJulyȱ[2015].ȱȱItȱwasȱheldȱwithȱ
delegatesȱarrivingȱasȱearlyȱasȱJulyȱ11ȱandȱcontinuedȱthroughȱJulyȱ15.ȱȱThisȱisȱaȱ
meetingȱofȱindustryȱexecutivesȱandȱbusinessȱownersȱfromȱaroundȱtheȱentireȱ
country.ȱȱTheȱmeetingȱwasȱheadquarteredȱatȱtheȱSheratonȱdowntown.ȱȱTheȱ
chairmanȱcommented,ȱ‘WeȱwillȱmostȱlikelyȱnotȱreturnȱtoȱDenverȱbasedȱonȱtheȱ
currentȱsituationȱwithȱallȱtheȱstreetȱpeople.’ȱȱThisȱwasȱfollowedȱupȱbyȱcommentsȱ
fromȱtheȱPresidentȱwhoȱechoedȱtheseȱcommentsȱaboutȱaȱreluctanceȱtoȱreturnȱtoȱ
DenverȱbasedȱonȱtheȱconditionȱofȱtheȱCityȱandȱtheȱabundanceȱofȱhomelessȱpeopleȱ
walkingȱtheȱmallȱandȱinȱandȱaboutȱtheȱdowntownȱarea.ȱȱTheȱattendeesȱwereȱalsoȱ
lessȱthanȱcomplementaryȱwithȱDenverȱandȱinȱparticularȱtheȱdowntownȱarea.ȱȱ
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Someȱofȱtheȱcommentsȱreceivedȱfromȱattendeeȱinȱsurveyȱafterȱtheȱconferenceȱ
were:ȱ
o ‘Denverȱseemsȱlessȱsafeȱnowȱthatȱpotȱisȱlegalized.’ȱ
o ‘Don’tȱhaveȱaȱmeetingȱinȱdowntownȱDenver…whatȱaȱdepressingȱ
downtownȱarea.’ȱ
o ‘Theȱneighborhoodȱhadȱwayȱtooȱmanyȱvagrants.ȱȱIȱdon’tȱrememberȱ
Denverȱbeingȱthatȱbad.’ȱ
o ‘Poorȱarea,ȱlotsȱofȱcrimeȱasȱweȱsatȱoutsideȱonȱaȱpatioȱonȱtheȱ16thȱStreetȱ
mallȱonȱSundayȱeveningȱhavingȱaȱbeer,ȱIȱturnedȱmyȱheadȱtoȱlookȱatȱaȱ
television,ȱwhenȱIȱturnedȱbackȱaȱstreetȱpersonȱwasȱdrinkingȱmyȱbeer.ȱȱIȱ
amȱsureȱthisȱisȱnotȱanȱimageȱDenverȱwantsȱportrayedȱaroundȱtheȱ
country.’”ȱ
Homeless
ȱ
MarijuanaȱLegalizationȱinȱColorado:ȱHowȱRecreationalȱWeedȱisȱAttractingȱPeople,ȱ
butȱSpikingȱtheȱState’sȱHomelessȱRate:7ȱȱInȱthisȱtwoȬpartȱreportingȱpiece,ȱaȱ25ȱyearȱoldȱ
manȱnamedȱDevinȱButtsȱisȱfollowedȱaroundȱbyȱaȱreporterȱduringȱhisȱfirstȱtwoȱdaysȱinȱ
Pueblo,ȱColorado.ȱȱDevinȱselfȬadmittedȱheȱmovedȱtoȱColoradoȱdueȱtoȱtheȱlegalȱ
marijuanaȱindustryȱwhereȱheȱcanȱfreelyȱuseȱwithoutȱharassment.ȱȱAfterȱbeginningȱtoȱuseȱ
marijuanaȱasȱaȱyouth,ȱDevinȱgraduatedȱtoȱhydrocodoneȱpills,ȱmethamphetamineȱandȱ
crackȱandȱdidȱstintsȱinȱandȱoutȱofȱjailȱrelatedȱtoȱtheȱdrugȱuse.ȱȱAsȱaȱfinalȱdeterminingȱ
factor,ȱDevinȱdecidedȱtoȱmoveȱtoȱColoradoȱfromȱTexasȱwhenȱ“…hisȱlawyerȱhadȱtoldȱ
himȱtheȱnewȱmarijuanaȱchargeȱwasȱfinallyȱmovingȱforwardȱinȱtheȱcourts.ȱȱHeȱwasȱ
lookingȱatȱanotherȱ120ȱdaysȱbehindȱbars.”ȱȱAsȱtheȱreporterȱfollowsȱDevinȱaround,ȱheȱ
appliesȱforȱjobsȱatȱtheȱlocalȱmallȱandȱtakesȱseveralȱhitsȱofȱmarijuanaȱthroughoutȱtheȱday.ȱȱ
WhileȱheȱisȱdeterminedȱtoȱbecomeȱaȱsuccessȱstoryȱinȱColorado,ȱheȱalsoȱisȱinȱlineȱwithȱtheȱ
beliefȱthatȱtaxȱrevenueȱfromȱmarijuanaȱ“…shouldȱgoȱtoȱhelpȱthoseȱlikeȱhimselfȱthatȱhaveȱ
beenȱluredȱtoȱtheȱregionȱbecauseȱofȱcannabis.”ȱȱLikewise,ȱvariousȱotherȱindividualsȱ
involvedȱwithȱtheȱmarijuanaȱindustryȱasȱwellȱasȱhomelessȱservicesȱbelieveȱthatȱmoreȱ
moneyȱ“…shouldȱgoȱtoȱunderstandingȱandȱaddressingȱtheȱneedsȱofȱtheȱpeopleȱwho’veȱ
arrivedȱinȱtheȱstateȱwithȱanȱinterestȱinȱmarijuanaȱandȱnotȱmuchȱelse.”ȱ
Furtherȱinformationȱfromȱtheȱseries:ȱȱAccordingȱtoȱtheȱreport,ȱ“Interviewsȱwithȱ
peopleȱatȱhomelessȱsheltersȱinȱDenverȱandȱotherȱColoradoȱcitiesȱlikeȱPuebloȱsuggestȱthatȱ
sinceȱColoradoȱlaunchedȱitsȱlegalizedȱcannabisȱsystemȱinȱ2014,ȱtheȱpercentageȱofȱ
newcomersȱtoȱtheȱfacilitiesȱwhoȱareȱthereȱinȱpartȱbecauseȱofȱtheȱlureȱofȱmarijuanaȱhasȱ
swollenȱtoȱ20ȱtoȱ30ȱpercent.”ȱȱ“Allȱtold,ȱseveralȱhundredȱmarijuanaȱmigrantsȱstrugglingȱ
withȱpovertyȱappearȱtoȱbeȱarrivingȱinȱColoradoȱeachȱmonth.”ȱ
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Posada,ȱaȱhomelessȱservicesȱcenterȱinȱPueblo,ȱColorado:ȱ
x AccordingȱtoȱAnneȱStattelman,ȱPosada’sȱdirector:ȱ
o “Sheltersȱcurrentlyȱhaveȱenoughȱbedsȱforȱjustȱ1ȱpercentȱofȱtheȱarea’sȱtotalȱ
homelessȱpopulation.”ȱ
Denver’sȱSt.ȱFrancisȱCenterȱdayȱshelterȱinȱDenver,ȱColorado:ȱ
x AccordingȱtoȱTomȱLuehrs,ȱexecutiveȱdirector:ȱ
o “Aȱsurveyȱconductedȱbyȱaȱgradȱstudentȱlastȱyearȱfoundȱthatȱbetweenȱ17ȱ
andȱ20ȱpercentȱofȱtheȱ350ȱorȱsoȱnewȱpeopleȱtheȱcenterȱwasȱseeingȱeachȱ
monthȱsaidȱthey’dȱcomeȱtoȱtheȱareaȱinȱpartȱbecauseȱofȱmedicalȱmarijuana.”ȱ
SalvationȱArmyȱCrossroadsȱShelterȱinȱDenver,ȱColorado:ȱ
x AccordingȱtoȱLt.ȱCol.ȱDanielȱL.ȱStarrett,ȱIntermountainȱdivisionalȱcommanderȱforȱ
theȱSalvationȱArmy:ȱ
o “Anȱinformalȱsurveyȱofȱ500ȱnewcomersȱinȱtheȱsummerȱofȱ2014ȱdeterminedȱ
thatȱnearlyȱ30ȱpercentȱwereȱthereȱbecauseȱofȱcannabis.”ȱ
o “Notȱonlyȱhasȱthatȱnumberȱbeenȱsustained,ȱbutȱitȱhasȱcontinuedȱtoȱgrow.”ȱ
UrbanȱPeak,ȱaȱshelterȱforȱpeopleȱagesȱ15ȱtoȱ24ȱinȱDenver,ȱColorado:ȱ
x AccordingȱtoȱKimȱEaston,ȱCEO:ȱ
o “Forȱaȱwhile,ȱweȱinformallyȱcollectedȱinformation,ȱandȱatȱleastȱoneȱinȱthreeȱ
ofȱtheȱyouthȱwereȱsayingȱsaidȱ[sic]ȱtheyȱwereȱhereȱinȱDenverȱbecauseȱofȱ
theȱlegalizationȱofȱmarijuana.”ȱ
o “Inȱtheȱspringȱfollowingȱlegalization,ȱweȱhadȱaȱdramaticȱincreaseȱinȱtheȱ
numberȱofȱyouthȱseekingȱservices,ȱaȱ150ȱpercentȱincreaseȱjustȱcomingȱinȱ
theȱdoor.ȱȱThatȱhasȱbecomeȱourȱnewȱnormal.”ȱ
ȱ
Posada+,ȱPuebloȱCountyȱ(Colorado):ȱȱPosadaȱhasȱseenȱaȱ102ȱpercentȱincreaseȱinȱtheȱ
numberȱofȱhomelessȱservedȱsinceȱ2013ȱwhenȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱwasȱlegalized.ȱȱ
DirectorȱAnneȱStattelmanȱcitesȱthreeȱmajorȱreasonsȱpoorȱpeopleȱareȱcomingȱtoȱPueblo;ȱ
includingȱlegalizedȱmarijuana,ȱexpandedȱMedicaid,ȱandȱtheȱreputationȱasȱaȱcheapȱplaceȱ
toȱlive.8ȱ
ȱ
“UrbanȱTravelers”:ȱȱDenverȱMayorȱMichaelȱHancockȱhasȱblamedȱrecentȱtroubleȱonȱ
downtownȱDenver’sȱ16thȱStreetȱMallȱonȱ“urbanȱtravelers”ȱandȱmarijuana.ȱȱMayorȱ
Hancockȱsaid,ȱ“…heȱpersonallyȱtalkedȱtoȱsomeȱandȱtheyȱwereȱcandidȱaboutȱtheȱ
attractionȱofȱmarijuana.”ȱȱDuringȱaȱnewsȱconferenceȱwhereȱMayorȱHancockȱdescribedȱ
newȱsecurityȱmeasuresȱtoȱcounteractȱtheȱongoingȱtroubleȱonȱtheȱpopularȱdowntownȱ
mall,ȱHancockȱreferredȱtoȱtheseȱindividualsȱasȱaȱ“scourgeȱofȱhoodlums”ȱandȱwentȱonȱtoȱ
sayȱthatȱ“They’reȱtakingȱbedsȱfromȱourȱchronicallyȱhomelessȱpeople.”9ȱ
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Suicide Data
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironmentȱ(CDPHE),ȱColoradoȱViolentȱDeathȱ
ReportingȱSystemȱ
ȱȱ
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ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironmentȱ(CDPHE),ȱColoradoȱViolentȱDeathȱ
ReportingȱSystemȱ
Environmental Impact
ȱ
GrowingȱMarijuanaȱisȱDoingȱMoreȱDamageȱthanȱYouȱThink:ȱȱEnvironmentalȱ
pollutionȱisȱespeciallyȱtroublesomeȱamongȱillegalȱmarijuanaȱgrowȱoperations.ȱȱManyȱ
illegalȱgrowersȱpreferȱindoorȱlocationsȱdueȱtoȱbeingȱrelativelyȱdiscreet,ȱtheȱincreasedȱ
control,ȱandȱtheȱyearȬlongȱproductionȱcapability.ȱȱRoughlyȱoneȬthirdȱofȱAmerica’sȱ
marijuanaȱsupplyȱisȱcultivatedȱindoorsȱandȱtheȱenergyȱneededȱtoȱpowerȱtheseȱindoorȱ
growȱopsȱisȱenoughȱtoȱpowerȱaroundȱ1.7ȱmillionȱhomes.ȱȱAsȱenergyȱisȱused,ȱgreenhouseȱ
gasesȱsuchȱasȱcarbonȱdioxideȱandȱmethaneȱareȱproducedȱatȱaȱrateȱofȱ2ȱpoundsȱofȱCO2ȱ
perȱjoint.ȱ
Additionally,ȱoutdoorȱcultivationȱoperationsȱposeȱtheirȱownȱenvironmentalȱthreatsȱ
including:ȱ
x Waterȱresourceȱabuseȱ
x Trespassȱgrowsȱonȱfederalȱlandȱorȱaȱstranger’sȱprivateȱpropertyȱ
x Unauthorizedȱlandȱconversionȱ
x Toxicȱratȱpoisonsȱ
x Excessiveȱenergyȱuseȱ
Theseȱillegalȱgrowȱoperationsȱdon’tȱnecessarilyȱaccountȱforȱtheȱdamageȱtheyȱcauseȱ
and,ȱtherefore,ȱoftenȱleaveȱaȱnegativeȱimpactȱonȱtheȱenvironment.10ȱ
ȱ
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MindȬBlowingȱFactsȱAboutȱMarijuanaȱProductionȱinȱAmerica:11ȱ
x Trespassȱgrowsȱaccountedȱforȱ72ȱpercentȱofȱoutdoorȱplantsȱseizedȱinȱCaliforniaȱinȱ
2013.ȱȱNearlyȱhalfȱofȱtheȱcannabisȱeradicatedȱbyȱlawȱenforcementȱnationwideȱwasȱ
onȱpublicȱorȱtribalȱland.ȱȱ
x DuringȱCalifornia’sȱgrowingȱseason,ȱoutdoorȱgrowsȱconsumeȱroughlyȱ60ȱmillionȱ
gallonsȱofȱwaterȱaȱdayȱ–ȱ50ȱpercentȱmoreȱthanȱisȱusedȱbyȱallȱtheȱresidentsȱofȱSanȱ
Francisco.ȱ
x Anȱindoorȱgrowȱmoduleȱaccommodatingȱ4ȱplantsȱsucksȱasȱmuchȱelectricityȱasȱ29ȱ
refrigerators.ȱ
x InȱCalifornia,ȱindoorȱmarijuanaȱgrowsȱaccountȱforȱaboutȱ9ȱpercentȱofȱhouseholdȱ
electricityȱuse.ȱ
x Forȱeveryȱpoundȱofȱpotȱgrownȱindoors,ȱ4,600ȱpoundsȱofȱCO2ȱgoesȱintoȱtheȱ
atmosphere.ȱ
x TheȱproductionȱandȱdistributionȱofȱpotȱinȱAmericaȱemitsȱasȱmuchȱcarbonȱasȱ3ȱ
millionȱcars.ȱ
ȱ
WaterȱConsumptionȱMoreȱthanȱDoublesȱwithȱIllegalȱMarijuanaȱHomeȱGrowsȱinȱ
Colorado:ȱȱPublicȱutilityȱrecordsȱrevealedȱthatȱwaterȱusageȱinȱoneȱillegalȱmarijuanaȱ
homeȱgrowȱrangedȱfromȱ13,200ȱtoȱ18,000ȱgallonsȱperȱmonth.ȱȱWaterȱconsumptionȱbyȱ
previousȱtenantsȱwithinȱtheȱsameȱexactȱresidenceȱaveragedȱ6,000ȱtoȱ7,000ȱgallonsȱperȱ
month.12ȱ
ȱ
IllegalȱMarijuanaȱHomeȱGrowsȱareȱtheȱNewȱMethȱHouses:ȱȱIllegalȱhomeȱgrowsȱ
presentȱsignificantȱpotentialȱrisksȱtoȱpublicȱhealthȱandȱpublicȱsafety.ȱȱColoradoȱhomesȱ
usedȱforȱcultivatingȱmarijuanaȱoftenȱsustainȱextensiveȱdamage.ȱȱInȱmanyȱcasesȱtheseȱ
operationsȱhaveȱcausedȱhouseȱfires,ȱblownȱelectricalȱtransformers,ȱmoldȱthroughoutȱtheȱ
residences,ȱandȱenvironmentalȱdamages.ȱȱGrowingȱconditionsȱconsumeȱhighȱlevelsȱofȱ
powerȱandȱwaterȱandȱresultsȱinȱtheȱdrainageȱofȱchemicalȬladenȱwasteȱwaterȱoftenȱ
disposedȱofȱimproperly.ȱ
Growersȱoftenȱalterȱtheȱinteriorȱstructureȱofȱtheseȱhomesȱtoȱenhanceȱtheirȱabilityȱtoȱ
growȱyearȱround.ȱȱMostȱofȱtheseȱalterationsȱareȱnotȱtoȱcodeȱwhichȱpresentsȱseriousȱrisksȱ
toȱfirstȱresponders.ȱȱHolesȱareȱcutȱintoȱtheȱfloors,ȱtamperingȱwithȱhighȱvoltageȱelectricalȱ
systems,ȱlooseȱandȱextensionȱcordsȱpresentȱentrapmentȱhazards,ȱexplosiveȱchemicalsȱ
suchȱasȱpropaneȱandȱbutaneȱallȱpresentȱclearȱhazardsȱforȱfireȱfightersȱandȱpoliceȱofficersȱ
respondingȱtoȱtheȱresidenceȱinȱanȱemergencyȱsituation.ȱ
“Muchȱlikeȱtheȱ‘methȱhouses’ȱofȱtheȱ1990’s,ȱmanyȱofȱtheseȱhomesȱmayȱultimatelyȱbeȱ
renderedȱuninhabitable.”13ȱ
ȱ
StealingȱElectricityȱforȱHomeȱGrows:ȱȱ“Inȱsomeȱcases,ȱgrowersȱtapȱdirectlyȱintoȱ
utilityȱlinesȱoutsideȱtheȱresidenceȱinȱorderȱtoȱ‘steal’ȱelectricityȱbeforeȱitsȱconsumptionȱisȱ
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registeredȱonȱtheȱproperty’sȱmeter.ȱȱThisȱpracticeȱisȱencounteredȱincreasinglyȱinȱ
Coloradoȱresidentialȱgrows.ȱȱAsideȱfromȱtheȱpowerȱtheftȱinvolved,ȱhotȱtappingȱalsoȱ
posesȱanȱincreasedȱfireȱandȱsafetyȱriskȱtoȱoccupants,ȱlandlords,ȱneighborsȱandȱfirstȱ
responders.”14ȱ
THC Potency
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ PotencyȱMonitoringȱProgram,ȱQuarterlyȱReportȱNumberȱ132,ȱNationalȱCenterȱforȱNaturalȱ
ProductsȱResearchȱ(NCNPR)ȱatȱtheȱUniversityȱofȱMississippi,ȱunderȱcontractȱwithȱtheȱNationalȱ
InstituteȱonȱDrugȱAbuse.ȱ
ȱȱ
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ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ PotencyȱMonitoringȱProgram,ȱQuarterlyȱReportȱNumberȱ132,ȱNationalȱCenterȱforȱNaturalȱ
ProductsȱResearchȱ(NCNPR)ȱatȱtheȱUniversityȱofȱMississippi,ȱunderȱcontractȱwithȱtheȱNationalȱ
InstituteȱonȱDrugȱAbuse.ȱ
Marijuana Use and Alcohol Consumption
ȱ
Thereȱareȱsomeȱwhoȱhaveȱtheorizedȱthatȱlegalizingȱmarijuanaȱwouldȱreduceȱ
alcoholȱconsumption.ȱȱThusȱfarȱthatȱtheoryȱisȱnotȱsupportedȱbyȱtheȱdata.ȱ
ȱȱ
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ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱRevenue,ȱColoradoȱLiquorȱExciseȱTaxȱ
ȱ
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱRevenue,ȱColoradoȱLiquorȱExciseȱTaxȱ
ȱ
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Related Material
ȱ
ColoradoȱStandsȱoutȱforȱConsumingȱDrugsȱandȱAlcohol:ȱȱ“TheȱSubstanceȱAbuseȱ
andȱMentalȱHealthȱServicesȱAdministrationȱannuallyȱsurveysȱAmericansȱageȱ12ȱandȱ
olderȱaboutȱwhetherȱtheyȱuseȱopioidȱpainkillersȱforȱnonȬmedicalȱreasonsȱorȱconsumeȱ
anyȱmarijuana,ȱalcoholȱorȱcocaine.ȱȱStatesȱareȱrankedȱintoȱquintilesȱbasedȱonȱwhatȱ
proportionȱofȱtheirȱpopulationȱusesȱeachȱsubstance,ȱtherebyȱcreatingȱaȱ‘topȱ10ȱlist’ȱforȱallȱ
four.ȱȱColoradoȱstandsȱoutȱasȱtheȱonlyȱstateȱwhichȱisȱaȱtopȱconsumerȱofȱallȱfourȱ
substances.”15ȱ
Medical Marijuana Registry
ȱ
MedicalȱMarijuanaȱRegistryȱIdentificationȱCards16ȱ
x Decemberȱ31,ȱ2009ȱ–ȱȱȱ41,039ȱ
x Decemberȱ31,ȱ2010ȱ–ȱ116,198ȱ
x Decemberȱ31,ȱ2011ȱ–ȱȱȱ82,089ȱ
x Decemberȱ31,ȱ2012ȱ–ȱ108,526ȱ
x Decemberȱ31,ȱ2013ȱ–ȱ110,979ȱ
x Decemberȱ31,ȱ2014ȱ–ȱ115,467ȱ
x Decemberȱ31,ȱ2015ȱ–ȱ107,534ȱ
ȱ
ProfileȱofȱColoradoȱMedicalȱMarijuanaȱCardholders:17ȱ
x Ageȱofȱcardholderȱ
o 65ȱpercentȱmale,ȱwithȱanȱaverageȱageȱofȱ42ȱyearsȱ
o 0.3ȱpercentȱbetweenȱtheȱagesȱofȱ0ȱandȱ17ȱ
o ȱ49ȱpercentȱbetweenȱtheȱagesȱofȱ18ȱandȱ40ȱ
23ȱpercentȱbetweenȱtheȱagesȱofȱ21ȱandȱ30ȱ
x Reportingȱmedicalȱconditionȱofȱcardholderȱ
o 93ȱpercentȱreportȱsevereȱpainȱasȱtheȱmedicalȱconditionȱ
o ȱȱ6ȱpercentȱcollectivelyȱreportȱcancer,ȱglaucomaȱandȱHIV/AIDSȱ
o ȱȱ2ȱpercentȱreportȱseizuresȱ
ȱȱ
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ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironment,ȱMedicalȱMarijuanaȱStatisticsȱ
ȱ
NOTE:ȱ TOTALȱDOESȱNOTȱEQUALȱ100ȱPERCENTȱASȱSOMEȱPATIENTSȱREPORTȱUSINGȱMEDICALȱ
MARIJUANAȱFORȱMOREȱTHANȱONEȱDEBILITATINGȱMEDICALȱCONDITION.ȱ
Related Material
ȱ
DocsȱGoneȱWildȱonȱPotȱReferrals:ȱȱForȱtheȱfirstȱtimeȱtheȱmedicalȱboardȱhasȱtakenȱ
actionȱagainstȱsomeȱdoctorsȱforȱoverȬrecommendingȱplantȱcountȱgrowsȱforȱmedicalȱ
