When other nation states turn to drugs for the economy we refer to them as Narco states.We are burning and dropping herbicides in those Nations in a war on drugs. The drugs are supporting militias we're not fond of and we shudder to think of what their youth is becoming. Sound familiar? The dope legal states here are supplying surrounding states users to a greater degree.Most of Nevadas new found gold mine goes straight down Interstate 15 south into Southern Ca.They didn't sell out 15 tons in one day to local Vegas users and Cowboys from Reno.Don't mention visiting a Casino with ten grand blown out of your mind on wicked Indica. The other small problem is that the majority of dope smokers are younger folks who have'nt and may not finish the vastly improved education system this Manna from heaven is lending to the fine state of Co.
As a small business owner since 1995 in the Globeville neighborhood of Denver and community leader, I can attest that the "Rocky Mountain high" enjoyed by tourists is at the expense of residents in the impoverished neighborhoods like Globeville, Elyria and Swansea. With 2% of Denver's population and almost 25% of Denver's 450+ mj locations, the residents live with grows next to homes and within 500' of schools and playgrounds. You have to go 3 to 5 miles for a grocery store but only walk down the block to find a marijuana store. The influx of the monied marijuana industry has driven up the cost of warehouse real estate such that other businesses, like a local food bank, cannot find affordable space in the communities they serve.
Young children can recognize the smell of pot and local school children complain of headaches and burning eyes and walking past mj stores on the way to school. Quality of life for these residents is the collateral damage for what Denver City Council calls the "unintended consequences" of its marijuana policies: the dirty secret of exploitation of people living in poverty and minority communities.
Young children can recognize the smell of pot and local school children complain of headaches and burning eyes and walking past mj stores on the way to school. Quality of life for these residents is the collateral damage for what Denver City Council calls the "unintended consequences" of its marijuana policies: the dirty secret of exploitation of people living in poverty and minority communities.
Durango Artisanal wrote: "With responsible use, it can benefit people's lives greatly."
I agree. And all I wrote, in the first place, is that the people profiled in the article do not seem to be using it responsibly. There are no medicinal benefits mentioned for the people on the tour, and yet it seems they were stoned all day long.
I agree. And all I wrote, in the first place, is that the people profiled in the article do not seem to be using it responsibly. There are no medicinal benefits mentioned for the people on the tour, and yet it seems they were stoned all day long.
2
I'm surprised that more states haven't jumped on the legalize pot train. Here in NC if you're caught with more than an ounce it's a felony. This is the new revenue stream states should be looking for...safe, highly taxed and fun. Hopefully one day soon NC will get on the train.
3
As a card carrying member of NORMAL (National Organization For The Reform of Marijuana Laws) for over 45 years the legailization of pot in Colorada is certainly a welcome political milestone. On the other hand, the endless pun-fest and weed laced prose is a journalistic crutch supporting a story that has no weight.
While the story relates the cost of lodging and transportation there is no mention of the cost of the products to the tourist? Certainly the fees imposed by the tourist companies don't include the cost of the cannabis products ingested by the consumers of pot tourism. Yet the story concentrates on the endless ways to consume the THC that fuels the tourism?
Even the most basic travelogue should inform the reader of the cost associated with consuming cannabis on such a magical mystery tour. Furthermore, I can't imagine a less interesting part of Colorado to experience than the business side of the fledgling cannabis industry. Who cares how pot peddlers organize their distribution and growing fascilities? Cooking with pot may be interesting to foodies but how will that experience benefit them when they return home where the ingredients can't be purchased?
As the novelty of pot legalization in Colorado diminishes, directly in proportion to the increase in the number of states that legalize it, the contribution of pot to tourism will completely evaporate.
While the story relates the cost of lodging and transportation there is no mention of the cost of the products to the tourist? Certainly the fees imposed by the tourist companies don't include the cost of the cannabis products ingested by the consumers of pot tourism. Yet the story concentrates on the endless ways to consume the THC that fuels the tourism?
Even the most basic travelogue should inform the reader of the cost associated with consuming cannabis on such a magical mystery tour. Furthermore, I can't imagine a less interesting part of Colorado to experience than the business side of the fledgling cannabis industry. Who cares how pot peddlers organize their distribution and growing fascilities? Cooking with pot may be interesting to foodies but how will that experience benefit them when they return home where the ingredients can't be purchased?
As the novelty of pot legalization in Colorado diminishes, directly in proportion to the increase in the number of states that legalize it, the contribution of pot to tourism will completely evaporate.
1
I'm all for legalization. but the juvenile obsession people have with weed culture even into adulthood is tiring. These people on these tours remind me of high school kids that thought they were so rebellious and edgy because they spent their days buying/selling and smoking weed. We get it, you flout authority and dabble in taboos. You really had nothing better to do with your vacation than go somewhere for the novelty of smoking weed in an airport shuttle? Grow up. Something tells me if bananas were illegal, we would have a whole counter culture of banana fanatics that could tout their benefits and ensure you the world would be a greater a place if we all just ate bananas all the time.
7
Spot on. I can't imagine a more boring group of folks to hang with.
1
These people, betting their money and careers, on the uniqueness of Colorado's legalization of recreational pot, made a really bad bet. And this is because this fall California is almost certain to legalize it also. And once that happens the domino effect will take place with state after state legalizing it. So the fact that there is something special about Colorado in that pot is legal there will be nothing more than a small blip in the timeline of a much larger trend.
2
Tourism is a base, and debasing, influence everywhere.
There's no reason that shouldn't hold true with pot tourism. Ever been to a "gateway" town outside a National Park?
But anyone who lives in Colorado, and who wants to get high, can buy their buds as easily as buying a head of lettuce. No big deal. Just like they can enjoy the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains without buying t-shirts, fudge, or any number of other things the tourism industry markets to visitors who come here to enjoy the mountains.
So visit Colorado, by all means! Get stoned, and get a kick out of doing it legally, by all means! And maybe, just maybe, consider experiencing our great state as a tourist free from what the tourism industry packages for you.
There's no reason that shouldn't hold true with pot tourism. Ever been to a "gateway" town outside a National Park?
But anyone who lives in Colorado, and who wants to get high, can buy their buds as easily as buying a head of lettuce. No big deal. Just like they can enjoy the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains without buying t-shirts, fudge, or any number of other things the tourism industry markets to visitors who come here to enjoy the mountains.
So visit Colorado, by all means! Get stoned, and get a kick out of doing it legally, by all means! And maybe, just maybe, consider experiencing our great state as a tourist free from what the tourism industry packages for you.
6
It's nice to read about a state which is not only scenic but also civilized and sensible in their attitude toward cannabis. Climb on a tour bus and hear the tour director say, "Welcome aboard, folks. You're welcome to light them up." Or as they used to say in the army, "Smoke 'em if you got 'em."
That's not going to happen in this state for awhile. Mike Pence is the elected governor. Need I say more? Also, it won't happen here until Eli Lilly ls is able to control licensing.
Anyway, it's a vicarious thrill to read of other states on the Freedom Trail.
That's not going to happen in this state for awhile. Mike Pence is the elected governor. Need I say more? Also, it won't happen here until Eli Lilly ls is able to control licensing.
Anyway, it's a vicarious thrill to read of other states on the Freedom Trail.
1
It is not correct to compare alcohol to pot. Alcohol has been a part of celebrations in cultures around the world for centuries, as part of toasting and other rituals. It is possible, and usually preferable, to drink alcohol without becoming intoxicated; the only reason to smoke pot is to get high, just like all the other illegal drugs. Perhaps some day there will be tours of opium dens, after all, not everyone who uses gets addicted, eh?
3
Pot has been used by other cultures for millennia. It's probably older than alcohol, at least the brewed kind.
5
People smoke cigarettes, drink coffee, and drink alcoholic beverages because of the effect it has on their brains, it is not different from smoking cannabis. It just has a different effect. I like a glass of wine for its relaxing effects, and I like to toke for its relaxing effects. In my opinion, many people drink too much and many people smoke too much. The effect of both drugs is more subtle and enjoyable if done in moderation.
Did did legalization significantly raise the cost of pot for people who had previously bought it from illegal sources?
1
Having a much higher percentage of the populace much higher is not going to end well for many. Drivers, ranchers, school crossing guards, are all going to demonstrate the costs of being impaired. It all seems like harmless fun now but for the lucky ones it will end in a church basement and a 12 step program.
1
Exactly! And the many of us who voted against it two years ago are disgusted, horrified, sickened by what is happening and rather embarrassed. There are so SO many other reasons to visit our beautiful, amazing, healthy and wholesome state. And our culturally sophisticated, ethnically diverse and intellectually exciting major city Denver.
We're really getting tired of these articles and of being made to look like a national laughing stock, by the way.
The revenues, which benefit only a few, are not worth the denigration of the Centennial State.
Signed,
sober 40-year CO resident, voter, taxpayer and homeowner
We're really getting tired of these articles and of being made to look like a national laughing stock, by the way.
The revenues, which benefit only a few, are not worth the denigration of the Centennial State.
Signed,
sober 40-year CO resident, voter, taxpayer and homeowner
There goes the neighborhood - from legalization to commodification in a toke! At least, these mini-corporations aren't ripping up forests and mountains so the brain-dead can strap thousand dollar boards on their feet and pretend they are athletes.
Like the author, I can't really see the appeal of a vacation based around smoking weed without fear of cops, and actually, it sounds pretty depressing.
Maybe that's because I live in NYC where I can order a huge variety of cannabis for delivery within 15-20 minutes, and can consume it openly with essentially zero fear of cops (I'm white, and often use a vaporizer when in the street). It's just a very normal part of my life.
I guess if you live in a "weed repressed state" or you're just learning about pot, then this has some appeal, but the idea of going to another state just to openly consume is again, depressing. It makes me feel gross to think about people who are just like "wow we don't have to be sneaky about weed." Shudder.
Maybe that's because I live in NYC where I can order a huge variety of cannabis for delivery within 15-20 minutes, and can consume it openly with essentially zero fear of cops (I'm white, and often use a vaporizer when in the street). It's just a very normal part of my life.
I guess if you live in a "weed repressed state" or you're just learning about pot, then this has some appeal, but the idea of going to another state just to openly consume is again, depressing. It makes me feel gross to think about people who are just like "wow we don't have to be sneaky about weed." Shudder.
2
uh, notice the lack of female posters....?
1
Uh, yea, it's highly addictive emotionally.
