The U.S. Justice Department issued a statement earlier this year that it would not prosecute in states where marijuana was legal so long as the industry is adequately regulated. Now Colorado marijuana users, growers, distributors, and other members of the marijuana industry will be forced to comply with an additional…
With the majority of voters in Colorado approving legalization in 2012, it may come as a surprise that two recent polls show that support has waned. According to the two polls, Colorado residents are discontent with the way that regulations have been handled by state legislators. According to a poll…
Since recreational pot shops opened in Colorado in January, sales have topped medical marijuana sales for the first time. According to recent tax figures released by the Colorado Department of Revenue, the state received $838,711 from a 2.9% tax on medical marijuana and $2.97 million from the 10% sales tax…
Even though the Justice Department has decided to largely remain hands off when it comes to state legalization and medical marijuana, the federal government can still prosecute any marijuana crime–even if your home state says it is legal. One trap for the unwary involves paying taxes, as paying taxes on…
One of the criticisms of legalization is that it will give underage users, including teens, additional access to the drug. Some say it will even promote teen marijuana use. In light of this attack on legalization, many teens are speaking out, saying that legalization will not increase underage or illegal…
One of the positive consequences of legalization is the eradication of the black market. Reduced crime rates, taxes on once prohibited products, and transparency in the law can smooth regulatory practices and reduce risks. Despite legalization in Colorado, recent reports indicate that a black market for marijuana still exists. Even…
There are a number of concerns about what effect legalization may have on communities in California and nationwide. Issues regarding driving under the influence, the danger of edibles, and other public health issues have already been raised by opponents of legalization. One consequence of legalization that no one expected is…
Disparate state marijuana laws can make it difficult to know when and where you may be charged with a crime. Penalties for various charges can also vary widely. Unfortunately, for travelers throughout the U.S. the checkerboard of legal versus non-legal marijuana states make predictability and prevention of an arrest or…
Colorado is the first state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, so it is no surprise that all eyes are on the state, looking to uncover both the positive and negative implications of life after prohibition. While there are concerns about the danger of edibles, driving under the influence,…
Colorado has been center stage in the nation’s marijuana legalization debate. Advocates are pointing to revenue increases, decreased crime rates, and other positive benefits of recreational pot legalization. On the other hand, critics are waiting for negative reports to bolster their claims that legalization is bad for society, detrimental to…