marijuanaȱcardholders.ȱȱ“StateȱrecordsȱcurrentȱthroughȱtheȱendȱofȱMayȱshowȱthatȱ478ȱ
patientsȱhaveȱrecommendationsȱforȱmoreȱthanȱ75ȱplants.ȱȱAnotherȱ1,324ȱpatientsȱhaveȱ
permissionȱtoȱgrowȱbetweenȱ50ȱtoȱ75ȱplants.ȱȱMoreȱthanȱ2,200ȱhaveȱbeenȱrecommendedȱ
toȱgrowȱbetweenȱ26ȱandȱ50ȱplants.”ȱWithȱthatȱmuchȱproductȱavailable,ȱevenȱconsideringȱ
aȱpatient’sȱtoleranceȱlevelȱorȱcomplicatedȱcookingȱprocessesȱtoȱcreateȱedibleȱproducts,ȱitȱ
isȱfoolishȱtoȱassumeȱ“…noȱoneȱwithȱthatȱamountȱofȱmarijuanaȱwouldȱeverȱbeȱtemptedȱtoȱ
engageȱinȱblackȬmarketȱorȱundergroundȱsales.”18ȱ
ȱ
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Colorado Licensed Marijuana Businesses as of January 2016
ȱ
MedicalȱMarijuana:19ȱ
x 516ȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱcentersȱ(dispensaries)ȱ
x 751ȱmarijuanaȱcultivationȱfacilitiesȱ
x 202ȱinfusedȱproductsȱ(edibles)ȱbusinessesȱ
ȱ
RecreationalȱMarijuana:20ȱ
x 424ȱmarijuanaȱretailȱstoresȱ
x 514ȱmarijuanaȱcultivationȱfacilitiesȱ
x 168ȱinfusedȱproductȱ(edibles)ȱbusinessesȱ
x ȱȱ17ȱtestingȱfacilitiesȱ
Business Comparisons, January 2016
ȱ
ȱ
SOURCE:ȱ ColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱRevenue;ȱStarbucksȱCoffeeȱCompany,ȱCorporateȱOfficeȱHeadquarters;ȱ
McDonaldsȱCorporation,ȱCorporateȱOfficeȱHeadquartersȱ
ȱ
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Demand and Market Size
ȱ
TheȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱRevenueȱpublishedȱaȱreportȱinȱJulyȱ2014ȱcalled,ȱ
“MarketȱSizeȱandȱDemandȱforȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado.”ȱȱSomeȱofȱtheȱinformationȱ
included:21ȱ
Demand
ȱ
x Inȱ2014,ȱtheȱestablishedȱdemandȱforȱmarijuanaȱbyȱColoradoȱresidentsȱ21ȱyearsȱ
andȱolderȱisȱ121.4ȱmetricȱtonsȱ(267,638.44ȱpounds)ȱofȱmarijuana.ȱ
ȱ
x Inȱ2014,ȱtheȱestimatedȱdemandȱforȱmarijuanaȱbyȱoutȬofȬstateȱvisitorsȱ21ȱyearsȱandȱ
olderȱisȱ8.9ȱmetricȱtonsȱ(19,620.94ȱpounds).ȱ
ȱ
x Theȱpotentialȱrangeȱofȱdemandȱforȱtheȱaboveȱtwoȱgroupsȱisȱbetweenȱ104.2–157.9ȱ
metricȱtonsȱ(betweenȱ229,719.32ȱandȱ348,106.34ȱpounds).ȱ
Market Size
ȱ
x Thereȱareȱanȱestimatedȱ485,000ȱColoradoȱadultȱregularȱmarijuanaȱusersȱ(atȱleastȱ
onceȱperȱmonth),ȱwhichȱisȱ9ȱpercentȱofȱtheȱtotalȱColoradoȱpopulationȱofȱallȱagesȱ
(5.363ȱmillion).ȱ
ȱ
x Heavyȱusersȱwhoȱconsumeȱmarijuanaȱnearlyȱdailyȱmakeȱupȱtheȱtopȱ21.8ȱpercentȱ
ofȱtheȱuserȱpopulationȱbutȱaccountȱforȱ66.9ȱpercentȱofȱtheȱdemandȱforȱmarijuana.ȱ
ȱ
x OutȬofȬstateȱvisitorsȱrepresentȱaboutȱ44ȱpercentȱofȱtheȱmetroȱareaȱmarijuanaȱretailȱ
saleȱofȱmarijuanaȱandȱapproximatelyȱ90ȱpercentȱofȱsalesȱinȱheavilyȬvisitedȱ
mountainȱcommunities.ȱ
ȱ
x Coloradoȱhasȱ23ȱpercentȱofȱitsȱusersȱconsumeȱnearlyȱdailyȱcomparedȱtoȱ17ȱ
percentȱnationally;ȱthatȱisȱ35.29ȱpercentȱhigher.ȱ
Third Quarter 2015 Reported Sales of Marijuana in Colorado
(January – September)22
ȱ
x ȱȱȱ111,046ȱpoundsȱofȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱflowerȱ
x ȱȱȱȱȱ77,964ȱpoundsȱofȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱflowerȱ
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x 1,719,551ȱunitsȱofȱmedicalȱedibleȱproductsȱ
x 3,932,215ȱunitsȱofȱrecreationalȱedibleȱproducts
ȱ
Aȱsingleȱounceȱofȱmarijuana,ȱdependingȱonȱtheȱsolventȱtypeȱandȱproductionȱ
method,ȱcanȱproduceȱbetweenȱ347ȱandȱ413ȱediblesȱofȱ10ȱmgȱTHCȱstrength.ȱ
2014 Price of Marijuana23
ȱ
ȱ 1ȱGram Ounceȱ
Buds/Flowersȱ $14.03ȱ $264.14ȱ
Ediblesȱ $24.99ȱ(100ȱmg)ȱ N/Aȱ
Concentratesȱ $55.00ȱ N/Aȱ
Local Response to the Medical and Recreational Marijuana Industry in
Colorado24
ȱ
RecreationalȱMarijuanaȱBusinessȱandȱLocalȱJurisdictionȱResponse:ȱ
ȱ
x 272ȱmunicipalities*ȱ
x 234ȱmunicipalitiesȱhaveȱtakenȱactionȱonȱtheȱissueȱ
o 75ȱpercentȱhaveȱprohibitedȱ(168)ȱorȱhaveȱaȱmoratoriumȱ(8)ȱ
o 25ȱpercentȱhaveȱallowedȱ(58)ȱ
ȱ
x 62ȱcounties*ȱ(unincorporatedȱareas)ȱ
o 63ȱpercentȱhaveȱprohibitedȱorȱhaveȱaȱmoratoriumȱ(39)ȱ
o 37ȱpercentȱhaveȱallowedȱ(23)ȱ
ȱ
x 296ȱlocalȱjurisdictionsȱhaveȱaddressedȱtheȱissueȱ
o 73ȱpercentȱhaveȱprohibitedȱorȱhaveȱaȱmoratoriumȱ(215)ȱ
o 27ȱpercentȱhaveȱallowedȱ(81)ȱ
ȱ
x 334ȱtotalȱofȱallȱlocalȱjurisdictionsȱ
o 64ȱpercentȱhaveȱprohibitedȱorȱhaveȱaȱmoratoriumȱ(215)ȱ
o 24ȱpercentȱhaveȱallowedȱ(81)ȱ
o 11ȱpercentȱhaveȱnotȱaddressedȱtheȱissueȱ(38)ȱ
ȱ
*ȱBroomfieldȱandȱDenverȱareȱbothȱaȱcityȱandȱcountyȱbutȱincludedȱonlyȱonceȱinȱmunicipalitiesȱdata.ȱ
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MedicalȱandȱRecreationalȱBusinessȱandȱLocalȱJurisdictionȱResponse:25ȱ
ȱ
x 68ȱpercentȱhaveȱbannedȱ(218)ȱ
x 32ȱpercentȱhaveȱallowedȱ(104)ȱ
Sources:
ȱ
1ȱȱCBSȱDenver/Channelȱ4,ȱJuneȱ30,ȱ2016,ȱ“ManȱWithȱPVCȱPipeȱGoesȱAfterȱPeopleȱOnȱ
16thȱStreetȱMall,”ȱ<http://denver.cbslocal.com/2016/06/30/manȬwieldingȬpvcȬpipeȬgoesȬ
afterȬpeopleȬonȬ16thȬstreetȬmall/>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ30,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
2ȱȱAssociatedȱPress,ȱTheȱWashingtonȱTimes,ȱJulyȱ5,ȱ2016,ȱ“Coloradoȱhomicidesȱupȱ15ȱ
percent;ȱrapesȱupȱbyȱ11ȱpercent”,ȱ
<http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jul/5/coloradoȬhomicidesȬupȬ15ȬpercentȬ
rapesȬupȬbyȬ11Ȭpe/>,ȱaccessedȱJulyȱ5,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
3ȱȱAndyȱKoen,ȱKOAAȱTVȱChannelȱ5,ȱJuneȱ28,ȱ2016,ȱ“FamilyȱtriedȱtoȱgetȱHalloweenȱ
massȱshooterȱcommitted,”ȱ<http://www.koaa.com/story/32330489/familyȬtriedȬtoȬgetȬ
halloweenȬmassȬshooterȬcommitted>,ȱaccessedȱAugustȱ9,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
4ȱȱAdamsȱCountyȱ(Colorado)ȱSheriff’sȱOfficeȱ
ȱ
5ȱȱMeganȱArellano,ȱColoradoȱPublicȱRadio,ȱJuneȱ12,ȱ2015,ȱ“Colo.ȱPotȱDirectorȱTellsȱ
Mass.ȱThatȱStateȱRevenueȱGainsȱAreȱaȱMyth’”,ȱ
<https://www.cpr.org/news/newsbeat/coloȬpotȬdirectorȬtellsȬmassȬstateȬrevenueȬgainsȬ
areȬmyth>,ȱaccessedȱAugustȱ9,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
6ȱȱNelsonȱGarcia,ȱKUSA/9News.com,ȱAugustȱ16,ȱ2016,ȱ“MarijuanaȱTaxȱRevenueȱ
ImpactsȱSmallȱDistricts,”ȱ<ȱhttp://www.9news.com/news/marijuanaȬtaxȬmoneyȬimpactsȬ
smallȬschoolȬdistricts/299656466>,ȱaccessedȱAugustȱ16,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
7ȱȱJoelȱWarner,ȱInternationalȱBusinessȱTimes,ȱJuneȱ20,ȱ2016,ȱ“MarijuanaȱLegalizationȱInȱ
Colorado:ȱHowȱRecreationalȱWeedȱIsȱAttractingȱPeople,ȱButȱSpikingȱTheȱState’sȱ
HomelessȱRateȱ[PARTȱONE]”,ȱ<http://www.ibtimes.com/>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ20,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
8ȱȱAnneȱStattelman,ȱ“LinksȱandȱPowerPoint”,ȱeȬmailȱmessage,ȱAugustȱ19,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
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9ȱȱNoelleȱPhillips,ȱTheȱDenverȱPost,ȱJuneȱ30,ȱ2016,ȱ“Denverȱmayorȱsaysȱviolenceȱwon’tȱ
beȱtoleratedȱonȱ16thȱStreetȱMall,”ȱ<http://www.denverpost.com/2016/06/30/16thȬstreetȬ
mallȬvideoȬattack/>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ30,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
10ȱȱAbbyȱHutmacher,ȱPotGuide.comȱColorado,ȱFebruaryȱ1,ȱ2016,ȱ“GrowingȱMarijuanaȱ
isȱDoingȱMoreȱDamageȱThanȱYouȱThink,”ȱ
<https://www.coloradopotguide.com/coloradoȬmarijuanaȬ
blog/2016/february/01/growingȬmarijuanaȬisȬdoingȬmoreȬdamageȬthanȬyouȬthink/>,ȱ
accessedȱJuneȱ17,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
11ȱȱJoshȱHarkinson,ȱBrettȱBrownellȱandȱJuliaȱLurie,ȱMotherȱJones,ȱ“24ȱMindȬBlowingȱ
FactsȱAboutȱMarijuanaȱProductionȱinȱAmerica,”ȱMarch/Aprilȱ2014ȱIssue,ȱ
<http://www.motherjones.com/print/244516>,ȱaccessedȱJuneȱ17,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
12ȱȱDrugȱEnforcementȱAdministration,ȱDenverȱFieldȱDivision,ȱJulyȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
13ȱȱȱ“ResidentialȱMarijuanaȱGrowsȱinȱColorado:ȱTheȱNewȱMethȱHouses?”ȱDEAȱ
IntelligenceȱReport:ȱUNCLASSIFIED,ȱDEAȬDENȬDIRȬ041Ȭ16,ȱJuneȱ2016ȱȱ
ȱ
14ȱȱDrugȱEnforcementȱAdministration,ȱDenverȱFieldȱDivision,ȱMayȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
15ȱȱTheȱWashingtonȱPostȱasȱpublishedȱinȱTheȱDenverȱPost,ȱMayȱ23,ȱ2016,ȱ“Survey:ȱ
Coloradoȱstandsȱoutȱforȱconsumingȱdrugs,ȱalcohol,”ȱ
<http://www.denverpost.com/2016/05/23/coloradoȬfirstȬinȬdrugsȬsurvey/>,ȱaccessedȱ
Juneȱ9,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
16ȱȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironment,ȱ“MedicalȱMarijuanaȱ
RegistryȱProgramȱUpdateȱ(asȱofȱMarchȱ31,ȱ2015)”,ȱ
<https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/03_2015_%20MMR_report_draft.p
df>,ȱaccessedȱMayȱ15,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
17ȱȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱPublicȱHealthȱandȱEnvironment,ȱ“MedicalȱMarijuanaȱ
RegistryȱProgramȱUpdateȱ(asȱofȱMarchȱ31,ȱ2015)”,ȱ
<https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/03_2015_%20MMR_report_draft.p
df>,ȱaccessedȱMayȱ15,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
18ȱȱ“TheȱPostȱEditorials:ȱȱDocsȱgoneȱwildȱonȱpotȱreferrals,ȱ“TheȱDenverȱPost,ȱ
Wednesday,ȱJulyȱ27,ȱ2016,ȱOpinionȱSection,ȱp.ȱ17A,ȱcol.ȱ1ȱ
ȱ
19ȱȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱRevenue,ȱMarijuanaȱEnforcementȱDivisionȱ
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ȱ
20ȱȱJohnȱIngold,ȱTheȱDenverȱPost,ȱFebruaryȱ20,ȱ2014,ȱ“Lotȱofȱgreenȱwillȱrollȱin”ȱ
ȱ
21ȱȱMarijuanaȱPolicyȱGroupȱforȱtheȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱRevenue,ȱExecutiveȱ
Summary,ȱ“MarketȱSizeȱandȱDemandȱforȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado,”ȱJulyȱ2014ȱ
ȱ
22ȱȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱRevenueȱEnforcementȱDivisionȱ–ȱMarijuana,ȱJanuaryȱ28,ȱ
2015,ȱ“MEDȱ2015ȱThirdȱQuarterȱUpdate”ȱ
ȱ
23ȱȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱRevenue,ȱ“MarijuanaȱEquivalencyȱinȱPortionsȱandȱ
Dosage”,ȱAugustȱ10,ȱ2015ȱ
ȱ
24ȱȱColoradoȱMunicipalȱLeagueȱandȱColoradoȱCounties,ȱInc.ȱ
ȱ
25ȱȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱRevenueȱMarijuanaȱEnforcementȱDivision,ȱ2015ȱThirdȱ
QuarterȱUpdateȱ
ȱ
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SECTION 10: Reference
Materials
ȱ
Reports and Articles
Government
ȱ
WashingtonȱStateȱMarijuanaȱImpactȱReportȱbyȱNorthwestȱHighȱIntensityȱDrugȱ
TraffickingȱAreaȱ(NWHIDTA),ȱMarchȱ2016ȱ
TheȱNorthwestȱHIDTAȱwroteȱthisȱinȬdepthȱreportȱinȱorderȱtoȱdiscussȱtheȱ
regulatoryȱfunctionsȱsetȱbyȱmarijuanaȱpolicy,ȱpresentȱdataȱonȱtheȱimpactsȱofȱtheȱ
industry,ȱandȱtoȱdepictȱwhereȱWashingtonȱStateȱstandsȱafterȱoneȱyearȱofȱ
commercialization.ȱȱTopicsȱaddressedȱincludeȱaȱregulatoryȱoverview,ȱimpactȱonȱ
youth,ȱimpactȱonȱadults,ȱimpairedȱdriving,ȱdiversionȱofȱmarijuana,ȱTHCȱextraction,ȱ
marijuanaȬrelatedȱcrime,ȱcurrentȱmarketsȱandȱtheȱupcomingȱmarket.1ȱ
ȱ
ReviewȱofȱLiteratureȱandȱSubcommitteeȱReportsȱbyȱtheȱWyomingȱGovernor’sȱ
MarijuanaȱImpactȱAssessmentȱCouncil,ȱFebruaryȱ2016ȱ
TheȱrecentȱlegalizationȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱColoradoȱandȱotherȱstatesȱcreatesȱanȱ
environmentȱwhereȱitȱisȱimportantȱtoȱhaveȱaccessȱtoȱunbiasedȱscientificȱinformationȱ
andȱreportsȱfromȱreliableȱsourcesȱonȱtheȱsubject.ȱȱWithȱthatȱinȱmind,ȱtheȱWyomingȱ
GovernorsȱMarijuanaȱImpactȱAssessmentȱCouncilȱ(GMIAC)ȱwasȱcreatedȱinȱJulyȱofȱ
2015.ȱȱThisȱgroupȱconsistsȱofȱlegislators,ȱdivisionȱdirectors,ȱphysicians,ȱlawȱ
enforcementȱpersonnel,ȱexecutiveȱdirectors,ȱstatisticians,ȱprofessors,ȱresearchȱ
scientistsȱandȱothersȱwhoȱallȱcomeȱtogetherȱforȱtheȱpurposeȱofȱassistingȱlegislatorsȱ
andȱtheȱpublicȱinȱmakingȱinformedȱdecisionsȱconcerningȱvaryingȱlevelsȱofȱmarijuanaȱ
legalization.ȱȱWithinȱthisȱreport,ȱareasȱofȱpossibleȱimpactȱthatȱareȱaddressedȱincludeȱ
education,ȱhealth,ȱagriculture,ȱrevenue,ȱcriminalȱjusticeȱandȱmore.2ȱ
ȱ
ReportȱofȱtheȱSpecialȱSenateȱCommitteeȱonȱMarijuanaȱbyȱtheȱSpecialȱSenateȱ
CommitteeȱonȱMarijuana,ȱMarchȱ8th,ȱ2016ȱ
TheȱMassachusettsȱSenateȱcreatedȱtheȱSpecialȱSenateȱCommitteeȱonȱMarijuanaȱinȱ
February,ȱ2015.ȱȱTheȱpurposeȱofȱtheȱcommitteeȱwasȱtoȱresearchȱandȱanalyzeȱtheȱ
policyȱramificationsȱifȱMassachusettsȱwereȱtoȱlegalizeȱtheȱadultȱrecreationalȱuseȱandȱ
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saleȱofȱmarijuana.ȱȱTheȱcommitteeȱwasȱgivenȱtheȱresponsibilityȱofȱconductingȱanȱ
objectiveȱreviewȱofȱmarijuanaȱpolicyȱinȱMassachusettsȱasȱwellȱasȱlessonsȱtoȱbeȱ
learnedȱfromȱotherȱstates,ȱparticularlyȱColoradoȱandȱWashington.ȱȱInȱthisȱreport,ȱtheȱ
committeeȱrecommendsȱactionsȱforȱtheȱstateȱtoȱaddressȱnumerousȱpolicyȱissuesȱifȱ
marijuanaȱwereȱtoȱbeȱlegalizedȱinȱMassachusetts.3ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȱLegalizationȱinȱColorado:ȱEarlyȱFindingsȱbyȱtheȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱ
ofȱPublicȱSafety,ȱMarchȱ2016ȱ
SinceȱtheȱpassageȱofȱAmendmentȱ64,ȱwhichȱallowsȱforȱtheȱretailȱsaleȱandȱ
possessionȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱColorado,ȱtheȱDivisionȱofȱCriminalȱJusticeȱwithinȱtheȱ
DepartmentȱofȱPublicȱSafetyȱhasȱstudiedȱtheȱimpactsȱofȱAmendmentȱ64ȱ(particularlyȱ
asȱtheseȱrelateȱtoȱlawȱenforcementȱactivities).ȱȱThisȱreportȱdescribesȱearlyȱfindingsȱofȱ
marijuanaȱlegalizationȱwithinȱtheȱstate.ȱȱMoreȱspecifically,ȱtheȱimpactȱonȱpublicȱ