Having never tried any drug, I smoked it at 17 and never stopped, almost every day. For many, it's a crutch, as it was for me. Allows a technicolor life without the lethargy of alcohol; and without having to do the hard work required for an actual, real technicolor life.
It should be legal, unadvertised, away from people until they're 25 and established socially, mentally and economically.
It's a drug: don't forget. And ask: do you want to live in a country where "everyone's wrecked, Dude?"
Having never tried any drug, I smoked it at 17 and never stopped, almost every day. For many, it's a crutch, as it was for me. Allows a technicolor life without the lethargy of alcohol; and without having to do the hard work required for an actual, real technicolor life.
It should be legal, unadvertised, away from people until they're 25 and established socially, mentally and economically.
It's a drug: don't forget. And ask: do you want to live in a country where "everyone's wrecked, Dude?"
7
Wonderful article! Now I know where I am going on vacation. Forget Florida!
6
I grew up in Colorado. I left for 45 years (lived in Silicon Valley) and have happily returned. What a great place to live - skiing, hiking, affordable housing and lots of jobs! My dad (89 yrs old) was in the oil business. He is blown away that the Colorado economy has not tanked given the price of oil. Obviously the MJ industry has helped buffer the economy and housing prices remain stable. God bless all of those that saw this legislation through. Very prescient! Everyone that needs a job can get a job in this fair state. May the other states study the Colorado model for it's forward thinking.
5
I'm jealous. Too old to relocate.
1
Marijuana legalization was carefully executed in Colorado, and is well-regulated bylaw enforcement. It has created a soaring source of tax money for the state, catapulting it out of recession deficits years before its jealous neighbors. There have been few bumps in the road. Two children died by eating edibles carelessly left out by parents. A few teens went to the hospital doing enough of the hyper-powerful pot to overdose. However there is no crime wave associated with other drugs and alcohol. I haven't smoked pot in four decades. I do not approve of public consumption of pot or liquor, and I can smell weed as I walk Main Avenue in Durango. I do not like seeing the lethargy it creates in people. Other than that, I don't see much harm in it, and it has create an all new and clean industry in a state where it is hard to make a living.
1
I'm from Colorado, didn't vote for legalization, but admit that it hasn't been as bad as some people predicted. I'm ambivalent. That said, it hasn't provided a "soaring source of tax revenue". The Colorado state budget is around 31 billion dollars. 2015 marijuana tax revenue was around 70 million, roughly 2/10 of 1 percent of the state budget. Most of the marijuana tax is dedicated to schools, though it must be for capital improvements only, not to support teachers or programs. I guess it will buy a few new roofs. The perception, though, is that education must have all the money it needs because of all the marijuana tax revenue, when the reality is that Colorado is near the bottom in the support of public education. Schools need at least one billion dollars just to get us back to where we were a few years ago.
8
I agree that the New york times always seems to be pushing pot, but I thought Alan Feuer's article was quite thoughtful. On the idea that tripping to Colorado is akin to going to wine country in Napa Valley, I doubt it. Why not do an income and expenditure analysis of the typical person or couple who goes to the Napa Valley vs. those who go to Colorado. It's likely to yield that those who make the big trip to Napa are older, 50's and 60's, already well-established in their careers, and this is their first or maybe second time that they will ever go there. What percent of their income and time is spent on wine or liquor? Do they drink all day? Then take a look at the people going to Colorado. How much of their income is used for "tripping" to Colorado? Do they have the savings to own a home, build a family, pay for health insurance? Can they afford to make these trips? Going to Las Vegas for a vacation is fine as long as you don't get addicted to gambling. I am afraid these people going to Colorado are already there. Let's see how many international companies want to relocate or establish offices in Colorado - Instead of Pfizer and Philip Morris moving in big into Colorado, it may just end up looking like Atlantic City's economy.
1
Well I'll tell you. We are on our second season of cannabis tours here in Durango and our guests have been mostly over 50 years of age. Most of our guest are retired professionals. They stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants and buy from our gift shops. They are here to learn about cannabis mostly. Sick of opioids and sick of the stigma, they are excited to feel the change and ready to make a health shift. They like the fact that we are here to guide them through the process and to answer question and have a legal place to consume. We've had computer programers, newspaper editors and even former police officers. (See LEAP...Law Enforcement Against Prohibition)
It hasn't been easy for our tourists coming through Colorado. The regulations have concentrated on the dispensaries and our tourist have been overlooked as an important part of this whole experiment. Unless they can afford a tour, they don't have a lot of options when it comes to consuming the pricey pot they paid for. Behind a dumpster doesn't make them feel real welcomed. We provide a good service for those that can afford it. But we need give folks who can't, a safe relaxed legal place to consume.
It hasn't been easy for our tourists coming through Colorado. The regulations have concentrated on the dispensaries and our tourist have been overlooked as an important part of this whole experiment. Unless they can afford a tour, they don't have a lot of options when it comes to consuming the pricey pot they paid for. Behind a dumpster doesn't make them feel real welcomed. We provide a good service for those that can afford it. But we need give folks who can't, a safe relaxed legal place to consume.
6
I'm one of those tourists. I visited CO in 2014, WA in 2015, and heading to OR this year, mostly to check the legal weed scene and also to scout places I might wanna live if I ever return to the states.
I love reading about the weed entrepreneurs, that some of them are quite young, I envy their bravery/risk-tolerance (leaving good jobs to blaze the legal weed trail) and am happy to support their efforts when I visit.
If the next quake leaves me homeless I'm coming home to do something in this industry in CO or the left coast!
I love reading about the weed entrepreneurs, that some of them are quite young, I envy their bravery/risk-tolerance (leaving good jobs to blaze the legal weed trail) and am happy to support their efforts when I visit.
If the next quake leaves me homeless I'm coming home to do something in this industry in CO or the left coast!
6
Yeah, AL, it's a good thing you visited Denver before it all goes to pot.
It's getting so bad here that US News & World Report just named Denver as the best city in America, our unemployment rate is among the very lowest in the nation, my home value has skyrocketed past the lows of 2007, and while it was eighty-two degrees two days ago, it's snowing right now and they're expecting up to four feet of snow in the high Country.
I came here in 1958, and Ford Station Wagon made its was down the old 6 I and 40 Route, East Colfax. I think didn't have the prescient vision to exclaim, "Well, it's all gonna change now," as I hopped from the car.
You took the $1600 420 Tour? Do you buy an Ancient Order of Hibernian membership card every year before the St. Patrick's Day Parade, too?
We'll, I've got to go, the snow is really starting to stick. I'll head over to Colfax and pick up some Foggatto Incredibles and vaping oil and be back home in ten minutes. The whole town looks completely different than it did two days ago, you must have been right...
It's getting so bad here that US News & World Report just named Denver as the best city in America, our unemployment rate is among the very lowest in the nation, my home value has skyrocketed past the lows of 2007, and while it was eighty-two degrees two days ago, it's snowing right now and they're expecting up to four feet of snow in the high Country.
I came here in 1958, and Ford Station Wagon made its was down the old 6 I and 40 Route, East Colfax. I think didn't have the prescient vision to exclaim, "Well, it's all gonna change now," as I hopped from the car.
You took the $1600 420 Tour? Do you buy an Ancient Order of Hibernian membership card every year before the St. Patrick's Day Parade, too?
We'll, I've got to go, the snow is really starting to stick. I'll head over to Colfax and pick up some Foggatto Incredibles and vaping oil and be back home in ten minutes. The whole town looks completely different than it did two days ago, you must have been right...
4
"At a certain point, I started to suspect that the city’s reefer tourist moguls were getting their clients high mainly for the purpose of relieving them of their money." Uh yeah. Like Vegas, baby. Kudos to Mr. Feuer for a great article.
5
A little-appreciated fact is that the 17-20% tax on all marijuana products funds public education in the state.
5
Inaccurate, Larry. Pot tax revenues can be used by school districts only for construction, not for increased pay for teachers, or books or computers or after-school enrichment programs, etc.
I voted against Amendment 64, am sickened by what it's doing to our state and kind of turned off by the grungy-looking "pot tourists" we do see in Downtown Denver.
Let more states legalize, please, just to get The Tattoo'ed Ones OUT of HERE.
Cursing the day Mason Tvert ever setup shop here,
Denver voter and homeowner
I voted against Amendment 64, am sickened by what it's doing to our state and kind of turned off by the grungy-looking "pot tourists" we do see in Downtown Denver.
Let more states legalize, please, just to get The Tattoo'ed Ones OUT of HERE.
Cursing the day Mason Tvert ever setup shop here,
Denver voter and homeowner
As a Colorado resident for 30+ years, who started out working in the ski areas and is no stranger to pot, I would like to offer this pre/post perspective that often gets overlooked.
Pre: If you bought marijuana, you had no idea about its strength or quality, much less its strain. Which is important because pot, like alcohol, has varying affects depending upon the strain. The offering was usually one, but sometimes two or maybe three different types. If your regular supplier was out, it was difficult or time consuming to find a replacement supply. And as long as you had money, age was not usually an obstacle. This illegal money then goes to criminal organizations.
Post: When you go into the dispensary, you can browse through the catalog or go online beforehand to see which of the 10 to 20 strains are available. You can get reviews of what the strain is like, it's strength and other qualities like aroma and flavor. A budtender at a counter gives you individual attention, asking what you are looking for, and making suggestions, analogous to what a sommelier does for wine. And nobody under 21 is allowed into the purchasing area. And the tax money goes to the state, and it creates legal jobs.
Conclusion: More variety. Informed customers. Tested product. Public revenue. Protection for minors.
AND - I have to say, the marijuana industry people have been some of the most pleasant retail people I have ever dealt with.
Is this not the perfect capitalist business?
Pre: If you bought marijuana, you had no idea about its strength or quality, much less its strain. Which is important because pot, like alcohol, has varying affects depending upon the strain. The offering was usually one, but sometimes two or maybe three different types. If your regular supplier was out, it was difficult or time consuming to find a replacement supply. And as long as you had money, age was not usually an obstacle. This illegal money then goes to criminal organizations.
Post: When you go into the dispensary, you can browse through the catalog or go online beforehand to see which of the 10 to 20 strains are available. You can get reviews of what the strain is like, it's strength and other qualities like aroma and flavor. A budtender at a counter gives you individual attention, asking what you are looking for, and making suggestions, analogous to what a sommelier does for wine. And nobody under 21 is allowed into the purchasing area. And the tax money goes to the state, and it creates legal jobs.
Conclusion: More variety. Informed customers. Tested product. Public revenue. Protection for minors.
