When my state voted to be first in the nation to legalize and regulate marijuana for adults over 21, many people didn’t know what to expect. As a mother of a teenage boy, I was among them. There were plenty of scare tactics from opponents to the measure — in Oregon you are probably hearing the same thing.
Here is the reality: Life is pretty much the same after marijuana legalization. And the law is working well.
The most frightening picture painted by opponents was that there would be drugged drivers all over the highways. That’s definitely not the case. In fact, deadly crashes on Colorado roads are down since legal marijuana went on sale.
The police are taking the law’s protection of our kids very seriously. In undercover checks at marijuana stores statewide, 100% refused to sell to minors. Unlike drug dealers who never ask for I.D., these legitimate businesses have a lot to lose.There is even a statewide ad campaign warning teenagers not to take a chance with their developing brains by trying marijuana under age.
Opponents said there would be more crime. Since regulated marijuana went on sale, violent crime, robberies and burglaries are all down in Denver.
And in just the first five months of legal sales, Colorado earned $23.6 million in taxes, licensing and fees on marijuana. That’s money previously being funneled to drug cartels. Now it will pay for schools, treatment and law enforcement.
And people would be smoking marijuana in the streets? The law doesn’t allow it.
I can tell you that here in Colorado, life keeps going as normal. There is more personal freedom with the added bonus of more money for vital services.
Turns out I’m glad I voted yes for marijuana in Colorado, and I’d urge you to vote yes on Measure 91.
Lily Marsh – Denver, CO
(This information furnished by Lily Marsh.)