safety,ȱpublicȱhealth,ȱandȱyouthȱareȱstudiedȱandȱdiscussed.ȱ4ȱ
ȱ
ImpactsȱofȱtheȱDowntownȱEnvironmentȱonȱtheȱTourismȱIndustryȱandȱVisitorȱ
PerceptionsȱbyȱVISITȱDENVER,ȱNovemberȱ12th,ȱ2015ȱ
VISITȱDENVERȱisȱtheȱmarketingȱorganizationȱforȱtheȱCityȱofȱDenver.ȱȱThisȱ
presentationȱhighlightsȱtheȱsafetyȱtrendsȱandȱfeedbackȱthatȱVISITȱDENVERȱhasȱ
receivedȱfromȱconventionȱandȱleisureȱvisitorsȱoverȱtheȱspanȱofȱseveralȱyears.ȱȱSomeȱ
issuesȱdiscussedȱincludeȱtheȱhomeless,ȱyouth,ȱpanhandling,ȱsafety,ȱcleanliness,ȱandȱ
drugsȱincludingȱpublicȱmarijuanaȱconsumptionȱonȱtheȱstreetsȱofȱDenver.5ȱ
ȱ
ReportȱtoȱtheȱJointȱBudgetȱCommitteeȱbyȱtheȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱRevenue,ȱ
EnforcementȱDivisionȱ–ȱMarijuana,ȱAprilȱ1st,ȱ2016ȱ
ThisȱreportȱdetailsȱtheȱprogressȱbeingȱmadeȱbyȱtheȱStateȱLicensingȱAuthorityȱinȱ
processingȱlicenses,ȱinȱadditionȱtoȱprovidingȱanȱoverviewȱofȱtheȱretailȱmarijuanaȱ
markets,ȱrevenueȱgeneratedȱbyȱmedicalȱandȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱbusinesses,ȱ
expensesȱincurredȱbyȱtheȱStateȱLicensingȱAuthority,ȱtheȱnumberȱofȱmedicalȱ
establishmentsȱapplyingȱtoȱconvertȱtoȱretailȱestablishments,ȱandȱenforcementȱ
measuresȱtakenȱagainstȱlicensedȱpersons.6ȱ
ȱ
ThirdȱQuarterȱUpdateȱbyȱtheȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱRevenue,ȱEnforcementȱ
Divisionȱ–ȱMarijuana,ȱJanuaryȱ28th,ȱ2016ȱ
Thisȱreportȱincludesȱinformationȱonȱmarijuanaȱbusinessȱlicensingȱstatus,ȱnumberȱ
ofȱplantsȱcultivatedȱforȱmedicalȱandȱrecreationalȱpurposes,ȱvolumeȱofȱmarijuanaȱsoldȱ
withinȱbothȱrecreationalȱandȱmedicalȱmarkets,ȱunitsȱofȱinfusedȱediblesȱandȱnonȬ
ediblesȱsold,ȱmandatoryȱretailȱtestingȱforȱedibles,ȱenforcementȱactivityȱandȱ
administrativeȱactionsȱtakenȱbyȱtheȱStateȱLicensingȱAuthorityȱfromȱJanuaryȱthroughȱ
Septemberȱ2015.7ȱ
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ȱ
MarijuanaȱEquivalencyȱinȱPortionȱandȱDosageȱbyȱtheȱColoradoȱDepartmentȱofȱ
Revenue,ȱAugustȱ10th,ȱ2015ȱ
Thisȱstudyȱprovidesȱunbiased,ȱscientificȱinformationȱthatȱcanȱbeȱusedȱtoȱsuggestȱ
appropriateȱequivalenciesȱbetweenȱflowerȱandȱalternativeȱmarijuanaȱproducts.ȱȱItȱisȱ
aȱsummaryȱofȱhowȱdifferentȱmarijuanaȱproductsȱareȱproducedȱandȱconsumed.ȱȱTheȱ
informationȱinȱthisȱstudyȱcanȱbeȱusedȱtoȱconvertȱconcentrateȱandȱinfusedȱproductsȱ
intoȱtheirȱflowerȱweightȱequivalentsȱfromȱbothȱaȱproductionȱandȱconsumptionȱ
viewpoint.8ȱ
ȱ
ResidentialȱMarijuanaȱGrowsȱinȱColorado:ȱTheȱNewȱMethȱHousesȱbyȱtheȱDrugȱ
EnforcementȱAdministrationȱ(DEA)ȱDenverȱDivision,ȱJuneȱ2016ȱ
Inȱthisȱreport,ȱtheȱproliferationȱofȱlargeȬscaleȱmarijuanaȱgrowȱoperationsȱisȱ
examined.ȱȱTheȱeffectsȱofȱtheseȱlargeȬscaleȱmarijuanaȱgrowȱoperationsȱareȱdiscussed,ȱ
alongȱwithȱanȱoutlookȱfromȱtheȱperspectiveȱofȱtheȱDEA.9ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȱEnforcementȱinȱNebraskaȱbyȱtheȱNebraskaȱCenterȱforȱJusticeȱResearch,ȱ
2016ȱ
Thisȱreportȱdetailsȱtrendsȱinȱlawȱenforcementȱandȱcorrectionsȱrelatedȱtoȱtheȱ
possessionȱandȱsaleȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱNebraskaȱinȱtheȱfirstȱfullȱyearȱofȱrecreationalȱ
legalizationȱinȱColorado.10ȱ
Youth
ȱ
TheȱImpactȱofȱMarijuanaȱPoliciesȱonȱYouthȱ–ȱTechnicalȱReport,ȱbyȱtheȱAmericanȱ
AcademyȱofȱPediatrics,ȱMarchȱ2015ȱ
Thisȱtechnicalȱreportȱupdatesȱtheȱ2004ȱAmericanȱAcademyȱofȱPediatricsȱ(AAP)ȱ
reportȱonȱtheȱlegalizationȱofȱmarijuana.ȱȱEpidemiologyȱofȱmarijuanaȱuseȱisȱ
presented,ȱasȱareȱdefinitionsȱandȱbiologyȱofȱmarijuanaȱcompounds,ȱsideȱeffectsȱofȱ
marijuanaȱuse,ȱandȱeffectsȱofȱuseȱonȱadolescentȱbrainȱdevelopment.ȱȱInȱaddition,ȱfourȱ
differentȱapproachesȱtoȱtheȱlegalizationȱofȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱUnitedȱStatesȱareȱ
discussedȱandȱcompared.ȱȱLastly,ȱthreeȱseparateȱpolicyȱapproachesȱonȱadolescentȱ
marijuanaȱuseȱareȱdiscussed.11ȱ
ȱ
TheȱImpactȱofȱMarijuanaȱPoliciesȱonȱYouthȱ–ȱPolicyȱStatement,ȱbyȱtheȱAmericanȱ
AcademyȱofȱPediatricsȱ(AAP),ȱMarchȱ2015ȱ
ThisȱpolicyȱstatementȱisȱanȱupdateȱofȱtheȱAmericanȱAcademyȱofȱPediatricsȱ(AAP)ȱ
policyȱstatementȱ“LegalizationȱofȱMarijuana:ȱPotentialȱImpactȱonȱYouth,”ȱ2004.ȱȱInȱ
thisȱpositionȱstatement,ȱtheȱAAPȱexaminesȱtheȱissueȱofȱmarijuanaȱlegalization;ȱmoreȱ
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specifically,ȱtheȱeffectsȱofȱmarijuana,ȱdecriminalizationȱeffortsȱandȱeffects,ȱ
conclusions.ȱȱRecommendationsȱinȱregardȱtoȱtheȱlegalizationȱofȱmarijuanaȱareȱ
providedȱbyȱtheȱAAP.12ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȱUse:ȱȱDetrimentalȱtoȱYouthȱbyȱtheȱAmericanȱCollegeȱofȱPediatricians,ȱ
Aprilȱ2016ȱ
AccordingȱtoȱtheȱAmericanȱCollegeȱofȱPediatriciansȱ(ACP),ȱmarijuanaȱisȱ
addicting,ȱhasȱadverseȱeffectsȱuponȱtheȱadolescentȱbrain,ȱisȱaȱriskȱforȱbothȱcardioȬ
respiratoryȱdiseaseȱandȱtesticularȱcancer,ȱandȱisȱassociatedȱwithȱbothȱpsychiatricȱ
illnessȱandȱnegativeȱsocialȱoutcomes.ȱȱEvidenceȱindicatesȱlimitedȱlegalizationȱofȱ
marijuanaȱhasȱalreadyȱraisedȱratesȱofȱunintendedȱmarijuanaȱexposureȱamongȱyoungȱ
children,ȱandȱmayȱincreaseȱadolescentȱuse.ȱȱTherefore,ȱtheȱAmericanȱCollegeȱofȱ
Pediatriciansȱopposesȱtheȱlegalizationȱofȱmarijuanaȱforȱrecreationalȱuseȱandȱurgesȱ
extremeȱcautionȱinȱlegalizingȱmarijuanaȱforȱmedicinalȱuse.ȱ3ȱ
ȱ
CannabisȱDoesȱAlterȱYourȱBrainȱbyȱLisaȱRyan,ȱFebruaryȱ11th,ȱ2016ȱ
ThisȱarticleȱdescribesȱresearchȱbyȱleadȱstudyȱauthorȱDr.ȱFrancescaȱFilbey,ȱofȱtheȱ
UniversityȱofȱTexasȱatȱDallas.ȱȱTheȱresearchȱdescribedȱwasȱfocusedȱonȱlookingȱ
deeperȱintoȱtheȱeffectsȱofȱusingȱmarijuanaȱearlyȱinȱlife.ȱȱSpecifically,ȱtheȱstudyȱfoundȱ
thatȱsubjectsȱwhoȱbeganȱuseȱofȱmarijuanaȱpriorȱtoȱageȱ16ȱhadȱunderdevelopedȱ
prefrontalȱcortexes.ȱȱFurthermore,ȱsubjectsȱwhoȱbeganȱtheirȱuseȱafterȱtheȱageȱofȱ16ȱ
experiencedȱacceleratedȱbrainȱagingȱ14ȱ
ȱ
CannabisȱUseȱisȱQuantitativelyȱAssociatedȱwithȱNucleusȱAccumbensȱandȱ
AmygdalaȱAbnormalitiesȱinȱYoungȱAdultȱRecreationalȱUsersȱbyȱJodiȱM.ȱGilmanȱetȱ
al.,ȱ16ȱAprilȱ2014ȱ
ThisȱarticleȱdescribesȱaȱstudyȱperformedȱbyȱHarvardȱandȱNorthwesternȱ
Universityȱresearchersȱwhichȱaimsȱtoȱlookȱcloselyȱatȱtheȱeffectsȱofȱ
tetrahydrocannabinolȱ(THC)ȱonȱbrainȱdevelopment.ȱȱMoreȱspecifically,ȱresearchersȱ
examinedȱtheȱbrainȱmorphometryȱonȱyoungȱadultȱrecreationalȱmarijuanaȱusers.15ȱ
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)
ȱ
PrevalenceȱofȱMarijuanaȱInvolvementȱinȱFatalȱCrashes:ȱWashington,ȱ2010Ȭ2014ȱbyȱ
theȱAAAȱFoundationȱforȱTrafficȱSafety,ȱMayȱ2016ȱ
Thisȱreportȱquantifiesȱtheȱprevalenceȱofȱmarijuanaȱinvolvementȱinȱfatalȱcrashesȱinȱ
theȱstateȱofȱWashingtonȱfromȱ2010Ȭ2014.ȱȱTheȱstudyȱinvestigatedȱwhetherȱtheȱ
prevalenceȱchangedȱafterȱWashingtonȱlegalizedȱrecreationalȱuseȱofȱmarijuana,ȱinȱ
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additionȱtoȱcreatingȱaȱnewȱperȱseȱlimitȱforȱdrivingȱunderȱtheȱinfluenceȱofȱmarijuanaȱ
whichȱtookȱeffectȱonȱDecemberȱ6th,ȱ2012.16ȱ
ȱ
AnȱEvaluationȱofȱDataȱfromȱDriversȱArrestedȱforȱDrivingȱUnderȱtheȱInfluenceȱinȱ
RelationȱtoȱPerȱseȱLimitsȱforȱCannabisȱbyȱtheȱAAAȱFoundationȱforȱTrafficȱSafety,ȱ
Mayȱ2016ȱ
Oneȱofȱtheȱmajorȱconcernsȱsharedȱbyȱbothȱopponentsȱandȱproponentsȱofȱgreaterȱ
accessȱtoȱcannabisȱisȱitsȱimpactȱonȱdriverȱperformanceȱandȱrelationshipȱtoȱadverseȱ
effectsȱonȱtrafficȱsafety.ȱȱSeveralȱstatesȱhaveȱimplementedȱperȱseȱdeltaȬ9Ȭ
tetrahydrocannabinolȱTHCȱbloodȱlimitsȱthatȱdefineȱtheȱoffenseȱofȱdrivingȱwhileȱ
impairedȱbyȱcannabis,ȱandȱothersȱareȱactivelyȱconsideringȱsuchȱlimits.ȱȱThisȱreportȱ
describesȱtheȱfindingsȱofȱaȱstudyȱthatȱwasȱundertakenȱtoȱdetermineȱwhetherȱdataȱ
fromȱtheȱDrugȱRecognitionȱExpertȱ(DRE)ȱprogramȱconsistingȱofȱphysiologicalȱ
indicatorsȱofȱdrugȱuse,ȱandȱperformanceȱinȱroadsideȱcognitiveȱandȱpsychomotorȱ
tests,ȱsupportedȱanyȱparticularȱquantitativeȱthresholdȱforȱaȱperȱseȱlawȱforȱTHCȱwithinȱ
theȱblood.17ȱ
ȱ
AdvancingȱDruggedȱDrivingȱDataȱatȱtheȱStateȱLevelȱbyȱtheȱAAAȱFoundationȱForȱ
TrafficȱSafety,ȱMarchȱ2016ȱ
Theȱobjectiveȱofȱthisȱprojectȱisȱtoȱidentifyȱandȱrecommendȱstrategiesȱforȱ
improvingȱstateȬlevelȱdataȱonȱtheȱnatureȱandȱextentȱofȱdruggedȱdrivingȱinȱtheȱUnitedȱ
Statesȱbyȱaddressingȱtheȱmostȱsignificantȱbarriersȱthatȱimpedeȱstateȱeffortsȱtoȱcollectȱ
andȱcompileȱsuchȱdata.ȱȱThisȱreportȱdiscussesȱbarriersȱtoȱeffectiveȱdataȱandȱdescribesȱ
expertȱpanelȱrecommendationsȱforȱaddressingȱthoseȱbarriers.18ȱ
ȱ
DrugȬImpairedȱDrivingȱbyȱTheȱGovernorsȱHighwayȱSafetyȱAssociationȱ(GHSA),ȱ
Septemberȱ30th,ȱ2015ȱ
ThisȱreportȱsummarizesȱtheȱcurrentȱstateȱofȱknowledgeȱonȱdrugȬimpairedȱ
driving,ȱincludingȱwhatȱlittleȱisȱknownȱaboutȱtheȱcostsȱandȱeffectivenessȱofȱtheseȱ
actions,ȱandȱidentifiesȱactionsȱstatesȱcanȱtakeȱtoȱreduceȱdrugȬimpairedȱdriving.ȱȱ
Specifically,ȱthisȱreportȱhighlightsȱtheȱincreaseȱofȱmarijuanaȱuseȱandȱitsȱroleȱinȱ
impairedȱdriving.19ȱ
ȱ
OverviewȱofȱMajorȱIssuesȱRegardingȱtheȱImpactsȱofȱAlcoholȱandȱMarijuanaȱonȱ
DrivingȱbyȱtheȱAAAȱFoundationȱforȱTrafficȱSafety,ȱMarchȱ2016ȱ
Thisȱreportȱprovidesȱanȱoverviewȱofȱissuesȱrelatedȱtoȱmarijuanaȱconsumption,ȱ
drivingȱimpairmentȱandȱbloodȱtestingȱasȱwellȱasȱtheȱpotentialȱimpactsȱofȱsocialȱandȱ
legalȱfactors.ȱȱComparisonsȱtoȱalcoholȱareȱprovidedȱtoȱserveȱasȱaȱsingleȱpointȱofȱ
reference.20ȱ
ȱ
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DrugȱRecognitionȱExpertȱ(DRE)ȱExaminationȱCharacteristicsȱofȱCannabisȱ
ImpairmentȱbyȱHartmanȱetȱal.,ȱAprilȱ22nd,ȱ2016ȱ
TheȱDrugȱEvaluationȱandȱClassificationȱProgramȱ(DECP)ȱisȱcommonlyȱutilizedȱinȱ
drivingȱunderȱtheȱinfluenceȱ(DUI)ȱcasesȱtoȱhelpȱdetermineȱcategoriesȱofȱimpairingȱ
drugsȱpresentȱinȱdrivers.ȱȱCannabis,ȱoneȱofȱtheȱcategories,ȱisȱassociatedȱwithȱ
approximatelyȱdoubledȱcrashȱrisk.ȱȱThisȱarticleȱdescribesȱaȱstudyȱwhichȱsetȬoutȱtoȱ
determineȱtheȱmostȱreliableȱDECPȱmetricsȱforȱidentifyingȱcannabisȬdrivingȱ
impairment.21ȱ
ȱ
DelaysȱinȱDUIȱBloodȱTesting:ȱImpactȱOnȱCannabisȱDUIȱAssessmentsȱbyȱEdȱWood,ȱ
AshleyȱBrooksȬRussellȱandȱPhillipȱDrum,ȱJuneȱ11thȱ2015ȱ
Thisȱstudyȱexaminedȱtheȱtimeȱfromȱlawȱenforcementȱdispatchȱtoȱtheȱfirstȱbloodȱ
drawȱinȱcasesȱofȱdrivingȱunderȱtheȱinfluenceȱ(DUI)ȱvehicularȱhomicideȱandȱaȱsubsetȱ
ofȱDUIȱvehicularȱassaultȱcasesȱinȱColoradoȱinȱ2012.ȱȱLaboratoryȱtoxicologyȱresultsȱ
wereȱalsoȱexaminedȱtoȱunderstandȱtheȱimplicationsȱofȱdelaysȱinȱbloodȱdrawsȱinȱcasesȱ
ofȱdrivingȱwhileȱunderȱtheȱinfluenceȱofȱmarijuanaȇsȱdeltaȬ9Ȭtetrahydrocannabinolȱ
(THC).22ȱ
ȱ
CannabisȱEffectsȱonȱDrivingȱLateralȱControlȱWithȱandȱWithoutȱAlcoholȱbyȱ
Hartmanȱetȱal.,ȱJuneȱ23rd,ȱ2015ȱ
Effectsȱofȱcannabis,ȱtheȱmostȱcommonlyȱencounteredȱnonȬalcoholȱdrugȱinȱdrivingȱ
underȱtheȱinfluenceȱcases,ȱareȱheavilyȱdebated.ȱȱThisȱarticleȱdescribesȱaȱstudyȱ
performedȱbyȱresearchersȱaimedȱatȱdeterminingȱhowȱbloodȱTHCȱconcentrationsȱ
relateȱtoȱdrivingȱimpairment,ȱbothȱwithȱandȱwithoutȱalcohol.23ȱ
ȱ
MedicalȱMarijuanaȱInvolvedȱinȱCAȱFatalȱCrashesȱbyȱAlȱCrancer,ȱM.A.ȱandȱPhillipȱ
Drum,ȱPharm.D.ȱ
Theȱrelationshipȱbetweenȱdriverȱfatalities,ȱmarijuanaȱuseȱandȱalcoholȱuseȱareȱ
examinedȱinȱthisȱreport.ȱȱTheȱcontributingȱdataȱforȱthisȱreportȱwasȱobtainedȱfromȱtheȱ
NationalȱHighwayȱTrafficȱSafetyȱAdministrationȱ(NHTSA)ȱFatalityȱAnalysisȱ
ReportingȱSystemȱ(FARS),ȱ2010Ȭ2014.24ȱ
Health
ȱ
TheȱHealthȱandȱSocialȱEffectsȱofȱNonmedicalȱCannabisȱUseȱbyȱtheȱManagementȱofȱ
SubstanceȱAbuseȱ(MSB)ȱUnitȱinȱtheȱDepartmentȱofȱMentalȱandȱSubstanceȱAbuseȱ
(MSD)ȱofȱtheȱWorldȱHealthȱOrganization,ȱ2016ȱ
ThisȱreportȱisȱanȱupdateȱonȱtheȱhealthȱandȱsocialȱconsequencesȱofȱnonȬmedicalȱ
cannabisȱuse,ȱwithȱaȱspecialȱfocusȱonȱtheȱeffectsȱonȱyoungȱpeopleȱandȱonȱlongȬtermȱ
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frequentȱuse.ȱȱFurthermore,ȱthisȱreportȱbuildsȱonȱcontributionsȱfromȱaȱbroadȱrangeȱofȱ
expertsȱandȱresearchersȱfromȱaroundȱtheȱworld.ȱȱItȱaimsȱtoȱpresentȱcurrentȱ
knowledgeȱonȱtheȱimpactȱofȱnonȬmedicalȱcannabisȱuseȱonȱhealth,ȱfromȱitsȱimpactȱonȱ
brainȱdevelopmentȱtoȱitsȱroleȱinȱrespiratoryȱdiseases.25ȱ
ȱ
UpdateȱofȱCannabisȱandȱit’sȱMedicalȱUseȱbyȱBerthaȱK.ȱMadras,ȱ2015ȱ
ThisȱreportȱwasȱcommissionedȱbyȱtheȱSecretariatȱofȱtheȱExpertȱCommitteeȱonȱ
DrugȱDependence,ȱDepartmentȱofȱEssentialȱMedicinesȱandȱHealthȱProducts,ȱWorldȱ
HealthȱOrganizationȱ(WHO).ȱȱThisȱdocumentȱservesȱasȱaȱsummaryȱofȱtheȱcurrentȱ
statusȱofȱtheȱmedicalȱmarijuanaȱfieldȱandȱaȱframeworkȱtoȱincorporateȱnewȱ
informationȱasȱitȱarises.26ȱ
ȱ
AssociationȱBetweenȱLifetimeȱMarijuanaȱUseȱandȱCognitiveȱFunctionȱinȱMiddleȱAgeȱ
byȱRetoȱAuer,ȱM.D.,ȱetȱal.,ȱMarchȱ2016ȱ
Thisȱarticleȱdescribesȱtheȱfindingsȱofȱaȱstudyȱaimedȱatȱunderstandingȱtheȱ
associationȱbetweenȱcumulativeȱlifetimeȱexposureȱtoȱmarijuanaȱuseȱandȱcognitiveȱ
performanceȱinȱmiddleȱage.27ȱ
ȱ
NAMIȱMassȱComesȱOutȱAgainstȱLegalizingȱRecreationalȱMarijuanaȱbyȱtheȱ
NationalȱAllianceȱonȱMentalȱIllnessȱofȱMassachusettsȱ(NAMIȱMass),ȱMayȱ23rd,ȱ
2016ȱ
TheȱNationalȱAllianceȱonȱMentalȱIllnessȱMassachusettsȱseeksȱtoȱimproveȱtheȱ
qualityȱofȱlifeȱbothȱforȱpeopleȱwithȱmentalȱillnessȱandȱforȱtheirȱfamilies.ȱȱThisȱarticleȱ
describesȱtheȱorganization’sȱstrongȱoppositionȱtoȱtheȱlegalizationȱofȱmarijuana,ȱ