AND - I have to say, the marijuana industry people have been some of the most pleasant retail people I have ever dealt with.
Is this not the perfect capitalist business?
39
I live in Washington where marijuana is legal as well. I really commend the leaders here and in Colorado who were brave enough to legalize marijuana. I'm a non smoker but I have seen that legalizing marijuana brought in new business opportunities first hand and it is a great thing. Alaska, oregon have legalized it too. Let's hope it gets legal everywhere in the coming years.
6
Just got back from colorado springs, visiting emerald fields was awesome.
Would have been nice to see educated reporting by a mj fan and user rather than some square drinker who reminded us every two paragraphs that he preferred alcohol to mj.
Would have been nice to see educated reporting by a mj fan and user rather than some square drinker who reminded us every two paragraphs that he preferred alcohol to mj.
8
Rightists are in favor of smoking cigarettes
but opposed to smoking marijuana.
Leftists are in favor of smoking marijuana
but opposed to smoking cigarettes.
Smoke stinks.
The left stinks.
The right stinks.
but opposed to smoking marijuana.
Leftists are in favor of smoking marijuana
but opposed to smoking cigarettes.
Smoke stinks.
The left stinks.
The right stinks.
3
Sigh. As with everything else, it's all about monetization, isn't it? I was hiking with Boulder friends a few months back when we stopped in Nederland for a coffee and look at the town: three blocks long with two dispensaries. I'm all for legalization, but there was something pathetic about the dysfunctional pace at the local coffeehouse--everyone, we finally realized, was stoned. How hard is it to grab a cookie with tongs from a jar when you're wasted? Pretty hard, it appeared.
12
The reporter's semi-Victorian attitude about what went on around him reveals naivete about working stiffs. The reporter maintains a job writing for the New York Times. For most people, functioning at that level -- and leaving a certain necessary impression on bosses -- rules out getting stoned every day (or several times a day). That would be culturally unacceptable on West 43rd Street.
But many people get stoned every day. They're employed and keep their jobs. I'm more of the school of the Times reporter. But here in Humboldt County, California, I know several people who function at very high levels of self-employed professional endeavor while getting stoned daily.
But most jobs in today's economy have mindless jobs -- cleaning houses, sharpening knives, washing cars. They're easy to do while stoned and lots of people do them stoned. Did you ever think of what the person who cleans your hotel room does to get through the day?
People toked up immediately after retrieving their luggage at the airport. This may be partly because they're finally where they can do that openly and they want to celebrate their freedom.
But, the service jobs available to American workers are boring and stupid. These jobs are soul killers. And one way to blunt that feeling is to be stoned. People self medicate to treat the spiritual injury that is employment in contemporary America.
Tribal identity means that when they're on vacation the celebrate who they are. Good for them.
But many people get stoned every day. They're employed and keep their jobs. I'm more of the school of the Times reporter. But here in Humboldt County, California, I know several people who function at very high levels of self-employed professional endeavor while getting stoned daily.
But most jobs in today's economy have mindless jobs -- cleaning houses, sharpening knives, washing cars. They're easy to do while stoned and lots of people do them stoned. Did you ever think of what the person who cleans your hotel room does to get through the day?
People toked up immediately after retrieving their luggage at the airport. This may be partly because they're finally where they can do that openly and they want to celebrate their freedom.
But, the service jobs available to American workers are boring and stupid. These jobs are soul killers. And one way to blunt that feeling is to be stoned. People self medicate to treat the spiritual injury that is employment in contemporary America.
Tribal identity means that when they're on vacation the celebrate who they are. Good for them.
18
Sharpening knives while stoned is probably a bad idea.
10
Why is the NYT constantly pushing recreational pot? Do you wish America to become a nation of dopeheads? Of course cannabis should be legalized as a medicinal substance prescribed by a licensed physician and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy for a specific condition such as chronic pain or nausea from cancer, and not to be used if operating a vehicle. But we do not need parents, teachers, airline pilots, teenagers, surgeons nodding off. Marijuana negatively affects behavior, dumbing down the user. NYT, tell the truth about pot rather than pushing it.
10
Which cave do we mail information to that updates your education about marijuana, especially related to its effect and the amount of money that's already being spent on it? Why we're at it, we'll upgrade you with information about the impact of alcohol, opioids and prescription medication abuse, vs. ganja and how William Randolph Hearst is the primary reason for marijuana being illegal.
11
The NYT seems to want to be in front of everyone else. It's what sells that counts.
Grass is good for some people, not so good for others.
Grass is good for some people, not so good for others.
2
Apparently some of the higher-ups here like to get stoned daily.
2
Most neuroscientists agree that about 85,000 neurons die in the cerebral cortex every day. The rate must be much higher in Colorado.
6
Legalize it. Don't criticize it.
13
Dude, my face is hurting from smiling my way through this. Makes me feel good that somebody "gets it" and that the bugaboo horror stories have been debunked. Excellent writing and from a great perspective, Mr. Feuer.
8
id rather live next to a hash cafe than a bar
10
Doesn't this all sound very juvenile? "Its Legal!, Quick, consume as much as you can at every venue along the way!" A group of people shuffling through their guided tour of foggy images and experiences? If they were all drunk, would it seem so quaint?
What a shame. I've always loved the Front Range of Colorado but now I feel differently. How long before "Big Pot" is viewed the same as "Big Tobacco": Just another industry taking advantaged of our human weaknesses.
What a shame. I've always loved the Front Range of Colorado but now I feel differently. How long before "Big Pot" is viewed the same as "Big Tobacco": Just another industry taking advantaged of our human weaknesses.
12
Thank you, TDC, for your good sense.
4
Hmmm, a group of people consuming as much as they can while they're on vacation somewhere where their shenanigans are somehow legal. Are we talking about spring break? How about St. Patrick's Day? The 4th of July? Either of the two Monday holidays that bookend the summer? The alcohol industry has thrived on over-consumption for decades, and has an entire marketing machine and culture around. a NATIONAL marketing culture, no less.
The difference here is that, once intoxicated, pot smokers don't end up vomiting all over the hired cars/venues, they don't commit violent crimes like rape or domestic abuse, and when they wake up in the morning they're not useless piles of skin stinking up your couch as last night's booze pours out of them. And I'd also point out that people have been getting incredibly stoned and doing these things for years already - people just didn't notice because we always had to duck out to someone's car or the alley out back to smoke a bowl. If anything, it's less of a 'show' now, because people don't have to do absurd things to get high without getting busted.
The difference here is that, once intoxicated, pot smokers don't end up vomiting all over the hired cars/venues, they don't commit violent crimes like rape or domestic abuse, and when they wake up in the morning they're not useless piles of skin stinking up your couch as last night's booze pours out of them. And I'd also point out that people have been getting incredibly stoned and doing these things for years already - people just didn't notice because we always had to duck out to someone's car or the alley out back to smoke a bowl. If anything, it's less of a 'show' now, because people don't have to do absurd things to get high without getting busted.
6
Colorado has Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the best and most beautiful places to hike and climb mountains. Dangerous to do stoned. It has great ski resorts--I do not recommend skiing stoned. Welcome to fat America, where people no longer explore the great outdoors and Nature's beauty, no longer have meaningful conversations, but sit around smoking and munching in a stupor. Decline and Fall.
5
I don't know what you mean by this. When I backpacked in this park, in winter, eventually ending up at a crest of the Continental Divide, enjoyed while under various influences, it was one of the peak experiences to date. There was plenty of potential danger in winter hiking in the park; being high only enhanced the experience. Sonny Bono was likely totally straight (after all, he was an esteemed member of Congress) when he plowed into a tree while skiing. What are we to make of that? I would add that the caloric intake required to mount a winter backpacking trip would have made being fat a short-lived state. Also, we had some rather profound conversations that I still recall more than 40 years later.
5
Why on earth would you not recommended skiing while using cannabis? Hiking too? I really think your uninformed the effects of cannabis. I've really never heard that there was a problem with this, are people like falling off mountains or something? If they are it's not due to legalization. Recreational mountain culture has always had a strong counter culture vein, and ever since I started making trips to the mountain west in my teens (90's) cannabis has been everywhere.
4
We must assume poor Anne never met any of the millions who get high and rush out to toss the Frisbee or head for the park or the mountains. I cherish my time spent in RMNP, stoned and straight.
Now who exactly declined and fell?
Now who exactly declined and fell?
2
The lack of sophistication and judgment in many of these comments is disturbing. Let me remind people that:
1) People have been smoking pot for 1000s of years; it is one of nature's natural remedies
2) The number of people who have OD'd from pot--including here in CO where it is legal--is still holding steady at zero
3) Crime is down here and pot-related traffic accidents are not up
4) To suggest that "reality is painful but must be experienced" is not only completely unrealistic, but is also highly insensitive to the many that need pot for medicinal purposes
5) In the grand scheme of things, alcohol and opiates cause far more damage to society
No one is forcing anyone to imbibe, but guess what--Colorado hasn't changed much since legalization, except for the tens of millions in new tax revenues and the tourism boon. Between the sunshine, ski resorts and mountain majesty, this has always been a desirable place to live. With legal pot, you can carefully choose what is the best fit for you. The world would be a better, safer and much less violent place if pot was as prevalent as alcohol or pharmaceuticals.
1) People have been smoking pot for 1000s of years; it is one of nature's natural remedies
2) The number of people who have OD'd from pot--including here in CO where it is legal--is still holding steady at zero
3) Crime is down here and pot-related traffic accidents are not up
4) To suggest that "reality is painful but must be experienced" is not only completely unrealistic, but is also highly insensitive to the many that need pot for medicinal purposes
5) In the grand scheme of things, alcohol and opiates cause far more damage to society
No one is forcing anyone to imbibe, but guess what--Colorado hasn't changed much since legalization, except for the tens of millions in new tax revenues and the tourism boon. Between the sunshine, ski resorts and mountain majesty, this has always been a desirable place to live. With legal pot, you can carefully choose what is the best fit for you. The world would be a better, safer and much less violent place if pot was as prevalent as alcohol or pharmaceuticals.
21
Not sure what crime info you're looking at but in my neighborhood (Wash Park), breakins, theft, and the occasional mugging are definitely on the rise. Neighbors who have lived here longer than me attribute it to legalization and the arrival of folks looking to partake but without means to make a living.
2
Yeah, here in Portland people say the same unfounded anecdotal junk as they rail against the 'liberal stoners homeless' etc etc.
