I think it will change the patterns for some demographics more than others. Most people in the demographic where use is heaviest, college students, have had no problem finding cannabis in Colorado for at least 20 or 30 years now, and particularly in the past few years with the medical dispensaries. Anyone who wanted to could go get a red card for $160 and then shop at any of the numerous dispensaries around the state, in addition to the ample black-market opportunities to purchase such goods. I think that people in certain circles such as older people will find it a lot easier to obtain cannabis now, and that will change their usage patterns. It will be interesting to see how it develops as it goes from niche cultures to more mainstream… If that happens.
I am objecting to reporters and people commenting as if situations regarding cannabis use are novel, for instance some people are saying "what will we do now that there will be stoned to drivers on the streets?" We already have stoned drivers on the streets in every state and have for at least 20 or 30 years, and there have been laws against that in place all around the country as well. Another example, people discussing cannabis exportation from Colorado to neighboring states… That has already been going on and Colorado has had more availability than neighboring states such as Wyoming and Nebraska for a long time, predating the medical situation. It's true that since the medical laws were passed, larger grow operations have been located in Colorado. A couple of years ago a ring with dozens of houses sending 10 pounds at a time all over the country through FedEx was broken up in Denver. I do think this law will further embolden people if you want to grow cannabis for the black market, but on the other hand I sort of think that anyone who wants to do that already is.
It's also worth noting that California has had highly liberalized laws regarding this for years and for some reason that doesn't get much attention. You can go to Norcal and grow dozens of plants on your land and sell them for a large profits legally without anyone batting an eye.
I am objecting to reporters and people commenting as if situations regarding cannabis use are novel, for instance some people are saying "what will we do now that there will be stoned to drivers on the streets?" We already have stoned drivers on the streets in every state and have for at least 20 or 30 years, and there have been laws against that in place all around the country as well. Another example, people discussing cannabis exportation from Colorado to neighboring states… That has already been going on and Colorado has had more availability than neighboring states such as Wyoming and Nebraska for a long time, predating the medical situation. It's true that since the medical laws were passed, larger grow operations have been located in Colorado. A couple of years ago a ring with dozens of houses sending 10 pounds at a time all over the country through FedEx was broken up in Denver. I do think this law will further embolden people if you want to grow cannabis for the black market, but on the other hand I sort of think that anyone who wants to do that already is.
It's also worth noting that California has had highly liberalized laws regarding this for years and for some reason that doesn't get much attention. You can go to Norcal and grow dozens of plants on your land and sell them for a large profits legally without anyone batting an eye.