citing,ȱ“detrimentalȱeffectsȱforȱthoseȱwithȱmentalȱillnessȱandȱforȱpeopleȱpredisposedȱ
toȱmentalȱillness.”28ȱ
ȱ
PrevalenceȱofȱMarijuanaȱUseȱDisordersȱinȱtheȱUnitedȱStatesȱBetweenȱ2001Ȭ2002ȱandȱ
2012Ȭ2013,ȱbyȱDeborahȱS.ȱHasin,ȱPhD,ȱetȱal.,ȱDecemberȱ2015ȱ
LawsȱandȱattitudesȱtowardȱmarijuanaȱinȱtheȱUnitedȱStatesȱareȱbecomingȱmoreȱ
permissive,ȱbutȱlittleȱisȱknownȱaboutȱwhetherȱtheȱprevalenceȱratesȱofȱmarijuanaȱuseȱ
andȱmarijuanaȱuseȱdisordersȱhaveȱchangedȱinȱtheȱ21stȱcentury.ȱȱThisȱstudyȱsetȱoutȱtoȱ
presentȱnationallyȬrepresentativeȱinformationȱonȱtheȱpastȱyearȱprevalenceȱratesȱofȱ
marijuanaȱuseȱandȱmarijuanaȱuseȱdisorderȱamongȱmarijuanaȱusersȱinȱtheȱUSȱadultȱ
generalȱpopulation,ȱandȱwhetherȱthisȱhasȱchangedȱbetweenȱ2001Ȭ2002ȱandȱ2012Ȭ
2013.29ȱ
ȱ
PublicȱHealthȱResearchersȱLookȱAtȱRiseȱInȱMarijuana–RelatedȱHospitalizationsȱbyȱ
MollieȱDurkin,ȱJanuaryȱ2016ȱ
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Dr.ȱZhu,ȱaȱpostdoctoralȱassociateȱatȱDukeȱUniversityȱMedicalȱCenterȱinȱDurham,ȱ
N.C.,ȱdescribesȱtheȱissuesȱsurroundingȱanȱincreasingȱprevalenceȱofȱmarijuanaȱuseȱinȱ
theȱU.S.,ȱandȱaȱseeminglyȱrelatedȱincreaseȱinȱhospitalȱutilizationȱrelatedȱtoȱtheȱdrug.30ȱ
ȱ
ColoradoȱVisitorsȱUsingȱMarijuanaȱMoreȱLikelyȱtoȱEndȱUpȱInȱEmergencyȱRoomȱbyȱ
MarlaȱPaulȱ(NorthwesternȱUniversityȱJournalist),ȱFebruaryȱ25th,ȱ2016ȱ
ThisȱarticleȱsummarizesȱtheȱfindingsȱofȱaȱjointȱstudyȱoutȱofȱNorthwesternȱ
UniversityȱFeinbergȱSchoolȱofȱMedicineȱandȱtheȱUniversityȱofȱColoradoȱSchoolȱofȱ
Medicine,ȱbyȱleadȱinvestigatorȱDr.ȱHowardȱKim.ȱȱTheȱstudy,ȱpublishedȱinȱtheȱNewȱ
EnglandȱJournalȱofȱMedicine,ȱsetȱoutȱtoȱinvestigateȱandȱcompareȱtheȱnumberȱofȱ
Coloradoȱresidents,ȱandȱoutȱofȱstateȱvisitors,ȱwhoȱendedȱupȱinȱtheȱemergencyȱroomȱ
withȱmarijuanaȬrelatedȱsymptoms.31ȱ
ȱ
LegalizingȱMarijuanaȱWillȱIncreaseȱOurȱOpiateȱEpidemicȱbyȱHeidiȱHeilmanȱofȱtheȱ
NewȱBostonȱPost,ȱMarchȱ201632ȱ
x Aȱstudyȱofȱrodents,ȱconductedȱatȱtheȱHurdȱLaboratoryȱatȱtheȱMountȱSinaiȱSchoolȱ
ofȱMedicine,ȱshowedȱthatȱrodentsȱexposedȱtoȱTHCȱinȱtheȱadolescentȱyearsȱhadȱ
offspringȱthatȱwereȱprimedȱforȱaddiction.ȱȱTheȱresearchȱhasȱyetȱtoȱbeȱreproducedȱ
inȱhumans,ȱbutȱotherȱstudiesȱonȱtransȬgenerationalȱeffectsȱofȱotherȱdrugsȱinȱ
humansȱappearȱconsistentȱwithȱtheȱdiscoveriesȱinȱrodents.ȱ
x Scienceȱsuggestsȱthatȱlegalizingȱmarijuanaȱwillȱnotȱonlyȱexposeȱmoreȱpeopleȱtoȱaȱ
seriousȱdeclineȱinȱcognitiveȱandȱmentalȱhealthȱfunctioning,ȱbutȱpossiblyȱalsoȱ
primeȱcertainȱsegmentsȱofȱtheȱpopulationȱ–ȱincludingȱunbornȱchildrenȱ–ȱforȱmoreȱ
opiateȱaddictionȱandȱbrainȱchanges.ȱ
Use Surveys
ȱ
BehavioralȱHealthȱTrendsȱinȱtheȱUnitedȱStates:ȱȱResultsȱfromȱtheȱ2014ȱNationalȱ
SurveyȱonȱDrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ(NSDUH)ȱbyȱtheȱSubstanceȱAbuseȱandȱMentalȱ
HealthȱServicesȱAdministrationȱ(SAMHSA),ȱSeptemberȱ2015ȱ
Thisȱnationalȱreportȱsummarizesȱfindingsȱfromȱtheȱ2014ȱNationalȱSurveyȱonȱ
DrugȱUseȱandȱHealthȱ(NSDUH)ȱonȱtrendsȱinȱtheȱbehavioralȱhealthȱofȱpeopleȱagedȱ12ȱ
yearsȱoldȱorȱolderȱinȱtheȱcivilian,ȱnonȬinstitutionalizedȱpopulationȱofȱtheȱUnitedȱ
States.ȱȱTopicsȱaddressedȱincludeȱillicitȱdrug,ȱtobaccoȱandȱalcoholȱuse,ȱsubstanceȱuseȱ
disorders,ȱandȱmentalȱhealthȱissues.33ȱ
ȱ
HealthyȱKidsȱColoradoȱSurveyȱ2015ȱbyȱtheȱUniversityȱofȱColoradoȱAnschutzȱ
CommunityȱEpidemiologyȱ&ȱProgramȱEvaluationȱGroup,ȱ2016ȱ
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Thisȱreportȱexaminesȱtheȱresultsȱofȱaȱbiennialȱsurveyȱwhichȱcollectsȱanonymous,ȱ
selfȬreportedȱhealthȬrelatedȱinformationȱfromȱColoradoȱmiddleȱandȱhighȱschoolȱ
studentsȱeveryȱotherȱyear.ȱȱInȱ2015,ȱapproximatelyȱ17,000ȱrandomlyȬselectedȱ
studentsȱfromȱmoreȱthanȱ157ȱmiddleȱschoolsȱandȱhighȱschoolsȱparticipated.ȱȱTheȱ
dataȱincludesȱsurveyȱresultsȱinȱmanyȱtopicȱareasȱtoȱincludeȱtobacco,ȱalcoholȱandȱ
marijuanaȱuse.ȱȱInȱaddition,ȱtheȱdataȱalsoȱreflectȱstudentȱattitudesȱandȱperceptionsȱ
thatȱaddressȱhealthȱbehaviorsȱandȱtheȱinfluencesȱthatȱcanȱsupportȱaȱstudent’sȱhealthyȱ
choices.34ȱ
ȱ
YouthȱRiskȱBehaviorȱSurveillanceȱbyȱtheȱU.S.ȱDepartmentȱofȱHealthȱandȱHumanȱ
ServicesȱCentersȱforȱDiseaseȱControlȱandȱPrevention,ȱJuneȱ10th,ȱ2016ȱ
TheȱnationalȱYouthȱRiskȱBehaviorȱSurveyȱ(YRBS)ȱmonitorsȱpriorityȱhealthȱriskȱ
behaviorsȱthatȱcontributeȱtoȱtheȱleadingȱcausesȱofȱdeath,ȱdisability,ȱandȱsocialȱ
problemsȱamongȱyouthȱandȱadultsȱinȱtheȱUnitedȱStates.ȱȱTheȱnationalȱYRBSȱisȱ
conductedȱeveryȱtwoȱyearsȱduringȱtheȱspringȱsemesterȱandȱprovidesȱdataȱ
representativeȱofȱ9thȱthroughȱ12thȱgradeȱstudentsȱinȱpublicȱandȱprivateȱschoolsȱ
throughoutȱtheȱUnitedȱStates.35ȱ
Miscellaneous
ȱ
WhatȱWillȱLegalȱMarijuanaȱCostȱEmployersȱbyȱNationalȱFamiliesȱinȱAction,ȱ2015ȱ
Thisȱreportȱeducatesȱemployersȱaboutȱhowȱmarijuanaȱlawsȱareȱchanging,ȱhowȱ
thoseȱlawsȱwillȱaffectȱemployers’ȱabilityȱtoȱconductȱbusiness,ȱandȱwhatȱemployersȱ
canȱdoȱtoȱprotectȱthatȱability.36ȱ
ȱ
WorkplaceȱDrugȱTestingȱinȱtheȱEraȱofȱLegalȱMarijuana,ȱbyȱtheȱInstituteȱforȱ
BehaviorȱandȱHealth,ȱInc.,ȱMarchȱ2015ȱ
Theȱshiftȱinȱdrugȱpolicyȱhasȱcreatedȱsignificantȱconcernȱandȱconfusionȱforȱmanyȱ
employers,ȱemployees,ȱandȱjobȱapplicantsȱaboutȱdrugȱtestingȱinȱgeneralȱandȱtestingȱ
forȱmarijuanaȱspecifically.ȱȱThisȱreportȱprovidesȱguidanceȱforȱemployersȱaboutȱdrugȱ
testingȱemployeesȱandȱjobȱapplicantsȱforȱmarijuanaȱuseȱinȱtheȱworkplace.37ȱ
ȱ
TheȱHiddenȱCostsȱofȱMarijuanaȱUseȱinȱColorado:ȱOneȱEmergencyȱDepartment’sȱ
ExperienceȱbyȱKennethȱFinn,ȱM.D.ȱandȱRochelleȱSalmore,ȱM.S.N.,ȱR.N.,ȱ2016ȱ
Toȱdate,ȱthereȱareȱfewȱstudiesȱonȱtheȱfinancialȱimpactȱofȱmarijuanaȱuseȱonȱtheȱ
healthȱcareȱsystem.ȱȱThisȱstudyȱaimsȱtoȱassessȱpotentialȱhealthȱcareȱcostsȱandȱadverseȱ
healthȱeffectsȱrelatedȱtoȱcannabisȱuseȱinȱanȱacuteȱcareȱcommunityȱhospitalȱinȱ
Colorado.ȱȱDuringȱtheȱstudyȱperiod,ȱtheȱstudyȱhospitalȱincurredȱaȱtrueȱlossȱofȱtwentyȱ
millionȱdollarsȱinȱuncollectedȱcharges.38ȱ
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ȱ
IssuesȱinȱtheȱImplementationȱandȱEvolutionȱofȱtheȱCommercialȱRecreationalȱ
MarijuanaȱMarketȱinȱColoradoȱbyȱSubritzkyȱetȱal.,ȱDecemberȱ15th,ȱ2015ȱ
Thisȱreportȱbringsȱtogetherȱmaterialȱsourcedȱfromȱpeerȱreviewedȱacademicȱ
papers,ȱgreyȱliteratureȱpublications,ȱreportsȱinȱmassȱmediaȱandȱnicheȱmediaȱoutlets,ȱ
andȱgovernmentȱpublicationsȱtoȱoutlineȱtheȱregulatoryȱmodelȱandȱprocessȱinȱ
Colorado.ȱȱAdditionally,ȱthisȱreportȱincludesȱdescriptionsȱofȱsomeȱofȱtheȱissuesȱthatȱ
haveȱemergedȱinȱtheȱearlyȱstagesȱofȱmarijuanaȱlegalizationȱwithinȱColorado.39ȱ
ȱ
TheȱImpactsȱofȱMarijuanaȱDispensaryȱDensityȱandȱNeighborhoodȱEcologyȱonȱ
MarijuanaȱAbuseȱandȱDependenceȱbyȱChristinaȱMairȱetȱal.,ȱJuneȱ23rdȱ2015ȱ
Thisȱarticleȱdescribesȱtheȱfindingsȱofȱresearchersȱwhoȱinvestigatedȱassociationsȱ
betweenȱmarijuanaȱabuseȱandȱdependenceȱhospitalizations,ȱasȱwellȱasȱcommunityȱ
demographicȱandȱenvironmentalȱconditionsȱfromȱ2001ȱtoȱ2012ȱinȱCalifornia.40ȱ
ȱ
MarijuanaȱSurveyȱFindsȱMedicalȱUsersȱMoreȱLikelyȱtoȱConsumeȱEdiblesȱandȱ
VaporizeȱbyȱtheȱRANDȱCorporation,ȱJanuaryȱ28th,ȱ2016ȱ
Thisȱarticleȱdescribesȱtheȱfindingsȱofȱaȱstudyȱwhichȱprovidesȱsomeȱofȱtheȱfirstȱ
evidenceȱaboutȱpatternsȱofȱmarijuanaȱuseȱinȱstatesȱthatȱhaveȱlegalizedȱmedicalȱ
marijuana.41ȱ
Sources
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1http://www.riag.ri.gov/documents/NWHIDTAMarijuanaImpactReportVolume1.pdfȱ
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016%20Report%20to%20the%20JBC.pdfȱ
ȱ
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15%20Update.pdfȱ
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8https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/MED%20Equivalency_Final%2008
102015.pdfȱ
ȱ
9https://www.dea.gov/divisions/den/2016/den062216.pdfȱ
ȱ
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centerȬforȬjusticeȬresearch/documents/marijuanaȬenforcementȬinȬnebraska.pdfȱ
ȱ
11http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/135/3/e769.full.pdfȱ
ȱ
12http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/135/3/584.full.pdfȱ
ȱ
13https://www.acpeds.org/marijuanaȬuseȬdetrimentalȬtoȬyouthȱ
ȱ
14http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/articleȬ3443120/CannabisȬDOESȬalterȬbrainȬ
youngerȬstartȬgreaterȬriskȬdamage.html#ixzz3zzlEtnOgȱ
ȱ
15http://www.jneurosci.org/content/34/16/5529.full.pdf+htmlȱ
ȱ
16https://www.aaafoundation.org/prevalenceȬmarijuanaȬuseȬamongȬdriversȬfatalȬ
crashesȬwashingtonȬ2010Ȭ2014ȱ
ȱ
17https://www.aaafoundation.org/sites/default/files/EvaluationOfDriversInRelationToPe
rSeReport.pdfȱ
ȱ
18https://www.aaafoundation.org/sites/default/files/AdvancingDruggedDrivingData.pd
fȱ
ȱ
19http://www.ghsa.org/html/files/pubs/GHSA_DruggedDriving2015_R7_LoResInteracti
ve.pdfȱ
ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 192
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ10:ȱȱReferenceȱMaterialsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ170ȱ
20https://www.aaafoundation.org/sites/default/files/OverviewOfMajorIssuesRegarding
AlcoholCannabisImpacts.pdfȱ
ȱ
21http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27107471ȱ
ȱ
22http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15389588.2015.1052421ȱ
ȱ
23http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26144593ȱ
ȱ
24https://michiganprosecutor.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=155ȱ
–andȬȱhttps://michiganprosecutor.org/files/TSTP/External/MedicalȬMarihuanaȬ
InvolvedȬinȬCAȬFatalȬCrashes.pdfȱ
ȱ
25http://who.int/substance_abuse/publications/msb_cannabis_report.pdfȱ
ȱ
26http://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlledȬsubstances/6_2_cannabis_update.pdfȱ
ȱ
27http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2484906#ArticleInformationȱ
ȱ
28http://namimass.org/namiȬmassȬcomesȬoutȬagainstȬlegalizingȬrecreationalȬmarijuanaȱ
ȱ
29http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2464591ȱ
ȱ
30http://www.acphospitalist.org/archives/2016/01/conferenceȬcoverageȬpublicȬhealthȬ
marijuana.htmȱ
ȱ
31http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2016/02/coloradoȬvisitorsȬusingȬ
marijuanaȬmoreȬlikelyȬtoȬendȬupȬinȬemergencyȬroomȬ.htmlȱ
ȱ
32HeidiȱHeilman,ȱNewȱBostonȱPost,ȱ“Legalizingȱmarijuanaȱwillȱincreaseȱourȱopiateȱ
epidemic,”ȱMarchȱ4,ȱ2016,ȱ<http://newbostonpost.com/2016/03/03/legalizingȬmarijuanaȬ
willȬincreaseȬourȬopiateȬepidemic/>,ȱaccessedȱMarchȱ4,ȱ2016ȱ
ȱ
33http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUHȬFRR1Ȭ2014/NSDUHȬFRR1Ȭ
2014.pdfȱ
ȱ
34https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/PF_Youth_HKCSȬExecȬSummaryȬ
2015.pdfȱ
ȱ
35http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/2015/ss6506_updated.pdfȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 193
TheȱLegalizationȱofȱMarijuanaȱinȱColorado:ȱȱTheȱImpactȱ Vol.ȱ4/Septemberȱ2016ȱ
SECTIONȱ10:ȱȱReferenceȱMaterialsȱȱ Pageȱ|ȱ171ȱ
ȱ
36http://www.nationalfamilies.org/reports/What_Will_Legal_Marijuana_Cost_Employer
sȬȬComplete.pdfȱ
ȱ
37http://www.drugfreebusiness.org/Media/documents/IBH_workplacetesting.pdfȱ
ȱ
38http://www.globaldrugpolicy.org/Issues/Vol%2010%20Issue%202/Articles/The%20Hid
den%20Costs%20of%20Marijuana%20Use%20in%20Colorado_Final.pdf
ȱ
39http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395915003540ȱ
ȱ
40http://www.drugandalcoholdependence.com/article/S0376Ȭ8716(15)00318ȬX/abstractȱ
ȱ
41https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160128133040.htm?utm_source=feedbu
rner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fmind_brain%2F
marijuana+%28Marijuana+News+ȬȬ+ScienceDaily%29ȱ
ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 194
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RockyȱMountainȱHighȱIntensityȱDrugȱTraffickingȱAreaȱ
InvestigativeȱSupportȱCenterȱ
Denver,ȱColoradoȱ
www.rmhidta.orgȱ
clickȱonȱ“Reports”ȱ
Item 11.a. - Page 195
MAC TAYLOR • LEGISLATIVE ANALYST • FEBRUARY 2017
The 2017-18 Budget:The Governor’s Cannabis Proposals
ATTACHMENT 3
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2 Legislative Analyst’s Office www.lao.ca.gov Item 11.a. - Page 197
2017-18 BUDGET
www.lao.ca.gov Legislative Analyst’s Office 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Regulation of Cannabis Has Been Evolving
Proposition 215 Legalized Medical Cannabis. In 1996, voters approved Proposition 215, which
legalized the use of medical cannabis in California. However, the measure did not create a statutory
framework for regulating or taxing it at the state or local level. In 2015, the Legislature passed the
Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA) to provide a statutory framework for the
state to regulate medical cannabis. MCRSA (as amended by the 2016-17 budget package) requires
specified state agencies—including the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), Department of
Public Health (DPH), and California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)—to regulate and
license the medical cannabis industry.