Fact of the matter is pot use - and any crime that may be associated with it - did not change because it became legal. The crime you mention has almost nothing in connection with the legalization of pot, because before it was legal, those same folks were still smoking weed, and finding ways to pay for it. Those same people are more than likely going to the same black market dealers they did before - because dispensary pot is typically twice as expensive (at least) as it is on the street. It's obvious you never participated in the market before it was legal, or you'd recognize the absurdity of blaming 'rising crime rates' (ROFLOL) on the legalization of a previously shady industry.
Fact of the matter is pot use - and any crime that may be associated with it - did not change because it became legal. The crime you mention has almost nothing in connection with the legalization of pot, because before it was legal, those same folks were still smoking weed, and finding ways to pay for it. Those same people are more than likely going to the same black market dealers they did before - because dispensary pot is typically twice as expensive (at least) as it is on the street. It's obvious you never participated in the market before it was legal, or you'd recognize the absurdity of blaming 'rising crime rates' (ROFLOL) on the legalization of a previously shady industry.
3
Check your stats, neighbor. Crime is UP, waaaaaay up, especially in the Metro area.
It was the illegality that made it 'cool' (oops my age is showing).
3
Yea - when you joined that group taking a hit you were a law-breaker.
That was part of the excitement in the '70's.
That was part of the excitement in the '70's.
Number of deaths for leading causes of death
Heart disease: 611,105
Cancer: 584,881
Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 149,205
Accidents (unintentional injuries): 130,557
Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 128,978
Alzheimer's disease: 84,767
Diabetes: 75,578
Influenza and Pneumonia: 56,979
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 47,112
Intentional self-harm (suicide): 41,149
Marijuana : 0
Heart disease: 611,105
Cancer: 584,881
Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 149,205
Accidents (unintentional injuries): 130,557
Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 128,978
Alzheimer's disease: 84,767
Diabetes: 75,578
Influenza and Pneumonia: 56,979
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 47,112
Intentional self-harm (suicide): 41,149
Marijuana : 0
19
The state that I choose to retire in will be legal.
8
In other news, Alabama is considering whether to condemn a wounded veteran to a lifetime in prison without the possibility of parole for possession of marijuana that he grew personally for medicinal use.
"United" States of America??? Give me a break!!
"United" States of America??? Give me a break!!
32
Did you hear about how Kentucky's lead political obstructionist and U.S. Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, managed to get a bill passed through congress legalizing the study of hemp - real, actual hemp you guys! - and allowing the importation of foreign hemp seeds for that research (since we have no legal domestic supply, *sigh). Once the University of Kentucky had ordered the seeds, though, the DEA still managed to impound the seeds as soon as they arrived in the U.S. - despite the freshly printed law authorizing the use.
We're a bi-polar society, there's no doubt about it.
We're a bi-polar society, there's no doubt about it.
3
All drugs should legal. Crime will go away. In the meantime we have the states that have legalized pot. Soon it will be California and you will be able to take a combined wine and marijuana tour- now we're talking tourism.
14
Crime will just, poof! Disappear!
5
OMG, how naive! The Mexican drug cartels are already sniffing around CO and making their way up the Interstates from Nogales, Juarez, etc.
You're dreaming, dude. But then you're probably WWS, eh? Writing while stoned.
You're dreaming, dude. But then you're probably WWS, eh? Writing while stoned.
holland made billions from its pot policy
6
The weed theses days can be very strong (20%-25%+ THC), getting people more loaded than you'd imagine, pretty expensive for a plant that grows anywhere, and who knows what has been applied to it to keep the bugs and diseases off? Would you trust someone who says the stuff is organic when the price is $200-$400 an ounce?
2
Do some research Hector. In all states where sales have been allowed, for medical or recreational, the supplier is required to obtain lab reports and basic analysis, with data points for THC/CBD content, mold/mildew, and trace amounts of pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers that may remain. Here in Oregon there are a half dozen labs doing this testing within a few miles of downtown Portland. Each dispensary that sells has to provide this information, and it's required to print the weight, strength, and status of other tests on each and every package sold - from single .5 gram pre-rolled joint to 1/4 oz. jars of dank Obama Kush (and, let me tell you, Obama kush makes everything alllllllright!).
7
The improved strength means you use much less for the same effect. Very healthy.
We don't need chicken little's around here. Too many folks are in prison in other states because them.
We don't need chicken little's around here. Too many folks are in prison in other states because them.
2
Honestly, people who live out of the state of Colorado are making more a big deal, about legal "weed", than those who live here. More or less it is shrugged of. Colorado is also home to a number of micro-breweries and craft brewers. You cannot beat the year round recreation and the 300+ days of nice weather, either. There are also great cultural attractions alone the front range and on en the western slope. So, there is much more to do here than just have legal "weed".
Th addition, tech is holding its own, as is alternative energy. But, fracking is still occurring, though not at teh rate it was a year ago.
The cost of housing here, is the result of eastern migration, from the west coast. Combined with slow building of new housing. Colorado has had a history of boom and bust. So, this time, there was not as major push to build. Why? Well, many here still are asking, what recovery?
In the end, it is no different than any where else. We just have "weed" shops thrwon into the mix. Thus, so what?
Th addition, tech is holding its own, as is alternative energy. But, fracking is still occurring, though not at teh rate it was a year ago.
The cost of housing here, is the result of eastern migration, from the west coast. Combined with slow building of new housing. Colorado has had a history of boom and bust. So, this time, there was not as major push to build. Why? Well, many here still are asking, what recovery?
In the end, it is no different than any where else. We just have "weed" shops thrwon into the mix. Thus, so what?
20
To people outside of Colorado and who have bought weed from shady dealers with questionable assurances of quality, legal weed shops in Colorado and Washington are nothing short of amazing. One of my high school cohort remarked on a visit to Colorado that [legal, retail weed] is what she had dreamed about her entire adult life.
4
(with apologies to the great Martin Luther King, Jr.)
My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,
From every mountainside, let marijuana freedom ring!
Let marijuana freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let marijuana freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let marijuana freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let marijuana freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let marijuana freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California
Let marijuana freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let marijuana freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let marijuana freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.
From every mountainside, let marijuana freedom ring.
Free at last! Free at last!
Thank Ganja Almighty, we are free at last to smoke marijuana !
My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,
From every mountainside, let marijuana freedom ring!
Let marijuana freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let marijuana freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let marijuana freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let marijuana freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let marijuana freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California
Let marijuana freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let marijuana freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let marijuana freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.
From every mountainside, let marijuana freedom ring.
Free at last! Free at last!
Thank Ganja Almighty, we are free at last to smoke marijuana !
38
The slightly giddy, wink-wink, nudge-nudge tone of this article seems symptomatic of the woefully sophomoric public perception of cannabis and its use. This daring experiment by the State of Colorado might help the rest of the county gain a more mature perspective on the nature of Cannabis, but it seems more likely that the Gold Rush mentality, and corrosive explosion of Cannabis tourism will lead to problems similar to those that have plagued the Dutch and their sensibly tolerant drug policies.
23
you understand Capitalism, right? it is the oh so sad answer to all the questions.
Colorado will become a lot less interesting to pot enthusiasts/tourists, ganja-preneurs, and others looking to profit off them once more states, especially California, legalize recreational use of marijuana. Though I agree that CO has a ton of good things going for it, I don't think the increased traffic, the insane real estate prices, and the forced assumption that the majority of people you encounter on a daily basis are stoned -- be it your waiter, the guy replacing your car's transmission, or the other drivers sharing the road with you -- are among those good things.
10
I live in Colorado and I could care less about pot. I haven't tried it since I was 18. I'm 66 now.
However, the one good thing is that it severely wounds the illegal drug trade. It also prevents young people from getting a drug conviction on their record that could harm them for life.
However, the one good thing is that it severely wounds the illegal drug trade. It also prevents young people from getting a drug conviction on their record that could harm them for life.
94
This made me want to go there. I don't drink (got the tweaked gene that doesn't metabolize it well), and as an asthmatic I can't smoke either. I'd love to be able to put a few drops of something on my tongue and veg out on a Friday night.
17
Ever heard of 'pot brownies'? Or you could ask The Google about 'vaporizing cannabis'. No smoke required.
3
Then you'd love chocolate edibles. High quality chocolate laced with super high (pun intended) quality weed. I was there in 2014 for a trade show and bought a few bars and candies which I didn't think would last 4 days. They did and I "accidentally" brought some home with me. Worth every penny.
3
Um, Alan, nice article, but regarding your comment about the businesses being in it for the money: you were expecting purer motives?
Have you ever noticed $100 bottles of wine in restaurants at a 200% markup, handcrafted $16 cocktails in bars that contain $2 worth of booze, or $10 beers at the ballpark?
Critizing a business for trying to make a profit is like criticizing a fish for swimming.
As a non- user who lives in another state which legalized recreational use ( Washington), I hope we can get some of those tourist dollars, too.
Have you ever noticed $100 bottles of wine in restaurants at a 200% markup, handcrafted $16 cocktails in bars that contain $2 worth of booze, or $10 beers at the ballpark?
Critizing a business for trying to make a profit is like criticizing a fish for swimming.
As a non- user who lives in another state which legalized recreational use ( Washington), I hope we can get some of those tourist dollars, too.
42
How would our world be changed if prohibitionists in the US got their meddling hands on Carl Sagan, Steve Jobs, John Lennon, etc. etc
http://azarius.net/news/306/Carl_Sagans_essay_on_cannabis/
http://azarius.net/news/306/Carl_Sagans_essay_on_cannabis/
8
I am 72 and don't need medicinal weed (yet) and never liked it much coming up, but the other night on a weird channel called Viceland I saw a show called Weediquette about women in the COLO weed trade and they were sitting around tasting the edibles each made as if they were at a Tupperware party (is that sexist? Apparently the weed biz is, to the max). I thought--you gals are running businesses--how can anyone be half-ripped all the time and work a farm or store or do books or marketing or taxes? This story is the same...can this be good? Being altered all the time...? Instead of "everybody must get stoned," I guess Bob should have written, "everybody must make money." Still--with all this cannabis, how can they function?
7
There's much less impairment with habituation/tolerance.
4
Practice makes perfect.
9
Colorado will become a lot less interesting to pot enthusiasts/tourists and ganja-preneurs others looking to profit off them once more states, especially California, legalize recreational use of marijuana. Though I agree that CO has a ton of good things going for it, I don't think the increased traffic, the insane real estate prices, and the forced assumption that the majority of people you encounter on a daily basis are stoned -- be it your waiter, the guy replacing your car's transmission, or the other drivers sharing the road with you -- are among those good things.
3
Sorry, that should read "pot enthusiasts/tourists, ganja-preneurs, and others looking to profit off them."
News flash: you're already interacting with these people on a daily basis.
4
Interesting article... as is frequently the case journalists like cannabis entrepreneurs are in the business of selling; in this case the extreme side of the result of Colorado's pot legalization. It should come as no surprise that there are people from outside CO who are going to be intrigued by the reality of legal pot and are going to visit Colorado for the experience of seeing it and trying it first hand. And much like the entrepreneurs selling fishing trips or boats rides or parasailing in Mexico there are people in Colorado out to make a killing selling pot tours and the like. But here on the ground in Colorado it isn't nearly as silly as what's described here. There are stores where you can buy cannabis just like there are stores where you can buy wine. The people you see in these stores are a pretty normal cross section of Colorado residents: young people, old people, blue collar people, professionals, just people. People in Colorado and in the rest of America have been buying and smoking pot in large numbers since the 60's and even before that. And they still are. In Colorado it's legal. There are no stoned-out wasted people lying about the sidewalks, or huge increases in car accidents from intoxicated pot-heads. It's pretty much the same as it was before legalization, only now it's legal. It's really no big deal. As more states do the same it will become even less of a big deal. In Colorado, for locals, the novelty is pretty much over.
31
This is sad to me. I came of age in the late sixties and seventies and I have certainly tried my share of stuff. Thank God that was the end of it. The fact remains that we are only on earth for a short while and reality is precious, whether it is painful, wonderful, boring, etc. We are meant to deal with reality as it is because there is always something to be learned from it. Recreational drug use is juvenile; just another way to avoid yourself.
16
Maybe, but if you're going to be intellectually honest, start listing all the other ways human beings avoid dealing with reality as it is. The list is long, includes institutional beliefs, and doesn't just incorporate mind and mood-altering substances.
20
How sad that you believe this. The historical facts say that many of us human beings have altered our consciousness with plants, fungi and fermented beverages since we learned it was possible to do so. With great benefits, including relaxation, camaraderie and insight. And even improved health!
Though I'm not among them, there are even those who have experiences they say make some drugs entheogens--as in generating religious and spiritual experiences. Indeed, some say, now and way back in history, that they know the presence of "God" due to ingesting certain drugs.
Plenty of people do use drugs to avoid this or that, or to deal with pain and trauma. Others use them for good social fun and other explorations. As you would know if you weren't too busy moralizing.
Though I'm not among them, there are even those who have experiences they say make some drugs entheogens--as in generating religious and spiritual experiences. Indeed, some say, now and way back in history, that they know the presence of "God" due to ingesting certain drugs.
Plenty of people do use drugs to avoid this or that, or to deal with pain and trauma. Others use them for good social fun and other explorations. As you would know if you weren't too busy moralizing.
14
Well, I have never tried an illegal drug in my life. But I did use alcohol heavily for only five years. Not now. But that is not the point, SCZ.
We ALL have ways of "escaping." Reading a good book. Attending a play or opera or concert. Going to a baseball game. Meditating. Looking into the eyes of an infant. Stroking a dog. Basing in nature. Reading and writing on NYT comment threads.
I am not going to travel to CO to try legal pot. But, as long as it is not abused, what is so juvenile about it? Not to mention, it does have good medicinal uses.
Yes, we should deal with the realities of life. But often we are more able to deal with them after we have plumbed the pages of a piece of literature, for one. Some of the most helpful approaches to life are found between the covers of a book.
We ALL have ways of "escaping." Reading a good book. Attending a play or opera or concert. Going to a baseball game. Meditating. Looking into the eyes of an infant. Stroking a dog. Basing in nature. Reading and writing on NYT comment threads.
I am not going to travel to CO to try legal pot. But, as long as it is not abused, what is so juvenile about it? Not to mention, it does have good medicinal uses.
Yes, we should deal with the realities of life. But often we are more able to deal with them after we have plumbed the pages of a piece of literature, for one. Some of the most helpful approaches to life are found between the covers of a book.
3
Legal marijuana in Colorado is no big deal to everyday people. Nobody I saw was toking up in public. It's just taken for granted that if you want weed, just go the dispensary and see the budtender. The thing that surprised me was the strength of the strains that are available. The science of cannabis has come a long way in the past twenty years. Portion controlled edibles are my favorite.
10
Naive, Mr. Tourist. Plenty of people, mostly Millenials, are indeed smoking in public which is 110% ILlegal. And plenty of people are driving stoned, also illegal. The police departments are besides themselves, frustrated, annoyed, under-funded and overworked. Pot legalization was a mistake and it stinks to high heaven. Pun intended.
Too bad you didn't get high from your massage--I do every time I get a good massage, and it doesn't involve THC in any form. An effective massage causes the body to release powerful chemicals that get me much higher than any marijuana derivative ever has, and without any of the potential downsides like stink-breath, sugar cravings, or somnolence.
8
This article should be nominated for feature of the year.
3
What a fool's gold rush.
In every way it can, this chicken will come home to roost. And not because pot is immoral, or otherwise some wholesale good or evil.
No, it will be because the lack of self-control by consumers and the greed of these purportedly heroic entrepreneurs and big bad corporations alike will push for more, more, more. Stronger weed, higher highs, weed in everything - smoked, drank, eaten, rubbed into your skin - all for low, low prices to beat the competition.
Thankfully, purists will be able to cloak themselves in superior ideals - they're getting high the right way!
In every way it can, this chicken will come home to roost. And not because pot is immoral, or otherwise some wholesale good or evil.
No, it will be because the lack of self-control by consumers and the greed of these purportedly heroic entrepreneurs and big bad corporations alike will push for more, more, more. Stronger weed, higher highs, weed in everything - smoked, drank, eaten, rubbed into your skin - all for low, low prices to beat the competition.
Thankfully, purists will be able to cloak themselves in superior ideals - they're getting high the right way!
8
I hear it's already crazy strong compared with the ditch weed we had in the day...
5
And none of that was going on prior to legalization, no sirree. There was no profit motive at all. Those who grew and sold cannabis did it for purely altruistic reasons. All them chickens were blithely wandering around, never for one second coming home to roost.
My goodness, people will say most anything in a public forum.
My goodness, people will say most anything in a public forum.
16
It is.
What happened to the "driving while ability impaired law", driving under the influence" ?, violating various traffic laws from being stoned ? Have all of the long standing laws in every state governing safe and prudent driving been reduced or expunged in Colorado ? Maybe the cops just tell you to let someone who is not high drive ( can police tell who is high or not ). Do the police tell you to exit your vehicle, call a cab and come back to get your car when you are sober ? I thought about skiers also . Is there a noticeable increase in skiing accidents ? Never been in Colorado but, i haven't heard or read anything regarding DWI, DWAI, or other offences caused by cannabis use. You can't tell me that stoned people are not driving around ? A cop can stop you for driving too slow. i've seen many stoned drivers being pulled over for driving 30 mph in a 55 mph zone.
5
Field sobriety tests exist for marijuana: https://www.duiease.com/test-for-marijuana-california/
Really? you've seen "many stoned drivers being pulled over for driving 30 mph in a 55 mph zone"? what, do you pull over with them and ask the cop why he pulled that driver over? do you take informal polls at the station house? Save the hyperbole and sarcasm dude.
i live in denver and can say that operating vehicles while under the influence of pot is high on everyone's list of concerns. but there are hundreds if not thousands of Lyft and Uber drivers in this city who are driving pot-consumers from Point A to Point B. Alcohol consumption continues to be a much more serious issue on the roads and on the slopes. Unquestionably.
i live in denver and can say that operating vehicles while under the influence of pot is high on everyone's list of concerns. but there are hundreds if not thousands of Lyft and Uber drivers in this city who are driving pot-consumers from Point A to Point B. Alcohol consumption continues to be a much more serious issue on the roads and on the slopes. Unquestionably.
15
nardoi, did you consider doing a simple internet search to turn up reports on this issue? If you did that search, what you would find are hundreds and hundreds of stories about how Colorado and other states are diligently implementing laws and penalties for "stoned driving." Of course they are.
And those laws are not without great controversy. For example, both Colorado and Washington State have passed what are known as per se laws, ones that set active THC blood limits of 5 nanograms per milliliter. Yet even SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, used to say that there can be no one-to-one relationship between impairment and any such per se standard--and most especially not in habitual users.
In fact, in 2011, William Breathes, the pot writer for Denver's arts weekly Westword, put such standards to an interesting test. At the time, he was a legal, habitual user of medical cannabis. He visited his doctor after a night's sleep, fully 15 hours after his last dose of pot. His doctor found that he was in no way impaired, and then drew his blood, which tested at 13.5 nanograms of THC per milliliter, way above Colorado's (at that time proposed, now implemented) per se standard.
Read all about it, or stay uninformed and keep on bellyaching: http://www.westword.com/news/thc-blood-test-pot-critic-william-breathes-...
And those laws are not without great controversy. For example, both Colorado and Washington State have passed what are known as per se laws, ones that set active THC blood limits of 5 nanograms per milliliter. Yet even SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, used to say that there can be no one-to-one relationship between impairment and any such per se standard--and most especially not in habitual users.
In fact, in 2011, William Breathes, the pot writer for Denver's arts weekly Westword, put such standards to an interesting test. At the time, he was a legal, habitual user of medical cannabis. He visited his doctor after a night's sleep, fully 15 hours after his last dose of pot. His doctor found that he was in no way impaired, and then drew his blood, which tested at 13.5 nanograms of THC per milliliter, way above Colorado's (at that time proposed, now implemented) per se standard.
Read all about it, or stay uninformed and keep on bellyaching: http://www.westword.com/news/thc-blood-test-pot-critic-william-breathes-...
7
I take issue with the line:
"In the twilight, set against the mountains, Denver was changing. You could see it — in the construction cranes, in the old brick buildings giving way to boxy condominiums, in the faces of the tourists on the 16th Street pedestrian mall."
Denver has a lot more going on for it and many more factors contributing to the change than marijuana. I think for many in Colorado, the novelty has already worn off and the ability to get pot if you want is just another thing that people do.
"In the twilight, set against the mountains, Denver was changing. You could see it — in the construction cranes, in the old brick buildings giving way to boxy condominiums, in the faces of the tourists on the 16th Street pedestrian mall."