Proposition 64 Legalized Nonmedical Cannabis 20 Years Later. In November 2016, voters
approved Proposition 64, which legalizes the nonmedical use of cannabis. Proposition 64 also
creates a statutory framework for the state to regulate nonmedical cannabis. Specifically, the
measure requires state agencies to regulate and license the nonmedical cannabis industry and
gives the agencies responsibilities similar to those established under MCRSA for medical cannabis.
Proposition 64 also includes taxation provisions for both medical and nonmedical cannabis to be
administered by the Board of Equalization (BOE).
Governor’s Budget Proposal
Budget Includes $51 Million for Implementation Activities in 2017-18. The Governor’s budget
proposes a total augmentation of $51.4 million in 2017-18 across four departments (DCA, DPH,
CDFA, and BOE) and about 190 positions across these departments to implement MCRSA and
Proposition 64. The budget-year funding would mainly support (1) licensing and enforcement
programs in DCA and CDFA, (2) development and implementation of licensing and “track and
trace” information technology (IT) systems, and (3) tax administration activities in BOE. The
budget also proposes a General Fund loan of up to $62.7 million in 2017-18 to help fund these
activities. Furthermore, the administration’s budget proposal includes funding and positions in
future years, with funding decreasing to $32.1 million and staffing increasing to 219 positions in
2020-21 and ongoing.
Governor Will Propose Bill to Align MCRSA and Proposition 64. While there are many
similarities between the statutory frameworks of MCRSA and Proposition 64, there are also some
key differences between the laws. The administration indicates it plans to propose budget trailer
legislation that will align MCRSA and Proposition 64. At the time this analysis was prepared, the
administration had not provided the Legislature with a draft of its proposed statutory changes.
LAO Assessment
The Legislature will face an important policy choice regarding the degree to which it wants to
align the statutory frameworks of MCRSA and Proposition 64. We believe that it makes sense to
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4 Legislative Analyst’s Office www.lao.ca.gov
align the state’s regulations. The Legislature’s authority to amend regulatory structures depends on
the nature of the changes the Legislature proposes to make. While the Legislature has significant
authority to amend the regulatory structures for medical and nonmedical cannabis, its authority
to modify MCRSA is broader than for Proposition 64. We note that decisions about this statutory
alignment will be important in determining the level of staffing and other resources needed to
implement the two measures.
We find that there is significant uncertainty regarding the resource needs for departments to
regulate and tax medical and nonmedical cannabis. This lack of clarity stems from various factors
including uncertainty regarding (1) the specific details of future regulations, (2) the number of
applicants that will seek licenses from the state and the associated workload, (3) the ongoing costs
for new IT systems, (4) when departments will be able to fully implement licensing programs, and
(5) the future federal stance towards states legalizing cannabis use. We also find that the General
Fund loan is larger than necessary to cover proposed expenditures and maintain a reasonable fund
balance.
LAO Recommendations
We recommend the Legislature work with the administration to enact legislation to align
the regulation of medial and nonmedical cannabis to the maximum extent possible. We further
recommend that the Legislature make its decisions on the extent to which it wants to align the
regulatory structures for medical and nonmedical cannabis before making its decisions on the
Governor’s requested funding and related positions. Doing so could better enable the Legislature to
provide funding and staffing levels consistent with the ultimate regulatory structure.
In addition, given the high level of uncertainty regarding the resource needs that will be
required in the future to regulate cannabis, we recommend taking a more incremental approach
to budgeting for departments that are requesting resources in 2017-18. Under our proposed
approach, the Legislature would fully fund departments’ budget requests in 2017-18, but in some
cases less funding would be provided in subsequent years. This incremental approach would allow
the Legislature to re-evaluate resources as part of the 2018-19 budget process when additional
information is available on actual workload. (To the extent that the Legislature enacts legislation to
align MCRSA and Proposition 64, our recommended funding levels may need to be revised.) Once
the Legislature determines its preferred level of funding for 2017-18, we recommend it tailor the size
of the General Fund loan to meet those needs, without providing a bigger than necessary loan. We
also recommend the Legislature require an annual report on implementation and outcomes. This
type of report would both facilitate legislative oversight and help inform subsequent decisions for
how best to implement future stages of the cannabis regulatory system.
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www.lao.ca.gov Legislative Analyst’s Office 5
INTRODUCTION
various agencies charged with regulating and
taxing the cannabis industry.
This report is intended to help guide the
Legislature through these important decisions.
We begin by providing background information
on MCRSA, Proposition 64, and the funding
that the Legislature provided in 2016-17 to begin
implementation of MCRSA. Next, we summarize
the Governor’s 2017-18 budget proposals for
four regulatory agencies with responsibility
over cannabis. Finally, we assess the Governor’s
proposals and provide recommendations to the
Legislature as it faces these key decisions about
implementing a regulatory structure for medical
and nonmedical cannabis.
While voters legalized the use of medical
cannabis in California in 1996, the state did not
create a regulatory framework for medical cannabis
until the Legislature approved the Medical
Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA)
in 2015. Prior to the act, most regulation of
medical cannabis was left to local governments. In
November of 2016, voters approved Proposition 64,
which legalized and created a regulatory framework
for the nonmedical use of cannabis.
In the coming year, the Legislature will face key
choices about whether it wants to make statutory
changes to bring the regulatory frameworks of
MCRSA and Proposition 64 into greater alignment.
Additionally, the Legislature will need to determine
the staff and other resources to provide to the
BACKGROUND
Regulation of Medical Cannabis
Proposition 215 Legalized Medical Cannabis.
In 1996, voters approved Proposition 215, which
legalized the use of medical cannabis in California.
However, the measure did not create a statutory
framework for regulating or taxing it at the state
or local level. For most of the past two decades,
medical cannabis has mainly been regulated and
taxed by local governments through ordinances
and permit requirements. While the state largely
did not regulate medical cannabis, it did collect
sales tax on these products. Local jurisdictions
throughout the state have imposed restrictions on
the cultivation and sale of medical cannabis or in
some cases banned it entirely.
MCRSA Created the Regulatory Framework
for Medical Cannabis. In 2015, the Legislature
passed three state laws (Chapter 688 [AB 243,
Wood], Chapter 689 [AB 266, Bonta],
and Chapter 719 [SB 643, McGuire])—known
collectively as MCRSA—to provide a statutory
framework for the state to regulate medical cannabis.
As shown in Figure 1 (see next page), MCRSA
(as amended by the 2016-17 budget package)
requires specified state agencies to regulate the
medical cannabis industry. For example, it gives
the (1) Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
the authority to license distributors, transporters,
dispensaries, and testing laboratories; (2) California
Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) the
authority to license cultivators; and (3) Department
of Public Health (DPH) the authority to license
manufacturers of cannabis-related products (such
as baked goods). (As we discuss later, the 2016-17
budget package transferred oversight over medical
cannabis testing laboratories from DPH to DCA.)
MCRSA established a target date of January 1, 2018
for accepting license applications.
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Regulatory agencies are also required to set
standards for the labelling, quality testing, and
packaging of medical cannabis products. MCRSA
further requires the establishment of an information
technology (IT) system that uniquely identifies
cannabis plants and enables licensing authorities
to track cannabis through the distribution chain
(commonly referred to as “track and trace”).
Additionally, MCRSA authorizes state departments
to establish licensing fees to cover regulatory costs.
These fees are to be deposited into a new state
fund, the Marijuana Control Fund (MCF). MCRSA
authorizes a $10 million loan from the General Fund
to the MCF to pay for initial activities associated
with implementing the legislation.
2016-17 Budget Provided Resources to
Implement MCRSA. The 2016-17 budget provided
a total of $33.1 million and 134 positions to six state
departments in 2016-17 to implement MCRSA.
Figure 2 summarizes the various proposals
approved and their out-year effects. First, the
budget included funding—primarily for DCA and
DPH—to develop and implement regulations for
different parts of the medical cannabis industry.
Second, the budget included a total of $8 million for
DCA ($6 million) and CDFA ($2 million) to begin
development of licensing IT projects and for CDFA’s
track and trace project. Third, the budget included
resources for the Department of Fish and Wildlife
and State Water Resources Control Board to reduce
the environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation—
such as on water quality and instream flows needed
for fish spawning and migration. Fourth, the budget
included an additional loan of $19 million (in
addition to the $10 million authorized in MCRSA)
from the General Fund to the MCF to cover costs
associated with implementing MCRSA. (The
Governor’s 2017-18 budget assumes an additional
$11.5 million loan in the current year to implement
CDFA’s IT projects.)
The 2016-17 budget package also included
legislation—Chapter 32 of 2016 (SB 837, Committee
on Budget and Fiscal Review)—that made various
statutory changes, including shifting authority to
license medical cannabis laboratories from DPH to
DCA.
Legalization and Regulation of
Nonmedical Cannabis
Proposition 64 Legalized and Created a
Regulatory Framework for Nonmedical Cannabis.
In November of 2016, voters approved Proposition 64,
Figure 1
Medical Cannabis Industry to Be Regulated by
Multiple State Agencies Under MCRSA
Regulatory Agency Primary Responsibilities
Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) • License distributors, transporters, dispensaries, and testing
laboratories.a
Department of Food and Agriculture • License cultivators.
• Implement track and trace information technology system.
Department of Public Health (DPH) • License manufacturers.
Department of Fish and Wildlife • Monitor and reduce environmental impacts of cultivation.
State Water Resources Control Board • Regulate water-related impacts of cultivation.
Department of Pesticide Regulation • Develop pesticide use guidelines for cultivation.
a Responsibility for medical cannabis testing laboratories was transferred from DPH to DCA pursuant to Chapter 32 of 2016 (SB 837, Committee
on Budget and Fiscal Review).
MCRSA = Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act.
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www.lao.ca.gov Legislative Analyst’s Office 7
which legalizes the nonmedical use of cannabis.
Under Proposition 64, adults 21 years of age or
older can legally grow, possess, and use cannabis for
nonmedical purposes, with certain restrictions.
Proposition 64 also creates a statutory
framework for the state to regulate nonmedical
cannabis. Specifically, the measure requires state
agencies to regulate and license the nonmedical
cannabis industry and gives them responsibilities
similar to those established under MCRSA for
medical cannabis. For example, for nonmedical
cannabis, the measure:
• Authorizes CDFA to license cultivators.
• Charges DPH with licensing testing
laboratories and manufacturers, consistent
with MCRSA as originally adopted.
• Authorizes DCA to license distributors,
retailers (similar to medical cannabis
dispensaries), and a new license category
called microbusinesses. (Microbusinesses
can engage in cultivation of less
than 10,000 square feet, distribution,
manufacturing, and retailing.)
• Expands CDFA’s track and trace IT system
developed under MCRSA to include
cannabis for nonmedical use.
• Requires each licensing agency to charge
fees to cover its regulatory costs for
nonmedical cannabis.
• Requires licensing agencies to begin issuing
licenses by January 1, 2018.
Local Jurisdictions May Pass Ordinances to
Regulate Nonmedical Cannabis. Proposition 64
states that the measure is not intended to limit the
authority of local jurisdictions to adopt and enforce
Figure 2
Summary of Previously Authorized Funding and
Positions for MCRSA Implementation
(Dollars in Millions)
Department
Funding Authorized
2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
2018-19 and
ongoing
Consumer Affairs $1.6 $9.7 $4.0 $0.5
Food and Agriculture 3.3 5.4 3.4 3.4
Public Health 0.5 3.9 2.5 5.7
Fish and Wildlife —7.7 5.8 5.8
State Water Resources Control Board —5.7 6.7 5.7
Pesticide Regulation —0.7 0.7 0.7
Totals $5.3 $33.1 $23.1 $21.7
Positions Authorized
Consumer Affairs 9.7 33.0 33.0 33.0
Food and Agriculture 5.5 18.0 18.0 18.0
Public Health 6.0 14.0 16.0 37.0
Fish and Wildlife —31.0 31.0 31.0
State Water Resources Control Board —35.0 35.0 35.0
Pesticide Regulation —3.0 3.0 3.0
Totals 21.2 134.0 136.0 157.0
MCRSA = Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act.
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8 Legislative Analyst’s Office www.lao.ca.gov
their own local ordinances to regulate nonmedical
cannabis businesses. This could include through
local zoning and land use requirements, business
license requirements, and other requirements.
Proposition 64 Sets Up Framework for
Taxation. Proposition 64 includes taxation
provisions for both medical and nonmedical
cannabis to be administered by the Board of
Equalization (BOE). Specifically, Proposition 64
imposes new excise taxes on (1) each ounce
of cannabis grown and (2) the retail price of
cannabis products sold. Additionally, the sale
of medical cannabis, which had been subject
to sales tax, is specifically exempted from part
of that tax under Proposition 64. (Based on an
alternative interpretation of this provision, BOE
has implemented a full sales tax exemption.) The
measure does not change local governments’
existing ability to place other taxes on medical
cannabis. Nor does it restrict their ability to tax
nonmedical cannabis.
Revenues collected from the new state excise
taxes will be deposited in a new state fund, the
California Marijuana Tax Fund. Certain fines on
businesses or individuals who violate regulations
created under the measure will also be deposited
into this fund. Monies in the fund will first be
used to pay back certain state agencies for any
cannabis regulatory costs not covered by license
fees. A portion of the monies will then be allocated
for specified purposes, such as for substance use
disorder treatment and education.
Proposition 64 Authorizes Additional General
Fund Loans. The measure authorizes General Fund
loans of (1) up to $30 million to the MCF for initial
regulatory costs and (2) $5 million in 2016-17 for
the Department of Health Care Services to provide
a public information campaign about the dangers
of driving under the influence of cannabis and
the repercussions of cannabis use by minors and
pregnant women.
MCRSA and Proposition 64 Contain
Some Differing Regulatory Requirements
Proposition 64 Statutory Framework Mirrors
MCRSA in Many Areas. In many areas, the
statutory framework established by Proposition 64
mirrors the one established by MCRSA to regulate
medical cannabis. For example, as mentioned
above, the measure gives state agencies similar roles
to those assigned by MCRSA. Additionally, some
of the licenses established under Proposition 64—
such as those for small- and medium-size
cultivators—are identical to the licenses established
under MCRSA in terms of size limitations.
Some Key Differences Between MCRSA and
Proposition 64. While there are many similarities
between the statutory frameworks of MCRSA
and Proposition 64, there are also some key
differences between the laws. For example, there
are some differences between the types of licenses
they establish. Notably, Proposition 64 allows
cultivation license types that permit cannabis
grows (beginning January 1, 2023) larger than is
allowable under MCRSA. As previously mentioned,
Proposition 64 also creates the microbusiness
license type.
Another key difference is in the degree to
which entities can control multiple steps in the
cultivation, distribution, and retail chain. For
example, MCRSA generally limits a medical
cannabis licensee to holding state licenses
in no more than two categories. In contrast,
Proposition 64 generally allows a licensee to hold
licenses in more categories. Additionally, while
both MCRSA and Proposition 64 have distributor
license categories, distributor licensees under
MCRSA generally are required to be independent
entities that do not hold licenses in other license
categories. In contrast, under Proposition 64,
distributors generally can hold licenses in other
license categories.
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Some Changes to Proposition 64 Could
Require Voter Approval. Proposition 64 allows
for modifications to the framework of nonmedical
cannabis regulation by a majority vote of the
Legislature. (Modifications to Proposition 64’s
framework for nonregulatory issues, such as
taxation and criminal offenses, require a two-thirds
vote of the Legislature.) Under the measure, any
legislative changes must be consistent with the
proposition’s stated intent and further its purposes.
In some cases, it may be unclear whether a future
change to Proposition 64 would meet this criterion
and, therefore, could be enacted by the Legislature
or would require voter approval.
Cannabis Continues to Be
Illegal Under Federal Law
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess
or use cannabis, including for medical use. In
recent years, the U.S. Department of Justice has
chosen not to prosecute most cannabis users and
businesses that follow state and local cannabis laws
if those laws are consistent with federal priorities,
such as preventing cannabis from being taken to
other states. However, this federal policy could
change in the future, which might affect the state’s
ability to effectively implement regulations on
cannabis. Additionally, because possession or use
of cannabis is illegal under federal law, cannabis
cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers and
dispensaries typically do not have the same access
to federally regulated financial services, such as
banking, that other businesses have. Accordingly,
cannabis businesses often rely heavily on cash
transactions for their operations.
GOVERNOR’S PROPOSALS
Proposes $51 Million in
2017-18 for Four
Departments
As shown in Figure 3,
the Governor’s budget
proposes a total of
$51.4 million from MCF
in 2017-18 across four
departments: DCA, DPH,
CDFA, and BOE. The
budget also requests about
190 positions in 2017-18
across these departments.
Figure 3 also shows how
these funding and position
levels are proposed to
change over the next
couple of years. We discuss
Figure 3
Summary of Governor’s 2017-18 Budget Proposals for
Cannabis Implementation
(Dollars in Millions)
Department 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
2020-21 and
After
Consumer Affairs $22.5 $30.9 $30.4 $30.2
Food and Agriculture 22.4 16.1 16.1 0.0
Board of Equalizationa 5.4 2.7 2.1 2.0
Public Health 1.0 0.1 -0.2 -0.2
Totals $51.4 $49.8 $48.4 $32.1
Department
Positions
2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
2020-21 and
After
Consumer Affairs 120.0 188.0 205.0 205.0
Food and Agriculture 50.8 60.0 60.0 0.0
Board of Equalizationa 22.0 21.3 17.4 16.9
Public Health -3.0 -3.0 -3.0 -3.0
Totals 189.8 266.3 279.4 218.9
a Budget proposal also identified $1.1 million and 1.9 positions for the Board of Equalization in 2016-17.