Denver has a lot more going on for it and many more factors contributing to the change than marijuana. I think for many in Colorado, the novelty has already worn off and the ability to get pot if you want is just another thing that people do.
24
I would agree, in theory, as one who lives in Denver and doesn't partake. But how else do you account for the population boom since 2012? It isn't just the nice weather, sadly, that draws people here.
4
Yes, I thought that line was trite. It could have been written 30 years ago and been just as true of Denver then as now and had/has nothing to do with legalized pot.
4
Did the Times really assign a writer who DOESN'T LIKE WEED to write about Colorado pot tourism?
Imagine sending a pothead who doesn't like wine to write about tours in Napa Valley ... "The scenery is nice and all, but I have to say, I just don't GET why people drink this stuff! It's kind of like sour grape juice and it makes you queasy! And the next morning you get a headache! "
Cmon New York Times, good intentions here, but sometimes you trip over your own ponderous stodginess.
Imagine sending a pothead who doesn't like wine to write about tours in Napa Valley ... "The scenery is nice and all, but I have to say, I just don't GET why people drink this stuff! It's kind of like sour grape juice and it makes you queasy! And the next morning you get a headache! "
Cmon New York Times, good intentions here, but sometimes you trip over your own ponderous stodginess.
110
I've seen articles by reporters who are novice dancers on taking dance classes and articles by reporters who are novice cooks on taking cooking classes, so what's the difference? If this were a piece of critcism, the NYT would presumably have assigned an experienced pot critic to write it, but it wasn't--it was a travel piece. (Notice that it appeared in the travel section.)
10
Bah, I enjoyed his report. Let's remember that he's part of a substantial number of adults who are revisiting pot now that it has become legal in some states. Seems fine for the Times to have him write about Colorado.
And: imagine sending a reporter who doesn't use heroin to write about those who do. 'Nuff said.
And: imagine sending a reporter who doesn't use heroin to write about those who do. 'Nuff said.
5
Tom, I suppose the the previous writer who was assigned this story failed to return to New York.
21
As a proud Colorado resident & strong supporter of legal pot, despite not having smoked any myself in over 25 years, I want to speak up
When guests come from out of town I bring them on Grow House tours. Not everyone on the tours is stoned, just like everyone on a Napa tour is not drunk.
This article portrays a very one-sided view of a legal decision that should have been made decades ago.
Colorado's Front Range is experiencing a huge growth in people, jobs, housing prices, etc. We are quickly becoming like SF or Seattle. There are lots of reasons for this - great outdoor activities, good jobs, beautiful weather, among them. I really doubt people pick up and move here just to smoke pot and become homeless. Plan your next vacation here and see for yourself.
When guests come from out of town I bring them on Grow House tours. Not everyone on the tours is stoned, just like everyone on a Napa tour is not drunk.
This article portrays a very one-sided view of a legal decision that should have been made decades ago.
Colorado's Front Range is experiencing a huge growth in people, jobs, housing prices, etc. We are quickly becoming like SF or Seattle. There are lots of reasons for this - great outdoor activities, good jobs, beautiful weather, among them. I really doubt people pick up and move here just to smoke pot and become homeless. Plan your next vacation here and see for yourself.
37
"I really doubt people pick up and move here just to smoke pot and become homeless."
Undoubtedly true. Those folks are already in Portland.
Undoubtedly true. Those folks are already in Portland.
6
I don't know that people move to Colorado specifically to be homeless, but I personally know TWO individuals who moved to Colorado specifically to work in the marijuana industry, and also to get high legally all the time. Back home here, they were major potheads. And they left their homes, girlfriends and good jobs in order to be able to smoke pot and get high legally all day long.
2
Nancy, stop! We have far too many people here already; please don't encourage any more to move here. We don't have the resources or the infrastructure to handle 10 more newcomers, no less hundreds. Or thousands.
As for taking your out of state visitors on tours of grow houses, what are you -- 14? Take them to our fabulous Denver Art Museum instead.
As for taking your out of state visitors on tours of grow houses, what are you -- 14? Take them to our fabulous Denver Art Museum instead.
With the International Drug report out today and being submitted to the United Nations, that clearly stated that Marijuana is a major cause of Psychosis, and schizophrenia symptoms, the dangers of this drug are now unquestionable. The report stated that the number of people being treated for drug abuse problems with Marijuana now exceed all other drugs combined. Even 5 times more than Alcohol abuse. The report calls Marijuana a major health hazard. Yet, in the USA we foolishly allow Colorado and other places to ignore the law, make money off the foolish, and pass on the costs to we taxpayers and society in general.
The Toke Heads may be able to justify this idiocy to themselves, but the FEDs should not be fooled or allow this criminal enterprise to become common place. We already have two legal drugs: alcohol and cigarettes, and look at the damages they have brought to every single family in America to date.
The Toke Heads may be able to justify this idiocy to themselves, but the FEDs should not be fooled or allow this criminal enterprise to become common place. We already have two legal drugs: alcohol and cigarettes, and look at the damages they have brought to every single family in America to date.
9
What was actually released yesterday to for UN consideration was a report by the world's most respected medical journal, The Lancet, which states it's time for the UN to rethink it's drug policy and end cannabis prohibition. It specifically states "we believe that the weight of evidence for the health and other harms of criminal markets and other consequences of prohibition is likely to lead more countries to move gradually towards regulated drug markets-a direction which we endorse."
And as for the fears of legalization increasing marijuana use in general, another recent report looking at 23 years of data on one million youth and marijuana use by the Lancet states:
“Marijuana use was more prevalent in states that passed a medical marijuana law any time up to 2014 than in other states. However, the risk of marijuana use in states before passing medical marijuana laws did not differ significantly from the risk after medical marijuana laws were passed."
As for the the claims regarding psychosis, another 2015 article in Lancet Psychiatry clearly states that "causality cannot be established on the basis of their study, and this consideration is important'." None of these studies control for the tendency of people with psychological problems that tend to gravitate towards marijuana use, just as folks with psychological problems gravitate toward excessive alcohol use.
Regurgitating emotional claims not anchored in the data bring nothing to the discussion.
And as for the fears of legalization increasing marijuana use in general, another recent report looking at 23 years of data on one million youth and marijuana use by the Lancet states:
“Marijuana use was more prevalent in states that passed a medical marijuana law any time up to 2014 than in other states. However, the risk of marijuana use in states before passing medical marijuana laws did not differ significantly from the risk after medical marijuana laws were passed."
As for the the claims regarding psychosis, another 2015 article in Lancet Psychiatry clearly states that "causality cannot be established on the basis of their study, and this consideration is important'." None of these studies control for the tendency of people with psychological problems that tend to gravitate towards marijuana use, just as folks with psychological problems gravitate toward excessive alcohol use.
Regurgitating emotional claims not anchored in the data bring nothing to the discussion.
47
A Google search for "International Drug report" doesn't turn up anything being released today. There is a well-known (and often criticized) UN "World Drug Report," but it usually comes out in May or June. So what report are you talking about?
8
can we at least agree to stop jailing people who smoke pot?
18
Don't give into the commodification and corporatization of weed.
GROW YOUR OWN!!!
GROW YOUR OWN!!!
23
If nothing else one gives up smoking animal feces, toxic chemicals, smugglers urine and a whole host of other nasties that you have no idea what's in it when you light up. After all, with a little knowledge one can choose the right strain, grow organically and be self sufficient. You can't beat it!
1
"Dope-smoking ski buffs can ride to the slopes in weed-friendly charter S.U.V.s".
Toking and skiing. That can't be good.
Toking and skiing. That can't be good.
17
I was on the gondola at Stratton in February and two college kids with snowboards across from me (I'm 46) were drinking Bud Light.
1
Yes. And?
They seemed sober? They seemed drunk?
Because if they were drunk that would be concerning given the speed of skiing at Stratton, the high volume of young kids on school vacation (and everyone else), the relatively narrow and icy trails, you'd think maybe this is a really bad idea - someone could get hurt - like if they were high and their reaction time was impaired, like that?
They seemed sober? They seemed drunk?
Because if they were drunk that would be concerning given the speed of skiing at Stratton, the high volume of young kids on school vacation (and everyone else), the relatively narrow and icy trails, you'd think maybe this is a really bad idea - someone could get hurt - like if they were high and their reaction time was impaired, like that?
1
Many people are drunk on the slopes, they do sell booze in the lodge you know.
4
One must wonder about the impaired judgment of those who permitted the Times to publish their names, ages, home towns, and photographs in this article. While what they are doing in Colorado in perfectly legal, one cannot help but wonder if their employers and the duly constituted constabulary in their home states (e.g., Indiana, Michigan, and Georgia) will not take notice of their activities in the Mile High State and act accordingly.
I would hope not, but hey, this is America, and so, I am not going to get my hopes up.
We're a long way from societal acceptance of cannabis consumption, and I fear that many of these people will find out that their trips to Colorado end up costing them a heckuva lot more than the $1,295 (not including airfare) they shelled out and had their anonymity totally blown in the process.
I would hope not, but hey, this is America, and so, I am not going to get my hopes up.
We're a long way from societal acceptance of cannabis consumption, and I fear that many of these people will find out that their trips to Colorado end up costing them a heckuva lot more than the $1,295 (not including airfare) they shelled out and had their anonymity totally blown in the process.
11
.... And the thousands or millions whose lives were crushed (are being crushed) for doing the same thing, or less, read this and think...
.... and the public/private Drug War Fanatics whose jobs and business profits depend on keeping this plant evil read this and think.....
... and the politicians who insist on building empires based on fear, fear of others, fear of change, fear of drugs (besides alcohol and tobacco and Viagara and on and on) read this and think....
.... and the public/private Drug War Fanatics whose jobs and business profits depend on keeping this plant evil read this and think.....
... and the politicians who insist on building empires based on fear, fear of others, fear of change, fear of drugs (besides alcohol and tobacco and Viagara and on and on) read this and think....
10
Massachusetts, which legalized medical marijuana over 3 years ago and decriminalized possession of pot 1 ounce (2 grams) or less, will be voting on a ballot question to legalize recreational pot this November.
9
Don't do it! It's a disaster and widely abused, as was our original "medical" marijuana Amendment. For the first couple of years, the majority of people who obtained "medical marijuana" licenses were: males, under 25,
living in college towns and in Denver, who suddenly sll were suffering from "chronic headaches." These bogus dispensaries all had signs in their front windows advertising "Doctor on Call."
Who are these commenters kidding?
living in college towns and in Denver, who suddenly sll were suffering from "chronic headaches." These bogus dispensaries all had signs in their front windows advertising "Doctor on Call."
Who are these commenters kidding?
My son stayed in Denver last year after graduating from the University of Colorado. We travel out there quite a bit to visit him and though we love the Colorado for it's scenic beauty, restaurants and western style, I agree with Mike Bloomberg's comments made a couple of years ago when he was visiting Aspen.
He said something along the lines that Colorado is going through one big social experiment. With that said, I can attest to the fact that though it's improved a slight bit over the past year, it's streets are filled with hard-core drug abusers (heroin, meth etc...) and mentally ill persons sleeping in right under the noses of State Legislators.
The odd yet interesting thing about articles like this is that it only looks at one side of "habits". Yes....true Pot is at par with a stiff drink, but with all the drinking, smoking and other drug usage going on in the State, I gotta believe in my hear-of-hearts that someone down the road will suffer for his or her parents lifestyle.
On a pure personal level, suffering from Epilepsy I have tried using Pot when I was much younger and even with less potent week, the results were a complete disaster. While under the influence my conditioned worsened.
God bless Colorado and hope they all do well out there and use some common sense before putting something foreign in their bodies/minds.
Manhattan, Jaded Guy!
He said something along the lines that Colorado is going through one big social experiment. With that said, I can attest to the fact that though it's improved a slight bit over the past year, it's streets are filled with hard-core drug abusers (heroin, meth etc...) and mentally ill persons sleeping in right under the noses of State Legislators.
The odd yet interesting thing about articles like this is that it only looks at one side of "habits". Yes....true Pot is at par with a stiff drink, but with all the drinking, smoking and other drug usage going on in the State, I gotta believe in my hear-of-hearts that someone down the road will suffer for his or her parents lifestyle.
On a pure personal level, suffering from Epilepsy I have tried using Pot when I was much younger and even with less potent week, the results were a complete disaster. While under the influence my conditioned worsened.
God bless Colorado and hope they all do well out there and use some common sense before putting something foreign in their bodies/minds.
Manhattan, Jaded Guy!
14
Not sure what street you were visiting "filled with hard-core drug abusers and mentally ill persons" but there are bad areas in every city. On the whole, Denver is thriving. Its beautiful, its clean, its got energy and a lifestyle second to none. The economy is tearing it up. We're the healthiest and least obese state in the nation. Maybe that's why folks are moving here in droves. More importantly, you are conflating heroin/meth addiction and mental health issues with pot. Where's the connection? Detractors of pot claim its a gateway drug, but never seem to have any facts or research to back it up. In reality, it appears prescription narcotic drugs may be the gateway to heroin/meth. Having moved here from NY myself, there's not enough money in the world to get me to move back to the dying, decaying Northeast.
9
Larry - I've spent much time over the past 5 years in Boulder and in Denver and the only way you could miss the "mental health" and "heavy drug" use in Denver is if you were blind. As I mentioned, it appears as though the Denver "leaders" have finally realized how much of a turn-off to tourists begging, drug crazed persons can be.
http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/broadway_17th/2014/06/denver-unve...
I never said there was a direct correlation between pot usage and heavier drugs....though I don't think it would be too far fetched to say that "addictive personalities" would be more inclined to walk-before-they run. Sound reasonable?
Lived in NY all of my life and agree with you that it's dying on many fronts. High cost of living, corruption at many levels and electing incompetent mayors like De Blasio who appears to be back-peddling into the years when one was scared to walk in Central Park at night.
My son's employer in Denver is evidence that the economy there is booming and hope it continues.....but you need to take a few steps back and not think that alcohol, pot or tobacco have no downsides to them. Education helps but it's not a panacea.
Time will tell if Mr. Bloomberg's "social experiment" comment was right or wrong!
http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/broadway_17th/2014/06/denver-unve...
I never said there was a direct correlation between pot usage and heavier drugs....though I don't think it would be too far fetched to say that "addictive personalities" would be more inclined to walk-before-they run. Sound reasonable?
Lived in NY all of my life and agree with you that it's dying on many fronts. High cost of living, corruption at many levels and electing incompetent mayors like De Blasio who appears to be back-peddling into the years when one was scared to walk in Central Park at night.
My son's employer in Denver is evidence that the economy there is booming and hope it continues.....but you need to take a few steps back and not think that alcohol, pot or tobacco have no downsides to them. Education helps but it's not a panacea.
Time will tell if Mr. Bloomberg's "social experiment" comment was right or wrong!
4
Steve, we encourage you to look into current research on high-CBD, low-THC cannabis on epilepsy treatment. GW Pharmaceuticals, the British company that developed Sativex, a cannabis preparation that treats spasticity in people with MS, is showing good preliminary results with another preparation, Epidiolex, to treat seizure disorders, right now in children. Link to recent Wall Street Journal story below.
As for the rest of your comments here, we encourage you to weigh the pros and cons of drug legalization on the problems you decry. Last we checked, prohibition wasn't working, and its costs are a terrible burden on people and society.
Who becomes addicted to drugs, and why? The great majority of users of any drug do not become addicted. Why not look into the issue and make more informed comments in public forums?
http://www.wsj.com/articles/gw-pharmaceuticals-gets-positive-result-for-...
As for the rest of your comments here, we encourage you to weigh the pros and cons of drug legalization on the problems you decry. Last we checked, prohibition wasn't working, and its costs are a terrible burden on people and society.
Who becomes addicted to drugs, and why? The great majority of users of any drug do not become addicted. Why not look into the issue and make more informed comments in public forums?
http://www.wsj.com/articles/gw-pharmaceuticals-gets-positive-result-for-...
2
Reminds me that John Denver was just a-head of his time...
Rocky Mountain High Colorado
Rocky Mountain High Colorado
12
As a former Colorado resident and also a former casual pot smoker, this concerns me. The sort of people profiled in this article have problems, regardless of experts' opinions that pot is not addictive. I know too many people who never outgrew the habit, who kept smoking pot as they built careers and families, and whose resulting problems range from stunted personal relationships to an almost complete inability to enjoy normal activities while sober.
I'm disappointed that Colorado's business community is thriving from people's problems.
I'm disappointed that Colorado's business community is thriving from people's problems.
42
Your point is valid, and I certainly agree that some people never outgrow this habit and suffer because of it, but - can the same argument not be made about alcohol? How many people's lives are ruined because of their own alcoholism, and how many lives are ruined because of someone else's alcoholism? Too many, I think. And, are businesses (bars, restaurants, liquor stores, etc.) not profiting from alcohol all over the country? Of course they are. And yet, alcohol remains legal.
Just something to think about.
Just something to think about.
7
"I understand that people go on wine trips, but generally speaking, they’re not popping bottles of shiraz the minute they leave the baggage claim."
Yes, there are people who go on wine trips and drink in the car on the way to their hotels, hit the minibar, drink on the way to the bar, drink with/for dinner.
We call them alcoholics. But, you know, this is different, because weed comes from the Earth and it's not corporate.
Yes, there are people who go on wine trips and drink in the car on the way to their hotels, hit the minibar, drink on the way to the bar, drink with/for dinner.
We call them alcoholics. But, you know, this is different, because weed comes from the Earth and it's not corporate.
8
Tiana, I agree with all that you wrote. And as a former casual pot smoker, and now a light drinker, I think either substance is fine if moderately integrated into a healthy lifestyle. But the organized trip described in this article is designed for hardcore dopers who are smoking all day long. Alcoholism is bad, and so is heavy reliance on pot.
10
Someday this will be no big deal. Our religious overlords will weep.
15
there not drinking Shiraz at baggage claim because they already drank a bottle on the plane.
19
How odd that not one State in the northeast has followed suit. I'm in NJ, run by the Christie gang, so it won't be us, but I look for VT, NH or MA to breakthrough first. Rhode Island could do it to give their depressed economy a kick in the pants, but I suspect they're too parochial to get it done.
Here's hoping a State near me breaks through soon in the name of "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".
Here's hoping a State near me breaks through soon in the name of "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".
40
The RI Senate Majority Leader supports legalization, and the tax money could be a huge boon locally. The Governor, however, has only gone so far as to suggest taxing medical marijuana, which wouldn't have remotely the same economic benefit while making sick people pay more for a part of their treatment.
3
When will this nation through off the shackles of the right wing and the church and embrace a true democracy? How many Billions could be put to better use than prison, wasted court time,and police brutality, not to mention the health benefits of pot over other Pharma drugs.When the lobbyist smear enough $$$ on our corrupt congressman , and they change the laws so big corporate america can cash in , we shall have our freedom.
30
they're not drinking Shiraz at baggage claim because they got a whiskey before their flight and had two more on the plane.
44
Interesting article, thank you. I'm ready to book my Colorado vacation.
Times are changing, and it's time for the Federal government to allow this industry to do proper banking. That these businesses are forced to run cash only makes it dangerous for many people.
As Peter Tosh once said 'Legalize it'.
Times are changing, and it's time for the Federal government to allow this industry to do proper banking. That these businesses are forced to run cash only makes it dangerous for many people.
As Peter Tosh once said 'Legalize it'.
36
Bernie wants to take Marijuana off the Federal Schedule- Hillary will not commit.
All the Republicans are with Hillary.
New York, you know what to do.
All the Republicans are with Hillary.
New York, you know what to do.
87
Of all the single-issue voters, aren't "weed-the-peoples" the best?
If Donald Trump promised to make pot legal and put it front and center with the wall and deportations, he'd get a solid precentage of the stoner vote, presuming they registered in NY to vote in the primary back in October, which you know, they probably didn't.
Perhaps that sounds unkind, but hey, it's 4:20 - are you going to engage in the democratic process for an election that's 9 months away or get baked?
If Donald Trump promised to make pot legal and put it front and center with the wall and deportations, he'd get a solid precentage of the stoner vote, presuming they registered in NY to vote in the primary back in October, which you know, they probably didn't.
Perhaps that sounds unkind, but hey, it's 4:20 - are you going to engage in the democratic process for an election that's 9 months away or get baked?
2
I suppose the driver of the tourist van is not actually smoking- but over hours and hours sitting in a car with the smoke & fumes of mj, there's bound to be some impairment.
11
The tour companies where pot is smoked in the cars are required to have a partition between their guests and the driver.
"At a certain point, I started to suspect that the city’s reefer tourist moguls were getting their clients high mainly for the purpose of relieving them of their money." Ya think??