Item 11.a. - Page 204
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10 Legislative Analyst’s Office www.lao.ca.gov
the proposals for each of these four departments in
more detail below.
DCA’s Proposal Funds Licensing,
Enforcement, and IT ($22.5 Million). As shown
in Figure 3, the Governor’s budget proposes a total
of $22.5 million for DCA in 2017-18, an amount
that would grow to roughly $30 million in out
years. The budget year funding would support the
following:
• Licensing and Enforcement
($17.4 Million). DCA requests additional
resources for licensing and enforcement
of medical and nonmedical cannabis
businesses, including dispensaries/
retailers, microbusinesses, distributors,
transporters, and testing laboratories.
Specifically, the request would support
120 staff, relocation to a new headquarters
office for DCA’s Bureau of Marijuana
Control (BMC), laboratory testing, and
vehicles and equipment. Of these proposed
positions, 50 are for enforcement, 35 are for
licensing, and 35 are for various support
functions. Out-year funding includes the
establishment of a total of five field offices
by 2019-20.
• IT Implementation and Ongoing
Maintenance ($5.1 Million). DCA also
requests funding to continue to implement
a licensing and enforcement IT project
for medical cannabis that was initially
approved in 2016-17, as well as expand the
project to cover its nonmedical cannabis
licensees. Funding is proposed to decrease
to $3.6 million beginning in 2018-19
to cover the ongoing operations and
maintenance costs of the project.
CDFA’s Proposal Funds Licensing and Track
and Trace ($22.4 Million). The Governor’s budget
proposes $22.4 million for CDFA in 2017-18 to
continue to implement statutory requirements for
cannabis cultivation licensing. This amount would
decrease to $16.1 million in 2018-19 and expire after
2019-20. The funding would support the following:
• IT Implementation and Ongoing
Maintenance ($16.9 Million). The budget
requests $16.9 million and 13 positions
in 2017-18, decreasing to $10.5 million in
2018-19 (expiring after 2019-20) to develop
and support the cultivator licensing and
track and trace IT projects. (Funding
includes $15.1 million in 2017-18 and
$8.7 million in 2018-19 and 2019-20 for
contracted services for the cultivator
licensing and track and trace systems.)
• Licensing and Enforcement ($5.5 Million).
The budget requests three-year
limited-term funding of $5.5 million and
34.3 permanent positions (growing to
40 positions in 2018-19) for license and
enforcement activities related to cultivators,
as well as one human resources support
position.
• Measurement Standards. The budget
requests 3.5 permanent positions in
2017-18, growing to 7 permanent positions
in 2018-19, to enforce standards established
by CDFA to ensure the accuracy of all
weighing and measuring devices (such
as scales) used in connection with the
sale or distribution of cannabis. No
funding is requested because revenues
received from weighmaster license and
registration fees are deposited into a
continuously appropriated account within
the Agriculture Fund to support these
activities.
BOE’s Proposal Funds Tax Administration
Activities ($5.4 Million). The Governor’s budget
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proposes $5.4 million for BOE in 2017-18,
decreasing to $2 million annually beginning
in 2020-21, to administer the new excise taxes
required under Proposition 64. (The budget also
assumes BOE spends $1.1 million in the current
year.) The funding would support drafting
regulations; conducting outreach and education;
registering taxpayers; and processing payments,
returns, collections, and appeals. This proposal
does not include funding for audits or enforcement,
so it does not reflect the full ongoing cost of
administering the new tax program.
DPH’s Proposal Funds IT and Redirects
Positions to BMC for Licensing of Testing Labs
($1 Million). The Governor’s budget proposes a
net increase of $1 million for DPH in 2017-18, an
amount that would decrease in future years and be
a net reduction to its budget of $172,000 beginning
in 2019-20. This includes the following changes:
• IT Implementation and Ongoing
Maintenance ($1.4 Million). The
Governor’s budget requests funding to
design, configure, and maintain an IT
application to process medical cannabis
manufacturers’ licenses. Although DPH
will also be responsible for licensing
nonmedical manufacturers, it has not
requested funding to incorporate this
responsibility into its IT application at this
time.
• Transfer of Testing Laboratories
(-$0.4 Million). DPH also proposes to
redirect three positions (and $410,000)
from DPH to DCA for licensing medical
cannabis testing laboratories, consistent
with the transfer of authority over these
laboratories made in the 2016-17 budget
package.
Other Provisions of the Administration’s
Cannabis Proposal
Anticipate Trailer Bill Language Will Be
Forthcoming. The administration indicates it
plans to propose 2017-18 budget trailer legislation
that will align MCRSA and Proposition 64.
However, at the time this analysis was prepared, the
administration had not provided the Legislature
with a draft of its proposed statutory changes. Nor
has the administration indicated what specific
changes it proposes to make to bring the two pieces
of law into greater conformity. One exception to
this is that the administration has indicated that
it expects to propose moving the oversight of
nonmedical testing laboratories from DPH to DCA,
so that DCA has exclusive authority over testing
laboratories. (This is consistent with the budget
proposals discussed above.)
Budget Assumes Licensing Revenue but Not
Excise Tax Revenue in 2017-18. The Governor
projects a total of $11.5 million in revenues to
the MCF from various license fees in 2017-18. In
contrast, the Governor’s budget does not project
that the state will receive any excise tax revenue
in 2017-18. (The administration projects excise
tax revenues to be over $550 million in 2018-19,
growing to over $950 million in 2021-22.)
Governor Proposes General Fund Loan in
2017-18. The Governor’s budget includes a General
Fund loan to the MCF of up to $62.7 million in
2017-18. (The administration’s fund condition
statement for MCF actually shows a higher
budget-year loan amount of $78.3 million.)
This amount would be in addition to a total of
$45.5 million projected to be loaned from the
General Fund in 2015-16 and 2016-17, including
the loans authorized under MCRSA ($10 million),
the 2016-17 Budget Act ($30.5 million), and
Proposition 64 ($5 million).
Item 11.a. - Page 206
2017-18 BUDGET
12 Legislative Analyst’s Office www.lao.ca.gov
LAO ASSESSMENT
result in state agencies providing more efficient
services to licensees by reducing complexity. Even
with a unified regulatory structure, the Legislature
could still maintain some differences between the
regulation of medical and nonmedical cannabis
where doing so makes sense. For example, the
Legislature could consider whether it wants to
allow higher potency limits for medical cannabis.
Legislature’s Authority to Amend Regulatory
Structures Depends on Nature of Changes. As
described above, the Governor indicates that he
will propose changes to the regulatory structures
for MCRSA and Proposition 64 to better align the
two systems. Under the California Constitution,
the Legislature is prohibited from making changes
to statutes added by a voter-approved initiative
(such as Propositions 215 and 64) unless the
initiative includes provisions specifically allowing
legislative changes. Otherwise, those changes
would need to be submitted to voters.
While both measures provide the Legislature
with significant authority to amend the regulatory
structures for medical and nonmedical cannabis,
its authority to modify MCRSA is broader than
for Proposition 64. Because Proposition 215 did
not establish a regulatory structure for medical
cannabis, the Legislature has broad latitude to
decide all aspects of how medical cannabis will be
regulated without having to submit those changes
to voters. Thus, the Legislature is not limited by
Proposition 215 in enacting changes to MCRSA’s
regulatory structure to align it with the provisions
of Proposition 64.
In contrast to Proposition 215, Proposition 64
establishes a regulatory structure for nonmedical
cannabis. However, Proposition 64 also explicitly
allows the Legislature to amend the measure.
Under the measure’s provisions, changes would
The Legislature will face an important
policy choice regarding the degree to which
it wants to align the statutory frameworks of
MCRSA and Proposition 64. Decisions about this
statutory alignment will further be important
in determining the level of staffing and other
resources needed to implement the two measures.
However, determining the level of resources
needed in 2017-18 and beyond is complicated by
the significant uncertainty caused by other issues,
such as the future size of the cannabis industry and
potential federal actions. In addition, we find that
the proposed General Fund loan that would be used
to fund the initial implementation costs is oversized
based on the current cost estimates proposed by the
administration.
Aligning MCRSA and
Proposition 64 Makes Sense
In the 2017-18 budget summary, the Governor
indicated that as the state moves forward with
the regulation of both medical and nonmedical
cannabis, one regulatory structure of cannabis
activities across California is needed. Therefore, the
administration will provide trailer bill language to
align the state’s cannabis regulations. The concept
of aligning the state’s regulations where feasible
makes sense. The extent to which the regulatory
structures for medical and nonmedical cannabis
are aligned would affect the resources necessary for
state departments to regulate the cannabis industry.
Alignment would likely eliminate some duplicative
regulatory functions, thereby reducing government
costs to implement and operate the program.
Alignment would also affect the regulated
community. For example, a single regulatory
system could reduce confusion amongst licensees
regarding regulatory requirements, and it could
Item 11.a. - Page 207
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www.lao.ca.gov Legislative Analyst’s Office 13
require a majority vote, a two-thirds vote, or voter
approval depending on the nature of the changes.
For example, legislative changes to the regulatory
structure for nonmedical cannabis are permitted
with a majority vote as long as they conform
with the stated intent of the measure. Changes
to the regulatory structure not deemed to be in
conformance with the measure’s intent would have
to be approved by voters.
Legislature’s Decisions About Aligning
Proposition 64 and MCRSA Will Affect Resource
Needs. The Legislature’s ultimate decisions about
aligning the regulatory structures for medical
and nonmedical cannabis will affect the level of
resources state agencies need to implement their
programs. For example, DCA indicates that its IT
proposal cost estimates are based on current law
with two regulatory systems. It further indicates
that IT costs could decline if changes in the law
resulted in a consolidated regulatory framework.
Additionally, we expect that the number of entities
that seek licenses and therefore licensing workload
could be affected by the specifics of the regulatory
structure that is ultimately selected. For instance,
the number of entities seeking distributor licenses
would likely be affected by whether the regulatory
structure generally allows these licenses to be
held along with other license types or not. The
resulting number of licensees would, in turn, have
effects on the level of resources required to regulate
those licensees. Once the Legislature makes key
decisions about which requirements of MCRSA
and Proposition 64 to align, it will be in a better
position to assess the resource needs of the state
agencies that will be implementing the regulatory
scheme.
Significant Uncertainty
Regarding Resource Needs and Timing
We find that there is significant uncertainty
regarding the resources that will be needed
to regulate and tax medical and nonmedical
cannabis. This lack of clarity stems from various
factors, including uncertainty in the (1) regulatory
decisions regarding medical and nonmedical
cannabis, (2) number of licensees and associated
workload related to this market that has not been
previously regulated by the state, (3) ongoing
needs for funding new IT systems, (4) timing of
implementation, and (5) federal stance on cannabis.
Regulatory Decisions Likely to Affect
Resource Needs. Various departments—including
DCA, DPH, and CDFA—are in the process of
drafting regulations to implement MCRSA and
Proposition 64. These three departments have
indicated that they anticipate that they will
complete their medical cannabis regulations in the
spring and their nonmedical cannabis regulations
later in the year.
Some of the decisions that are made in
the regulations could have implications on
the level of funding and positions needed to
implement the regulations in the future. This is
because the regulations will specify what types
of information—such as information related to
criminal history, ownership, or residency—have
to be provided, reviewed, and verified by the
regulating agencies. The more information that is
required will probably result in a greater level of
licensing staff needed for these reviews.
Licensing Workload Uncertain Given New
Regulatory Program. The state has not regulated
the medical cannabis industry in the past, and
nonmedical cannabis has operated on the black
market. Therefore, there is a lack of reliable
information on the current size of the cannabis
industry in California, and tremendous uncertainty
about the number of licensees that will seek to be
regulated by state agencies in the future. Given
this uncertainty, implementing agencies have
taken different approaches to estimating the size
of the cannabis industry, resulting in workload
Item 11.a. - Page 208
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14 Legislative Analyst’s Office www.lao.ca.gov
projections based on notably different estimates
of the licensee population. For example, BOE’s
budget request assumes that there will be 1,700
dispensaries/retailers remitting taxes (based
on a study performed in 2014), while DCA’s
request assumes there will be 6,000 dispensaries/
retailers (based on extrapolations from Colorado’s
experience with cannabis legalization). While
there could be different reasonable approaches to
estimating the licensee population given the lack
of reliable information, ideally all implementing
departments should be operating under similar
assumptions for the purposes of crafting the
budget.
Furthermore, the assumptions about
licensee populations used by departments has a
large effect on the licensing, enforcement, and
tax administration resources requested. Thus,
if departments’ estimates of future licensee
populations turn out to be incorrect, there could be
a significant impact on their resource needs.
There is also uncertainty about other aspects of
the workload costs associated with each licensee.
For example, DCA estimates it will conduct
enforcement-related investigations on 10 percent
of its licensees that require testing of cannabis
products. The request assumes that it will cost
$1,000 to test each cannabis sample. This cost
estimate for testing is based on information from
the University of California, Davis. However,
private testing labs reportedly charge much less
than this—often less than a couple hundred
dollars—so it is unclear what the costs will be for
this testing.
The uncertainties about the number of
licensees and associated workload become even
greater in out years as the share of new versus
renewal applications would likely change compared
to the initial years of regulation. We would
expect renewal workload to be lower than for new
applications. However, DCA’s budget request does
not account for this likely change. Accordingly, we
find that there is even greater uncertainty regarding
the DCA’s anticipated resource needs in future
years.
Amount of Resources Necessary for IT Systems
Uncertain Given Early Project Stage. There are
also uncertainties regarding the costs associated
with creating the IT systems to regulate this new
industry. Implementing departments are still in
the relatively early stages of IT project development
and implementation. For example, DCA has
not yet provided the California Department of
Technology or the Legislature with the alternatives
analysis—including cost-benefit analyses—of their
project, information that is critical in informing
the Legislature on the merits of the proposed
approach. Additionally, DCA and CDFA have not
yet completed the selection of vendors to customize
their software solutions (known as a “Systems
Integrators”). We expect that future-year funding
needs for the projects will become more certain as
they proceed.
We further note that the specific ongoing
resources requested by DCA for its IT system
appear inflated. For example, the department
has identified $1.8 million in ongoing costs for
system integration. However, we would expect
that these expenses should decline after the initial
development is complete.
Timing of Expenditures Uncertain Given
Ambitious Timeline. January 1, 2018 is an
ambitious timeline to begin accepting and issuing
licenses because departments must conduct
environmental reviews, finalize regulations and
guidelines, have staff in place, and set up IT systems
in a shorter period of time than is normal for such
a large and complex new regulatory program. If
there are delays, for example, with environmental
reviews, it could make it very difficult to meet the
January 1, 2018 implementation date. Moreover, if
the Legislature chooses to modify the regulatory
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www.lao.ca.gov Legislative Analyst’s Office 15
requirements under MCRSA or Proposition 64,
this could require departments to restart some
regulatory development activities, thereby affecting
their timelines for finalizing regulations. Thus,
there is some uncertainty as to the extent to which
departments will be able to begin issuing all new
licenses by January 1, 2018. (This uncertainty is
reflected in the administration’s estimate that there
will be no excise tax revenue from cannabis in
2017-18.) The timing of issuing new licenses will, in
turn, affect the amount of resources needed in the
budget year. For example, if licensing entities are
significantly delayed in issuing new licenses, there
may be limited tax collections and reduced need for
BOE tax administration staff in the budget year.
Federal Enforcement of Cannabis Laws
Uncertain. Existing federal policy could change
in the future. If the federal government decides
to begin enforcing federal law more stringently,
this could affect the state’s ability to effectively
implement regulations on cannabis. If operation of
medical and/or nonmedical cannabis businesses
were no longer allowed by the federal government,
this would decrease the level of resources needed
by all of the state licensing agencies involved. The
coming months may bring some additional clarity
regarding whether recent leadership changes at the
federal level will bring any modifications to federal
policies regarding cannabis enforcement.
Departments Have Taken Various
Approaches to Requests Given Uncertainty.
Notably, departments have taken different
approaches to crafting their budget proposals
in light of uncertainty about future workloads.
Some departments used more conservative
estimates of licensee populations and the resulting
workload, and in some cases, departments took
an incremental approach of phasing in funding
over a couple of years. For example, DCA phased
in its funding request over a three-year period.
DCA further requests the majority of its resources
on an ongoing basis. In contrast, CDFA and BOE
have generally taken more modest approaches to
requesting resources. Specifically, CDFA does not
propose significant additional resources in 2018-19
beyond what it requests for 2017-18, and it requests
that all of its funding be approved on a three-year
limited-term basis. Additionally, BOE’s request
(1) assumes relatively modest workload (assuming
a retailer population of only 1,700, as discussed
above), (2) seeks less funding than its workload
justifications would support in many cases,
and (3) proposes limited-term funding for over
20 percent of its positions and almost two-thirds
of its overall request. In our view, the more
conservative and incremental approaches taken by
CDFA and BOE are reasonable given the significant
uncertainty surrounding future resource needs.
General Fund Loan Amount Needed Will
Depend on Amount of Funding Approved
The administration proposes a General Fund
loan to the MCF of up to $62.7 million in 2017-18.
As shown in Figure 4, once the starting fund
balance and anticipated expenditures and licensing
revenues are taken into account, this General Fund
loan would result in an estimated fund balance at
the end of the fiscal year of $29 million, which is
likely to be higher than necessary. Even if the state
did not generate any license revenues in 2017-18,
Figure 4
Marijuana Control Fund (MCF) Fund Condition
(In Millions)
2016-17 2017-18
Resources
Beginning balance $6.9 $17.5
License revenues — 11.5
General Fund loans 35.5 62.7
a
Expenditures -24.8 -62.7
Fund Balance $17.5 $29.0
a Based on budget bill. Administration’s fund condition statement for MCF shows a
higher loan amount of $78.3 million.
Item 11.a. - Page 210
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16 Legislative Analyst’s Office www.lao.ca.gov
the MCF would have a projected balance in the
fund of $17.5 million, almost 30 percent higher
than total estimated expenditures in 2017-18. The
administration indicates that the high loan amount
was to provide financial flexibility in the event that
it decided to propose additional expenditures in
the future (such as for increased IT costs). In our
view, it is reasonable for the General Fund loan to
be of an amount that provides sufficient funding for
proposals in the event that revenues are lower than
anticipated. Beyond that, a large fund balance is not
likely to be needed.
LAO RECOMMENDATIONS
Create One Regulatory
Structure of Cannabis Activities
We recommend the Legislature work with the
administration to enact legislation to align the
regulation of medical and nonmedical cannabis to
the maximum extent possible. The administration’s
approach of creating one regulatory structure of
cannabis activities makes sense because it would
likely eliminate some duplicative regulatory
functions and reduce confusion among licensees.
For example, there are currently two departments
(DCA and DPH) charged with regulating testing
laboratories. In our view, it makes more sense
for a single department to perform this licensing
function. In addition, licensees that want to
participate in both medical and nonmedical
activities could face confusion in an unaligned
system because they would face different rules
under the two sets of regulations.
Make These Policy Choices Before Making
Budget Decisions. To the extent possible, before
making its decisions on the Governor’s requested
funding and related positions, we recommend that
the Legislature make its decisions on the extent to
which it wants to modify the provisions of MCRSA
and Proposition 64 to better align the regulatory
structures for medical and nonmedical cannabis.
Doing so could better enable the Legislature to
provide the funding and staffing levels consistent
with the ultimate regulatory structure. In addition,
over the next few months, the Legislature could
get more information that will assist it in making
its budgeting decisions, such as progress in
implementing regulations and IT systems, as well
as potentially some additional clarity on the federal
government’s approach to cannabis.
Limit Funding Provided for Out-Years
Given the high level of uncertainty regarding
the resource needs that will be required in the
future to regulate cannabis, we recommend taking
a more incremental approach to budgeting for
these departments by authorizing certain budget
requests on a limited-term basis. This approach
is reflected in Figure 5, which compares the
Governor’s proposed funding amounts to our
recommended funding amounts. (In some cases,
our recommended funding amounts reflect our
estimates based on available information.) Under
our proposed approach, departments would be
budgeted as proposed in 2017-18, but in some cases
receive less funding than requested in subsequent
years. This incremental approach would allow
the Legislature to re-evaluate resources as part
of the 2018-19 budget process when additional
information is available on actual workload. In a
few cases—such as for BOE and CDFA’s non-IT-
related request—we recommend providing the
multiyear funding requested because we either find
it to be critical or the department’s estimates are
Item 11.a. - Page 211
2017-18 BUDGET
www.lao.ca.gov Legislative Analyst’s Office 17
clearly based on conservative assumptions. (We
note that these recommendations assume that the
current statutory framework remains in place and
might need to be revised if the Legislature enacts
legislation to align MCRSA and Proposition 64.)
The specific proposals that we recommend
modifying to be limited term are described below.
• All IT-Related Funding. We recommend
approving all of the IT funding requests
for 2017-18, but reject proposed funding
in the out years. Next year, we anticipate
that better information will be available to
assess future IT costs because departments
will have selected systems integrators,
and the new IT systems should be largely
complete. At that point, departments will
have a better sense of additional work
needed to ensure the IT systems have
the desired functionality, as well as the
necessary costs to operate and maintain
their IT systems. This approach would
provide the additional benefit of giving the
Legislature an opportunity to use future
budget hearings to oversee the projects and
ensure that they remain on-track. We note
that this oversight is particularly important
for DCA given its recent challenges with
successfully managing the BreEZe IT
project.
• Share of DCA’s 2017-18 Licensing and
Testing Costs. We recommend approving a
portion of the funding requested by DCA
in 2017-18 on a two-year limited-term
basis. Given DCA’s relatively high
assumption about the number of licensees
in 2017-18, we recommend making a
share—20 percent—of its licensing and
support staff funding limited term. This
would be consistent with the share of its
enforcement staff that DCA proposes to
fund on a limited-term basis. Furthermore,
while DCA will very likely have ongoing
enforcement-related testing costs, we
recommend funding these costs on a
two-year limited-term basis rather than an
ongoing basis at this time given the level of
uncertainty regarding future-year costs.
• None of DCA’s Licensing and Enforcement
Out-Year Requests. We also recommend
denying requests for future increases in
DCA’s licensing and enforcement request
at this time. While the department
might need to increase its licensing and
enforcement activities over time (for
example, to staff the new proposed field
offices), it is too early to tell what DCA’s
ongoing level of resource needs will be.
Figure 5
Summary of Governor’s and LAO’s Recommendations for Funding Cannabis Implementation
(In Millions)
Department
2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 and After
Governor LAO Governor LAO Governor LAO Governor LAO
Consumer Affairs $22.5 $22.5 $30.9 $18.6 $30.4 $13.3 $30.2 $13.3
Food and Agriculture 22.4 22.4 16.1 5.5 16.1 5.5 — —
Board of Equalization 5.4 5.4 2.7 2.7 2.1 2.1 2.0 2.0
Public Health 1.0 1.0 0.1 -0.4 -0.2 -0.4 -0.2 -0.4
Totals $51.4 $51.4 $49.8 $26.4 $48.4 $20.5 $32.1 $14.9
Item 11.a. - Page 212
2017-18 BUDGET
18 Legislative Analyst’s Office www.lao.ca.gov
Reduce General Fund Loan to
Reflect Actual Budget Actions
Once the Legislature determines its preferred
level of funding for 2017-18, we recommend it
tailor the size of the General Fund loan provided
to the MCF to meet those needs, without providing
a bigger than necessary loan. For example, if the
Legislature were to approve the Governor’s current
requests for 2017-18, we would recommend that
the Legislature reduce the Governor’s proposed
General Fund loan by $17.5 million—from
$62.7 million to $45.2 million. This would leave
an estimated reserve in the MCF of $11.5 million,
which would provide sufficient funds to cover all
projected costs even if the state collected lower
license revenues than projected in 2017-18.
Require Additional Reporting on
Implementation of
Cannabis Regulatory Programs
Annual Report on Implementation and
Outcomes. We recommend the Legislature
enact legislation to require the administration
to submit a report by April 1 of each year on the
implementation of MCRSA and Proposition 64.
This report should summarize department
activities and program outcomes. Specifically, we
recommend that this report include data on (1) the
activities each regulatory department expects to
complete in the coming year, such as the number
of licenses that will be issued and the number
of inspections that will be performed; (2) the
actual number of these activities completed in the
past year; and (3) program outcomes. Outcomes
reporting should include measurable performance
data to indicate how well programs are functioning.
This might include, for example, the average
amount of time to process licenses and to complete
formal discipline actions against licensees. In our
view, this requirement would not constitute much
of an administrative burden for administering
departments because the information contained in
the report would be data that departments should
be collecting anyway.
We recommend that this report be required
for each of the next five years, at which time
we would expect that the programs would be
fully implemented. Until that time, however,
such a report would provide the Legislature and
stakeholders with a consolidated, single source of
information on the implementation of MCRSA
and Proposition 64. This type of report would
both facilitate legislative oversight and help inform
subsequent decisions for how best to implement
future stages of the cannabis regulatory system.
Moreover, such information could help shape
future cannabis policy by providing information
that would illuminate how well different aspects of
the programs are working.
Quarterly Briefings on IT Projects. We
recommend the Legislature adopt budget bill
language to require the departments implementing
new cannabis-related IT projects—DCA, CDFA,
and DPH—to provide legislative staff with
quarterly briefings on the status of these projects.
It is important for the Legislature to have the
information necessary to monitor the projects
given the implementation challenges inherent in
developing and implementing large new IT projects
in an expedited time frame.
Item 11.a. - Page 213
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www.lao.ca.gov Legislative Analyst’s Office 19Item 11.a. - Page 214
2017-18 BUDGET
20 Legislative Analyst’s Office www.lao.ca.gov
LAO Publications
This report was prepared by Helen Kerstein and Shawn Martin—with assistance from Seth Kerstein and Sonja Petek—
and reviewed by Brian Brown. The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) is a nonpartisan office that provides fiscal and
policy information and advice to the Legislature.
To request publications call (916) 445-4656. This report and others, as well as an e-mail subscription service,
are available on the LAO’s website at www.lao.ca.gov. The LAO is located at 925 L Street, Suite 1000,
Sacramento, CA 95814.
Item 11.a. - Page 215
ATTACHMENT 4
TABLE 1 AUMA RELATED MARIJAUNA REGULATION STATUS IN OTHER SLO COUNTY JURISDICTIONS1
JURISDICTION GENERAL
APPROACH
TO DATE
STATUS
Grover Beach Pro Ordinances 17-04 adopted in February, 2017 and
17-003 in June, 2017 approved to allow
regulated medical commercial marijuana.
San Luis Obispo Con No determination Council direction to date
indicated prohibition.
Pismo Beach Very
Limited
Prohibition adopted Nov. 2017.
Morro Bay Very
Limited
Staff currently researching and getting Council
direction.
Paso Robles Con Task Force to review regulations
Atascadero Limited Allows commercial testing and manufacturing
and recreational deliveries. Limits indoor
personal cultivation to 6 plants with a permit.
Possible future amendments may include
allowing indoor commercial cultivation and/or
recreational dispensary.
San Luis Obispo County Pro Allows regulated cultivation and recreational
and medical deliveries and medical dispensaries
with prescription through pharmacies. Prohibits
recreational dispensaries. Board of Supervisors
considering; hearing on June 20, 1018 indicates
that they may expand regulations for medical
purposes.
1 Approximated status and subject to change.
Item 11.a. - Page 216
ORDINANCE NO. 678
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO
GRANDE AMENDING SECTIONS 16.62.010 AND 16.62.050 OF THE
ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO MEDICAL
MARIJUANA CULTIVATION AND AMENDING SECTION 16.62.070
AND ADDING CHAPTER 5.95 TO TITLE 5 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA DELIVERY
SERVICES
WHEREAS, three bills were enacted by the State of California Legislature in 2015 and
signed by the Governor on October 9, 2015, that comprise the Medical Marijuana
Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA): AB 243 (Chapter 688, Statutes of 2015); AB 266
Chapter 689, Statutes of 2015); and SB 643 (Chapter 719, Statutes of 2015); and
WHEREAS, the MMRSA expressly preserves the authority of cities with regard to their
zoning powers and local actions taken in accordance with the police power under the
State Constitution; and
WHEREAS, the MMRSA also contains language that provides that if delivery services
are to be prohibited, it must be expressly prohibited by local ordinance, if a City wishes
to do so; and
WHEREAS, on January 26, 2016 the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande adopted
Ordinance No. 675 which added Chapter 16.62 to Title 16 of the Arroyo Grande
Municipal , Code prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries, cooperatives and
collectives, and deliveries of medical marijuana, and the cultivation of marijuana within
the City; and
WHEREAS, the prohibition on deliveries was based upon the City's prior prohibition of
mobile marijuana dispensaries and the MMRSA's provision that any prohibition of
delivery services must be expressly provided by local ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has subsequently determined that it is appropriate and
desirable to allow limited and strictly regulated deliveries of medical marijuana and
provide that such deliveries are only permitted by licensed services;
WHEREAS, the MMSRA otherwise contains provisions providing for local regulations
relating to delivery of medical marijuana; and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance will add provisions to the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code
that will provide procedures to select up to three delivery services that will be permitted
to make deliveries of medical marijuana in the City, provided that they meet standards
set forth in the Ordinance to protect the health and safety of the community and
ATTACHMENT 5
Item 11.a. - Page 217
ORDINANCE NO. 678
PAGE 2
provided that drivers who deliver medical marijuana receive permits after appropriate
background checks conducted by the Arroyo Grande Police Department; and
WHEREAS, the City Council also desires to amend Chapter 16.62.050 of the Arroyo
Grande Municipal Code to permit limited cultivation of medical marijuana as further set
forth in this ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande hereby makes the following
findings regarding the unregulated cultivation of medical marijuana within the
boundaries of the City:
A. The unregulated cultivation of medical marijuana can adversely affect the
health, safety and well-being of the City and its residents. Unregulated medical
marijuana cultivation increases the risk of criminal activity, degradation of the
natural environment, excessive use of electricity which may overload standard
electrical systems, and damage to buildings in which cultivation occurs, including
improper and dangerous electrical alterations and use, increased risk of fire and
fire-related hazards, inadequate ventilation, increased occurrences of home-
invasion robberies and similar crimes. Medical marijuana cultivation also creates
increased nuisance impacts to neighboring properties because of the strong,
malodorous, and potentially noxious odors which come from the plants. Further,
the indoor and outdoor cultivation of medical marijuana in or near residential
zones increases the risk of such activity and intrudes upon residential uses.
Accordingly, except for limited indoor cultivation as provided in this Ordinance, it
is the intent of the City to prohibit the cultivation of medical marijuana in the City
of Arroyo Grande.
B. Marijuana plants grown outdoors, as they begin to flower and for a period of
two (2) months or more during the growing season, produce an extremely strong
odor that is offensive to many people and detectable far beyond property
boundaries. This strong smell may create an attractive nuisance, alerting persons
to the location of the marijuana plants, thereby creating a risk of burglary,
robbery, armed robbery, assault, attempted murder, and murder.
C. Fertilizers and pesticides, both legal and illegal, used when marijuana is
grown outdoors may unreasonably increase the concentration of such chemicals
in storm water runoff thereby impacting local creeks, streams and rivers. Such
pollution may negatively affect water quality for downstream users, harm
ecosystems, and impact threatened or endangered species.
D. Water for marijuana grown outdoors may be illegally diverted from local
creeks, streams, and rivers, thereby unreasonably depriving downstream users
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PAGE 3
of beneficial water sources. Such diversions may also impact water supply, harm
ecosystems, and negatively affect threatened or endangered species.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The above recitals and findings are true and correct and are incorporated
herein by this reference.
SECTION 2. This Ordinance is adopted pursuant to the authority granted by the
California Constitution and State law, including but not limited to Article XI, Section 7 of
the State Constitution, Proposition 215, codified as Health and Safety Code Section
11362.5 et seq., the Medical Marijuana Program Act, codified as Health and Safety
Code Section 11362.7 et seq. and the MMRSA.
SECTION 3. Section 16.62.010 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code is hereby
amended in its entirety to read as follows:
16.62.010 - Purpose and findings
A. It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to prohibit medical marijuana
dispensaries, cooperatives and collectives, and limit cultivation of medical marijuana
pursuant to the City of Arroyo Grande's authority under Section 7 of Article XI of the
California Constitution, in order to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the
residents and businesses within the City of Arroyo Grande and prevent adverse impacts
which such activities may have on nearby properties and residents, as recognized by
the Courts (reference City of Riverside v. Inland Empire Patients Health & Wellness
Center., Inc., 56 Cal.4th 729 (2013) and Maral v. City of Live Oak, 221 Cal.App.4th 975
2013)) and as provided in the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (AB 243
Chapter 688, Statutes of 2015); AB 266 (Chapter 689, Statutes of 2015); and SB 643
Chapter 719, Statutes of 2015)).
B. Pursuant to the City of Arroyo Grande's police powers authorized in Article XI,
Section 7 of the California Constitution, the City has the power to regulate permissible
land uses within its boundaries and to enact regulations for the preservation of public
health, safety and welfare of its residents and community. Further, pursuant to
Government Code Sections 38771 through 38775, municipalities also have the power
through the City Council to declare actions and activities that constitute a public
nuisance.
C. The City Council finds that Proposition 215, "The Compassionate Use Act of 1996",
Senate Bill 420 enacted in 2003, also known as the Medical Marijuana Program and
the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (AB 243 (Chapter 688, Statutes of
2015); AB 266 (Chapter 689, Statutes of 2015); and SB 643 (Chapter 719, Statutes of
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PAGE 4
2015) do not preempt the City's exercise of its traditional police powers in enacting land
use regulations, such as this chapter, for preservation of public health, safety and
welfare, by prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries, cooperatives and collectives,
and regulating and limiting the cultivation of marijuana within the City."
SECTION 4. Section 16.62.050 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
16.62.050 - Cultivation
A. Except for limited indoor cultivation as provided in subsection C herein, no person or
persons owning, leasing, occupying, or having charge or possession of any parcel in the
City of Arroyo Grande, including primary caregivers and qualified patients, collectives,
cooperatives or dispensaries, shall allow such parcel to be used for the cultivation of
marijuana. Cultivation of marijuana in violation of this chapter within the City of Arroyo
Grande for any purpose is prohibited, and is expressly declared to be a public nuisance.
B. The prohibition contained in this section is intended to constitute an express
prohibition on cultivation as it relates to the provisions of Health and Safety Code
Section 11362.777(b)(3), which provides that a person or entity shall not submit an
application for a state license to cultivate marijuana under the Department of Food and
Agriculture's Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program if the proposed cultivation of
marijuana will violate the provisions of a local ordinance or regulation, or if medical
marijuana is prohibited by the City.
C. The limited indoor cultivation of marijuana in the City of Arroyo Grande is permitted
subject to the following restrictions and standards:
1. The marijuana is cultivated by a qualified patient for his or her personal use.
2. The marijuana is cultivated inside a detached single family dwelling on
property where the qualified patient resides on a full-time basis.
3. No more than fifty (50) contiguous square feet of the interior of the dwelling,
shall be devoted to the cultivation of medical marijuana. The medical marijuana
cultivation area shall not exceed 10 feet in height. These restrictions apply
regardless of how many qualified patients are residing on the property.
4. The area used for cultivation complies with California Building, Electrical and
Fire Codes as adopted by City of Arroyo Grande.
5. The marijuana cultivation is concealed so that it is not visible from the exterior
of the property, the public right-of-way, and/or neighboring properties.
6. All medical marijuana cultivated pursuant to this section shall be for the
personal use only of a qualified patient residing on the property and may not be
distributed to any other person, collective or cooperative. The qualified patient
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PAGE 5
shall not participate in medical marijuana cultivation in any other residential
location within the City of Arroyo Grande.
7. The lighting for the cultivation shall not exceed 1200 watts. The use of
flammable or combustible products, including but not limited to, propane and
butane for cultivation and processing is prohibited.
8. The cultivation of marijuana shall not take-place in a garage, kitchen, bathroom
or occupied bedroom of the dwelling.
9. The marijuana cultivation shall not adversely affect the health or safety of the
occupants of other property in the vicinity by creating dust, glare, heat, noise,
noxious gasses, odor, smoke, traffic, vibration or other impacts and shall not be
maintained in a manner so as to constitute a hazard due to use or storage of
materials, processes, products or wastes.
10. Nothing in this subsection is intended, nor shall it be construed, to preclude
any landlord from limiting or prohibiting medical marijuana cultivation by tenants."
SECTION 5. Section 16.62.070 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
16.62.070 - Deliveries
It shall be unlawful for any person to deliver medical marijuana or medical cannabis
products or engage in activities that constitute delivery of medical marijuana or medical
cannabis products anywhere within the boundaries of in the City of Arroyo Grande
unless the medical marijuana delivery service and each delivery driver is licensed in
accordance with the provisions of Chapter 5.95 of this Code.
SECTION 6. Chapter 5.95 is hereby added to Title 5 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal
Code to read as follows:
Chapter 5.95 - MEDICAL MARIJUANA DELIVERY SERVICES
5.95.010 - Definitions
For the purposes of this chapter the following words and phrases shall have the
meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:
City" shall mean the City of Arroyo Grande.
Chief of Police" shall mean the Chief of Police of the City of Arroyo Grande or
his or her designee.
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City Manager" shall mean the City Manager of the City of Arroyo Grande or his
or her designee.
Marijuana" means all parts of the plant genus Cannabis, whether growing or
not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every
compound, manufacture,, salt, derivative, mixture or preparation of the plant, its seeds or
resin, and includes "cannabis", "medical cannabis", "cannabis product" and "medical
cannabis product" as defined in Business and Professions Code Sections 19300.5(f)
and (ag).
Marijuana Delivery" or "Delivery" means the commercial transfer of marijuana
from one location to another. "Delivery" shall also have the meaning set forth in
Business and Professions Code Section 19300.5 (m).
Marijuana Delivery Driver' shall mean any individual who drives or operates a
marijuana delivery vehicle in which marijuana is delivered.
Marijuana Delivery Service" means a person or persons engaged in the
business of owning, controlling or operating one or more marijuana delivery vehicles
which transport, carry, or deliver marijuana in such marijuana delivery vehicle, or
marijuana delivery vehicles, anywhere within the City of Arroyo Grande.
Marijuana Delivery Vehicle" means a motor vehicle, as that term is defined in the
Vehicle Code of the State of California, used for the transportation of marijuana.
Person" includes any person, firm, association, organization, partnership, joint
venture, business trust, corporation or company.
Primary Caregiver". This,shall have the meaning set forth in Health and Safety
Code Section 11362.7(d).
Qualified Patient". This shall have the meaning set forth in Health and Safety
Code Section 11362.7(f).
5.95.020 - Marijuana Delivery Service License Required; Limitation on Number of
Licenses, Criteria and Granting of Licenses
Every marijuana delivery service shall obtain a marijuana delivery service license from
the City prior to any operation within the City. The Chief of Police may grant or cause to
be granted up to three marijuana delivery service licenses to operate in the City of
Arroyo Grande.
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PAGE 7 '
Marijuana delivery service licenses shall be issued based upon an open application
process. The Chief of Police shall give public notice of the opening of a 30 day period
during which applications for marijuana delivery services will be accepted by having
such notice published in a newspaper of general circulation pursuant to Government
Code Section 6061 and posting the notice on the City's website. Applications shall be
signed under penalty of perjury- that the applicant has personal knowledge of the
information being submitted and that it is true.
Granting of marijuana delivery service licenses shall be made at the sole discretion of
the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall rank the applications received using the
criteria contained in this section, based upon those that best meet the needs of the
community and will deliver services and operate in a manner-that will protect the public
health and safety. The highest ranked qualified applicants equal to the number of
available medical marijuana delivery service licenses shall be granted licenses pursuant
to this chapter. The decision of the Chief of Police shall be final.
When the Chief of Police has reviewed qualified applications within two years of any
open application process under the provisions of this section and less than three
licenses are active, at the discretion of the Chief of Police, review may be limited to
applications previously submitted through the prior open application process.
In addition to the information required in section 5.95.050, applicants shall address the
following criteria, which shall be used by the Chief of Police as a basis for granting
marijuana delivery service licenses:
The applicant shall describe their experience in the marijuana delivery service
business, including their knowledge of applicable medical marijuana laws and
regulations.
The applicant shall describe its plan and procedures for safely and securely
delivering medical marijuana to qualified patients. This shall address procedures
for preventing theft or diversion of medical marijuana.
The applicant shall demonstrate knowledge relating to where and how the
marijuana they deliver is cultivated, various strains of marijuana, and its
experience, if applicable, growing those strains or comparable agricultural
products.
The applicant shall describe its plan for keeping records required by this chapter.
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PAGE 8
The applicant shall describe steps taken to ensure quality, including the purity
and consistency of the medical marijuana it delivers to qualified patients. This
shall include labeling, packaging and how it ensures consumer safety by testing
for biological and chemical contaminants, pursuant to state or federal,standards,
for food, drugs or tobacco. It shall also include details regarding procedures
used to prepare any medical marijuana edibles to comply with State food safety
requirements, as well as the source of marijuana used in edible products.
The applicant shall describe their personnel procedures and hiring practices,
including the manner in which they ensure that employees are familiar with their
procedures for safely and securely delivering medical marijuana, procedures to
prevent theft or diversion, as well as the employee's knowledge of applicable
medical marijuana laws and regulations. If the applicant maintains an employee
handbook, copies shall be provided with the application.
Marijuana delivery service licenses are not transferable. They shall be deemed
terminated if the owner or operator who was granted a license discontinues or suspends
delivery operations for a period of more than thirty days without permission obtained
from the Chief of Police.