3
Ever been to Vegas ? You can't drink all day unless you get an early start. This article is exactly zero surprising, but will no doubt plant many seeds for a vacation trip this year.
Colorado is beautiful and worth seeing in any event....
Colorado is beautiful and worth seeing in any event....
7
I love Colorado.
10
On the ground in Denver - marijuana legalization was a non-issue...except for the positives - lots of jobs, lots of money, and surprsingly enough lots of happy people!!
Just like with Prohibition - this will cool as well.
As for the "big boys" moving in - it will be just like wine and beer - sure you have Coors and Budweiser but you also have Avery, Great Divide, etc.
Simply put Colorado is God's Country and Denver is the Mile High City!!
** Only State to deny the Olympics (1976 Winter Games) - the people here move to their own drum...something east coasters don't always quite grasp.
Just like with Prohibition - this will cool as well.
As for the "big boys" moving in - it will be just like wine and beer - sure you have Coors and Budweiser but you also have Avery, Great Divide, etc.
Simply put Colorado is God's Country and Denver is the Mile High City!!
** Only State to deny the Olympics (1976 Winter Games) - the people here move to their own drum...something east coasters don't always quite grasp.
33
Bostonians said NO to The Summer Olympics trying to be forced upon them.
7
As a native Coloradan, I disagree. While I had no issue with making pot legal, it has turned this state into someplace I don't recognize--and not really for the better.
Since Colorado became so 'cool,' (which no one thought it was before the legalization of pot), many people now can't afford rent, buying a house is out of the question for most, there has been a huge increase in pedestrian-vehicular accidents due to drugged driving, the traffic here is horrible no matter the time of day, there has been a huge spike in gang-related crimes, and rudeness of a different caliber prevails more than ever existed here before.
Colorado culture is being submerged by a ceaseless inundation of people moving here--wait a few more years and there will be no Colorado culture left--way too much change too fast is not a good thing and it's happening so fast that people coming in cannot assimilate...How can Colorado be cool if there is nothing left of it?
Since Colorado became so 'cool,' (which no one thought it was before the legalization of pot), many people now can't afford rent, buying a house is out of the question for most, there has been a huge increase in pedestrian-vehicular accidents due to drugged driving, the traffic here is horrible no matter the time of day, there has been a huge spike in gang-related crimes, and rudeness of a different caliber prevails more than ever existed here before.
Colorado culture is being submerged by a ceaseless inundation of people moving here--wait a few more years and there will be no Colorado culture left--way too much change too fast is not a good thing and it's happening so fast that people coming in cannot assimilate...How can Colorado be cool if there is nothing left of it?
5
I remember when gambling was only legal in Nevada. Now the US market is saturated. Wonder if that would happen with cannabis?
5
Not about Colorado - or pot - but I wish NY's politicians realized how saturated the country is with gambling casinos before it approved several which will do nothing but suck in money from locals.
Gosh, it is so nice to have moderately to severely intoxicated people walking on our streets and driving automobiles.
Almost as nice as coping with infants exposed to breast milk or in utero to marijuana.
Good thing lots of marijuana tax money is going to help our children in school!
Oops, our silly state elected officials were so stoned they forgot to send the tax money to our schools.
Almost as nice as coping with infants exposed to breast milk or in utero to marijuana.
Good thing lots of marijuana tax money is going to help our children in school!
Oops, our silly state elected officials were so stoned they forgot to send the tax money to our schools.
22
How much would it cost to lock up everyone who has been drinking at any time. A civilized society exists because people can conduct themselves with in certain boundries. These draconian drug laws created to oppress people are more akin to fascism, like the current stink of the GOP.
32
A lot of CO marijuana money goes to our schools.
15
Gosh, Steve, maybe you should check out some actual science about cannabis "intoxication." Here's a hint: you'll find that habitual users aren't very intoxicated. Or at least not very impaired.
You might also find that there are scads and scads of others who get high and don't drive or otherwise put themselves and others in harm's way.
Or just keep cranking out the old tropes.
You might also find that there are scads and scads of others who get high and don't drive or otherwise put themselves and others in harm's way.
Or just keep cranking out the old tropes.
10
Very good report out on the state of things cannabis in Colorado. And entertaining as can be. Mr. Feuer never disappoints.
Yet I was a bit taken aback at his "epiphany:" "At a certain point, I started to suspect that the city’s reefer tourist moguls were getting their clients high mainly for the purpose of relieving them of their money."
Isn't this simply another way of saying, "We live in a country where the economy is based on (and quite desperately so) mass consumer capitalism?"
Also, let's not forget that Pfizer and many other pharmaceutical companies were in the cannabis game for decades, way back in the days before it was suddenly criminalized by Congress in the 1930s. Cannabis was an ingredient in hundreds of patent medicines; and buds, hashish, and already rolled joints were right there on pharmacy shelves all across the United States.
A simple internet search turns up this fascinating history, complete with hundreds of images of these cannabis preparations in quite an array of old-timey packaging. You'll find same with many opiate and cocaine preparations.
It is prohibition itself, along with the growing isolation and alienation of people as late capitalism approaches its ugly endgame, that has helped to create our bizarre new relationship to drugs, complete with a new, absurd narrative of certain addiction and ruined lives.
Setting such expectations contributes mightily to making them happen. We should maybe consider setting better ones.
Yet I was a bit taken aback at his "epiphany:" "At a certain point, I started to suspect that the city’s reefer tourist moguls were getting their clients high mainly for the purpose of relieving them of their money."
Isn't this simply another way of saying, "We live in a country where the economy is based on (and quite desperately so) mass consumer capitalism?"
Also, let's not forget that Pfizer and many other pharmaceutical companies were in the cannabis game for decades, way back in the days before it was suddenly criminalized by Congress in the 1930s. Cannabis was an ingredient in hundreds of patent medicines; and buds, hashish, and already rolled joints were right there on pharmacy shelves all across the United States.
A simple internet search turns up this fascinating history, complete with hundreds of images of these cannabis preparations in quite an array of old-timey packaging. You'll find same with many opiate and cocaine preparations.
It is prohibition itself, along with the growing isolation and alienation of people as late capitalism approaches its ugly endgame, that has helped to create our bizarre new relationship to drugs, complete with a new, absurd narrative of certain addiction and ruined lives.
Setting such expectations contributes mightily to making them happen. We should maybe consider setting better ones.
11
The big corporations are way too late to get in on the marijuana branding gold rush now. They will be scorned and laughed out of the business. There is an integrated underground culture behind cannabis and it's existed since the 1920s. Louis Armstrong and Gertrude Stein were a part of it. Bob Marley is a part of it. His family is getting into the business now. Corporations like Phillip Morris have very anti-drug company cultures. They will not be able to change internally enough to attract the expertise and achieve the brand respect necessary to compete with people who've been growing pot for 20 years as members of an underground dissident community.
8
I strongly suspect that their "anti-drug" piousness was driven by a desire to keep tobacco as the only legal drug - as soon as there's money to be made their moral compass will find a new pole star.
8
I've been skiing regularly since I was 15. I've been smoking pot (sometimes regularly, sometimes semi-regularly) since I was 18. I love them both, but wouldn't suggest skiing while stoned. So, although I look forward to getting back to Colorado some time soon, I will not be taking a weed friendly SUV to the slopes. But taking one back from the slopes is a whole different ballgame ;)
8
“I have never seen two people on pot get in a fight because it is...IMPOSSIBLE. "Hey, buddy!" "Hey, what?" "Ummmmmmm...." End of argument.” - Bill Hicks
Legalize marijuana in all the states (along with other drugs) and quit telling us what we can and cannot ingest. I bet the stress and violence meter in our country would drop tremendously in response.
Legalize marijuana in all the states (along with other drugs) and quit telling us what we can and cannot ingest. I bet the stress and violence meter in our country would drop tremendously in response.
58
Two things will have to happen before Philip Morris, Pfizer and other conglomerates move in. Banking rules will have to open up and the Federal status of cannabis will have to be changed. No giant corporation is going to want to conduct business in pure cash -it would simply be impractical, and the legal tangle with existing Federal laws would be a huge drag on ROI. Every one of the businesses and nascent lobbying groups now militating for changes in banking laws and the Federal status of cannabis now are in effect opening the doors for the huge corporates. The small scale artisanal businesses won't ever disappear, it is a deeply rooted dedication, but the volume of their profits will change in unknowable ways.
10
Having visited Colorado (Telluride) and sampled their legal wares from a dispensary in the town, the first thing my traveling companions and I said after leaving was, "Why isn't it like this in every state?"
Removing the fear of arrest and prison for something that millions of Americans do would free up law enforcement, lower the prison population and break the Mexican drug cartels. Then they would have to start stealing a LOT of hubcaps to make up the lost revenue.
Removing the fear of arrest and prison for something that millions of Americans do would free up law enforcement, lower the prison population and break the Mexican drug cartels. Then they would have to start stealing a LOT of hubcaps to make up the lost revenue.
125
Th only reason I can think of for non legalization is employers: Increasingly, many of them are asking for urine tests as a pre-employment filter. THC showing up might be hard for them to accept. There are defense contractors in Colorado...I wonder what they're doing (as a urine test is often a requirement even when already hired.)
I split my time between one very pot repressive state (Arizona) and Colorado. Frankly, I see no bad effects in Colorado from legalization. The fears opponents had when pot became legal have just not materialized which proves the point that prohibition is a failed policy. I hope that the referendum for taxing and regulating pot passes in Arizona this fall. However, I suspect the far right wing legislature will find some way to undo it because, in their case the believe some perceived moral failing is still going on here (but not with alcohol), and that won't trump (sorry) the money they could get from legalization that the state could really use. It would also have a positive impact on border smuggling and further reduce the power of the Mexican drug cartels.
The pot tourist industry is purely a function of timing. As more states end prohibition, the need to go on a pot vacation will dissipate, although Colorado will always be a great place to vacation.
The pot tourist industry is purely a function of timing. As more states end prohibition, the need to go on a pot vacation will dissipate, although Colorado will always be a great place to vacation.
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Yes and no. Perhaps the party busses will slow down but there will be many people who are in search of education when it comes to cannabis. We are going on our second season of cannabis tourism and every single group we have had on our tour paid specifically for a tour to understand cannabis as medicine for one thing or another. Cannabis can be a little confusing at first if you are new to it or coming back to it after a long time. It's been a joy to walk people through the process and especially nice to hear a follow up on how they are actually getting relief. Honestly, it's the best job in the world!