When the State Bureau of Medical Marijuana has commenced issuing licenses pursuant
to the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (Chapter 3.5 (beginning with
Section 19300) of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code, all medical
marijuana delivery services operating in the City shall also present proof to the Chief of
Police that it has been issued required state license(s). Receipt of a marijuana delivery
service license pursuant to this chapter shall constitute express authorization for
delivery in the City of Arroyo Grande, as provided in Business and Professions Code
Section 19300.5(n).
5.95.030 - Marijuana Delivery Service License Exemptions
A. A primary caregiver engaged in the delivery of marijuana to a qualified
patient for which they are the primary caregiver is exempt from a requirement for a
marijuana delivery service license.
B. A qualified patient engaged in the transportation of marijuana solely for his
or her own personal use is exempt from a requirement for a marijuana delivery service
license.
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PAGE 9
5.95.040 — Fees, Business Licenses, and Term
A.Every marijuana delivery service licensed by the City shall pay application
and license fees as stated in the City's Master Fee Schedule. Upon
approval of the marijuana delivery service license application, the
marijuana delivery service shall pay the fee as stated in the City's Master
Fee Schedule per marijuana delivery vehicle, and the City shall issue a
marijuana delivery vehicle license sticker for each properly insured
marijuana delivery vehicle. The annual marijuana delivery service license
renewal fee shall be as stated in the City's Master Fee Schedule per year,
and the annual fee per marijuana delivery vehicle for the license sticker as
stated in the City's Master Fee Schedule. Each applicant shall also
present to the City the prescribed amount set by the Department of
Justice of the State of California for the processing of the applicant's
fingerprints.
B.Each applicant for a marijuana delivery driver's permit shall pay to the
City, application fees and annual permit fees as stated in the City's Master
Fee Schedule. The annual renewal permit fee shall also be as stated in
the Master City's Fee Schedule. Each applicant shall present to the City
the prescribed amount set by the Department of Justice of the State of
California for the processing of the applicant's fingerprints.
C.Each marijuana delivery service shall pay all applicable business license
fees as required by Chapter 5.02 of this code, and pay any other
applicable taxes pursuant to Federal, State and local law.
D. Term. All licenses and stickers issued to marijuana delivery services and
marijuana delivery drivers shall be for the period of no more than one
calendar year, and shall expire at midnight on the 31st day of December,
subject to annual renewal by the Chief of Police. Initial annual fees shall
be prorated based upon when in the year it is issued, however,
application fees and annual fees shall not otherwise be subject to
reductions or refunds.
E.Prior to any renewal the Chief of Police shall review the licensee or
permitee for satisfactory performance and compliance with the provisions
of this Code during the preceding year, and also confirm the continuing
validity of all information that was submitted by the licensee or permittee
during the initial application process.
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PAGE 10
5.95.050 — Marijuana Delivery Service License Application
A. In addition to submitting information relating to the selection criteria in
section 5.95.020, every application for a marijuana delivery service license submitted in
response to an open application process shall contain:
1. • Name and address of the applicant.
2. If the applicant is a corporation, the names and addresses of its directors.
Copies of any relevant Articles of Incorporation, and any medical marijuana
collective/cooperative agreement and membership forms shall be submitted with
the application.
3. Area within which the delivery service proposes to operate.
4. Kind and amount of public liability and property damage insurance
covering each vehicle to be used for marijuana delivered within the City.
5. Owner's trade name and business address.
6. Listing of all vehicles to be used for marijuana delivery within the City, their
make, model (year), license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number.
B. Whenever an employee of a marijuana delivery service files an application
for a marijuana delivery driver's permit, or renewal hereof, with the City, the employer
marijuana delivery service shall within 10 days after the filing of the application by the
employee with the City, submit to the City by first class U.S. mail copies of the results
and other records pertaining to the testing of the employee for the use of alcohol and
controlled substances conducted pursuant to mandatory controlled substance and
alcohol testing certification program required by Section 5.95.200.
5.95.060 - Investigation of Marijuana Delivery Service Application
A. All applications submitted as part of a marijuana delivery service open
application process shall be referred to the Chief of Police for investigation in order to
determine if the applicant is qualified. The Chief of Police shall obtain a copy of the
applicant's criminal record in the United States, if any, and may obtain the criminal
record, if any, in any other country, if obtaining such foreign criminal record is feasible.
B. The Chief of Police in making determinations relating to granting medical
marijuana delivery licenses may also demand personal references from applicants and
may make such further investigation of applicants as deemed appropriate.
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PAGE 11
5.95.070 - Insurance Requirements
The insurance required before a marijuana delivery service license can be issued shall
insure the public against any loss or damage that may result to any person or property
from the operation of any marijuana delivery vehicle used by the marijuana delivery
service in its business as such. The amount of insurance shall not be less than
1,000,000.00 per occurrence combined single limit for bodily injury and property
damage. The City, its officers, agents and employees shall be named as additional
insureds on any policy. Insurance shall include contractual liability to cover liability
assumed in contract, shall include a severability of interest or equivalent wording, and
shall specify that insurance coverage afforded to the City shall be primary.
5.95.080 - Insurance Certificate Prerequisite to Issuance
No marijuana delivery service license shall be issued until the applicant first files with
the City a certificate of insurance, on a form acceptable by the City. Said certificate shall
provide evidence of insurance in amounts and with conditions acceptable to the City
and shall be approved by the City Manager. The marijuana delivery service insurance
shall remain in force during the entire term of the license, and if such insurance is
canceled or terminated, it shall be grounds for revocation or suspension of the license
until a valid certificate is furnished to the City.
5.95.090 - Hold Harmless Agreement
As a condition of the license, each marijuana delivery service shall execute an
agreement indemnifying and holding harmless the City, its officers, agents and
employees from any and all damages, claims, liabilities, costs including attorney's fees,
suits or other expenses resulting from and arising out of said marijuana delivery service
operations. The agreement shall provide that the marijuana delivery service agrees to
defend, at it sole expense, any action against the City, its officers, agents and
employees and reimburse the City of any court costs and attorney fees that the City
may be required to pay as a result of any such action or issuance of the license. The
City, may, at its sole discretion, participate at its own expense in the defense of any
action, but such participation shall not relieve the licensee of its obligations hereunder.
5.95.100 - Revocation or Suspension of Marijuana Delivery Service License
A marijuana delivery service license or a renewal thereof may be revoked or suspended
if the license holder:
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PAGE 12
A. Has knowingly made a false statement in a material matter either in his or
her application or in any reports or other documents furnished by him or her to the City.
B. Does not maintain and operate his or her marijuana delivery vehicle and
other equipment in the manner and in the condition required by law and applicable
regulations.
C. Is required to register as a sex offender under the provisions of Section
290 of the California Penal Code.
D. Has been convicted of any offense relating to the use, sale, possession or
transportation of narcotics or habit-forming drugs.
E. Has utilized drivers who are under suspension, revocation or probation by
the Department of Motor Vehicles for a cause involving the safe operation of a motor
vehicle, or have been convicted of any of the following offenses: driving while
intoxicated; or reckless driving involving bodily injury.
F. Has been convicted of any offense punishable as a felony, or has been
convicted within a 10-year period immediately preceding the crime of theft in either
degree.
G. Has been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude.
H. Utilizes drivers who have been involved in any motor vehicle accident
causing death or personal injury.
I.Utilizes drivers who have been involved in three or more motor vehicle
accidents.
J.Failed to pay required license fees.
K. Has violated any provision of this chapter or engaged in any conduct that
adversely affects the health, welfare or safety of the community.
5.95.110 - Revocation Procedures
A. The City may give notice to a marijuana delivery service of its intention to
revoke a marijuana delivery service license. If deemed it will be a hazard to the health,
safety or welfare, for the marijuana delivery service to continue operations pending a
revocation hearing, the City may suspend the license and all rights and privileges
thereunder until the hearing on revocation. The notice shall specify a time and place at
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PAGE 13
which a hearing will be held before a hearing officer designated by the City Manager.
The hearing officer may be a department head, or his or her designee, or other
disinterested person. The employment, performance evaluation, compensation and
benefits of the hearing officer, if any, shall not be directly or indirectly conditioned upon
the determinations made by the hearing officer.
The hearing shall be conducted not less than seven days after the date of the notice,
unless the operator agrees to a shorter period of time. Unless the marijuana delivery
service consents, a hearing must be held within 14 days of a suspension. The notice
shall specify the reasons for the proposed revocation in sufficient detail so as to fully
inform the marijuana delivery service of the reasons which have caused the notice to be
given, and if the marijuana delivery service license has been suspended the reasons for
such suspension. A copy of the notice shall be sent to the Chief of Police.
B. The marijuana delivery service and Chief of Police shall each have the
right to be represented by counsel, to call and examine witnesses, cross-examine
witnesses, and argue their respective positions. The proceedings shall be informal, and
strict rules of evidence shall not apply. All evidence shall be admissible which is of the
kind that reasonably prudent persons rely on in making decisions.
C. The hearing officer shall render a recommended decision in writing to the
City Manager, and include the reasons therefor. The City Manager may accept, or
modify the hearing officer's recommendation.and the decision of the City Manager shall
be final.
5.95.120 - Marijuana Delivery Service Operating Requirements
A. Deliveries shall be directly to the residence or business address of the
qualified patient who possesses an identification card issued pursuant to Health and
Safety Code Section 11362.71 et seq. or to that person's primary caregiver. Any other
delivery or transaction is prohibited. The qualified patient or primary caregiver shall
maintain a copy of the delivery request and make it available to law enforcement
officers upon request as required by Business and Professions Code Section 19340(e).
B. No marijuana delivery service shall permit any person other than a
marijuana delivery vehicle driver, licensed in accordance with this chapter, to operate
any of its marijuana delivery vehicles in which marijuana is delivered within the City.
C. In accordance with the requirements of Business and Professions Code
section 19340, during delivery, licensees shall maintain a physical copy of the delivery
request and shall make it available to law enforcement officers upon request. Each
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PAGE 14
marijuana delivery service shall maintain a written record of every request for delivery, -
including the name of the requestor, the address for the delivery, the quantity and type
of marijuana requested, the date and time the delivery request is received, the
marijuana delivery vehicle that is assigned to make the delivery, and the marijuana
delivery driver that is assigned to make the delivery.
D. Each marijuana delivery service shall assure that every marijuana delivery
driver shall have a copy of the record of the delivery request during the delivery of any
marijuana in the City. Employees delivering medical marijuana shall carry a copy of the
delivery services license and present it and the employee's identification to law
enforcement officers upon request. Deliveries shall only occur between the hours of
10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
E. Other than displaying required marijuana delivery vehicle license stickers,
delivery vehicles shall not contain advertisements for commercial cannabis activities nor
shall it advertise the name of the dispensary.
F. Delivery drivers shall not transport medical marijuana in excess of any
applicable limits established by the Bureau of Medical Marijuana.
G. Each marijuana delivery service shall maintain, for a minimum of three
years, a written accounting or ledger of all cash, receipts, credit card transactions, and
reimbursements, (including any in-kind contributions) as well, as records of all
operational expenditures and costs incurred by the marijuana delivery service in
accordance with generally accepted accounting practices and standards typically
applicable to business records, which records shall be subject to audit or inspection by
the City upon request.
H. Each marijuana delivery service shall keep current the information
furnished under Section 5.95.050. The information shall be furnished to the City.
I.All products delivered shall have been tested in a manner consistent with
the procedures described in the marijuana delivery service application, as required by
Section 5.95.020.
5.95.130 - Marijuana Delivery Driver's Permit - Required
Every marijuana delivery driver who drives a marijuana delivery vehicle for which a
marijuana delivery service license is required or has been issued shall obtain a
marijuana delivery driver's permit from the City prior to driving a marijuana delivery
vehicle within the City.
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PAGE 15
5.95.140 - Application
A. Every applicant for a marijuana delivery driver's permit must be employed
or have an offer of employment by a licensed marijuana delivery service. Every
marijuana delivery driver shall file an application for a marijuana delivery driver's permit
on a form supplied by the City.
B. For marijuana delivery drivers employed by a marijuana delivery service,
employer marijuana delivery service shall comply with subsection B of Section 5.95.050
of this chapter. An applicant for a marijuana delivery driver's permit shall immediately
upon the filing of an application inform the employer of the requirements of this section
and of subsection B of Section 5.09.050.
5.95.150 - Referral of Application to Chief of Police
The application for a marijuana delivery driver's permit shall be referred to the Chief of
Police, who shall make the same type of investigation as set forth in Section 5.95.060
and approve or disapprove the application.
5.95.160 - Procedure on Disapproval
A. Within 15 days after notification of disapproval, an applicant may appeal to
the City Manager, in writing, from the disapproval of the Chief of Police, giving
the reasons in full as to why the permit should be issued in spite of the
disapproval. A copy of the appeal shall be sent by applicant to the Chief of
Police and City Manager at the same time.
B. The City Clerk shall set a hearing,on the appeal of the applicant, and shall fix
a time and a date certain, within 30 days after the receipt of applicant's
appeal by the City (or such longer time as applicant shall agree to) to hear
and consider the appeal of applicant. The City Clerk shall notify the applicant,
Chief of Police and City Manager of the time and place of hearing at least
seven days prior to the date of the hearing.
C. A hearing officer designated by the City Manager shall hear the appeal. The
hearing officer may be a department head, or his or her designee, or other
disinterested person. The employment, performance evaluation,
compensation and benefits of the hearing officer, if any, shall not be directly
or indirectly conditioned upon the determinations made by the hearing officer.
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PAGE 16
D. All testimony at the hearing shall be given under oath or affirmation. The
applicant and Chief of Police shall have the right to be represented by
counsel. Applicant and Chief shall each have the right to call and examine
witnesses, cross-examine witnesses and argue their respective positions. The
proceeding shall be informal, and the strict rules of evidence shall not apply,
and all evidence shall be admissible which is of the kind that reasonably
prudent persons rely on in making decisions.
The hearing officer shall determine the order of procedure and shall rule on all
objections to admissibility of evidence. Applicant and Chief of Police shall each be
given a full and fair hearing. The hearing officer shall render a recommended decision in
writing to the City Manager, and include the reasons therefore within 10 days after the
close of the hearing. The City Manager may accept, or modify the hearing officer's
recommendation and the decision of the City Manager shall be final.
5.95.170 - Issuance
Upon receipt of the approval of the City, it shall issue to the applicant a marijuana
delivery driver's permit, which shall be in the form of a card containing the permitee's
name, photograph and right index fingerprint.
5.95.180 - Notice of Revocation — Suspension - Procedures
The City may give a notice of intention to revoke a marijuana delivery driver's
permit, and may suspend such permit pending a hearing, as in the case of a marijuana
delivery service license, and the procedures for revocation, and the rights of the parties
shall be the same, insofar as applicable as in the case of revocation of a marijuana
delivery service license.
5.95.190 -Automatic Suspension of Marijuana Delivery Driver's Permit
Any marijuana delivery driver's permit issued hereunder shall be automatically
suspended and be null and void during any period of time that the marijuana delivery
driver's State motor vehicle operator's license is suspended, revoked, or for any other
reason is invalid or inoperative.
5.95.200 - Mandatory Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing Program
A. Every marijuana delivery service shall develop and adopt a mandatory
controlled substance and alcohol testing certification program in compliance with
Government Code Section 53075.5 and in accord with the procedures set forth in Part
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PAGE 17
40 (commencing with Section 40.1) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. A
copy of the mandatory controlled substance and alcohol testing certification program
adopted pursuant to this section shall be delivered to the Chief of Police and City
Manager.
B. The employer marijuana delivery service's mandatory controlled
substance and alcohol testing certification program shall contain a provision that, while
the employer marijuana delivery service license is in effect, the employer marijuana
delivery service shall, upon request of the City, make available for inspection copies of
all results and other records pertaining to the testing for the use of alcohol and
controlled substances conducted pursuant to the mandatory controlled substance and
alcohol testing certification program required by this section.
C. The employer marijuana delivery service's mandatory controlled
substance and alcohol testing certification program shall, at a minimum, require every
marijuana delivery driver to submit to testing at least once every year and submit to
mandatory testing following citation for a moving violation or being involved in a vehicle
accident.
D. Failure to comply with the requirements of this section constitutes grounds
for denial, revocation or suspension of a marijuana delivery service license pursuant to
this chapter. The procedures for denial, suspension or revocation shall be the same as
those prescribed for suspension or revocation of a marijuana delivery service license
elsewhere in this chapter.
5.95.210 - Grounds for Denial, Revocation or Suspension of Marijuana Delivery
Driver's Permit
The granting of a marijuana delivery driver's permit or a renewal thereof may be
denied and an existing permit may be revoked or suspended if the permit holder or
applicant:
A. Has knowingly made a false statement in a material matter either in his or
her application or in any reports or other documents furnished by him or her to the City.
B. Does not maintain and operate his or her marijuana delivery vehicle and
other equipment in the manner and in the condition required by law and applicable
regulations.
C. Is required to register as a sex offender under the provisions of Section
290 of the California Penal Code.
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ORDINANCE NO. 678
PAGE 18
D. Has been convicted of any offense relating to the use, sale, possession or
transportation of narcotics or habit-forming drugs.
E. Within the three-year period immediately preceding the application has
been under suspension, revocation or probation by the Department of Motor Vehicles
for a cause involving the safe operation of a motor vehicle, or has been convicted of any
of the following offenses: driving while intoxicated; or reckless driving involving bodily
injury.
F. Has been convicted of any offense punishable as a felony, or has been
convicted within a 10-year period immediately preceding the crime of theft in either
degree.
G. Has been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude.
H. Has been involved within the two years immediately preceding the
application in any motor vehicle accident causing death or personal injury.
I.Has been involved in three or more motor vehicle accidents within the
year immediately preceding the application.
J.Failed to pay required permit fees.
K. Has violated any provision of this chapter.
5.95.220 - Additional Marijuana Delivery Driver Conditions
In addition to the conditions and grounds for the issuance and retention of a marijuana
delivery driver's permit issued pursuant to this chapter, a marijuana delivery driver's
permit shall be issued and retained subject to the following conditions:
A. The marijuana delivery driver shall be at least 21 years old prior to
issuance of a marijuana delivery driver's permit.
B. Employment, or an offer of employment, as a marijuana delivery driver
has been made by a licensed marijuana delivery service.
C. The marijuana delivery driver's permit shall become void upon termination
of employment of the marijuana delivery driver.
D. The marijuana delivery service employer shall notify the City upon
termination of employment of a marijuana delivery driver.
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PAGE 19
E. The marijuana delivery driver's permit shall state the name of the
marijuana delivery service employer.
F. The marijuana delivery driver shall return the marijuana delivery driver's
permit to the City upon termination of employment.
G. The marijuana delivery driver shall not test positive pursuant to the
employer marijuana delivery service's mandatory controlled substance and alcohol
testing certification program.
5.95.230 - Marijuana Delivery Driver Duties
A. No marijuana delivery driver shall permit any person other than another
marijuana delivery vehicle driver, who has been issued a permit in accordance with this
chapter, to operate the marijuana delivery vehicle in which marijuana is delivered within
the City.
B. Each marijuana delivery driver shall have a copy of the record of the
delivery request during the delivery of any marijuana in the City.
SECTION 7. This ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines
Section15061(b)( 3) which is the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which
have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment and CEQA does
not apply where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity
may have a significant effect on the environment.
SECTION 8. A summary of this Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper published
and circulated in the City of Arroyo Grande at least five (5) days prior to the City Council
meeting at which the proposed Ordinance is to be adopted. A certified copy of the full
text of the proposed Ordinance shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk. Within
fifteen (15) days after adoption of the Ordinance, the summary with the names of those
City Council members voting for and against the Ordinance shall be published again,
and the City Clerk shall post a certified copy of the full text of such adopted Ordinance.
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its
passage.
SECTION 9. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect thirty (30)
days after its passage.
SECTION 10. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance
is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of
competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed
this Ordinance and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase not
Item 11.a. - Page 235
ORDINANCE NO. 678
PAGE 20
declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion of the
ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
On motion by Council Member Barneich, seconded by Council Member Guthrie, and by
the following roll call vote to wit:
AYES: Council Members Barneich, Guthrie, Brown, Harmon, and Mayor Hill
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
the foregoing Ordinance was adopted this 28th day of June, 2016.
Item 11.a. - Page 236
ORDINANCE NO. (Q7'
PAGE 21
4
JI HILL, MAYOR
TTEST:
0441.01,t__
KELLY ETM RE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
r
GEOF z ' `H, ACTIN TY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
EATHER K. WHITHAM, CITY ATTORNEY
Item 11.a. - Page 237
OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION
I, KELLY WETMORE, City Clerk of the City of Arroyo Grande, County of San
Luis Obispo, State of California, do hereby certify under penalty of perjury, that
the attached Ordinance No. 678 which was introduced at a regular meeting of the
City Council on June 14, 2016; was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of
the City Council on the 28th day of June 2016; and was duly published in
accordance with State law (G.C. 40806).
WITNESS my hand and the Seal of the City of Arroyo Grande affixed this 29th
day of June 2016.
KELLY TMO , CITY CLERK
Item 11.a. - Page 238