Colorado Legalized Recreational Pot – Some Got Stoned. The State Made Money. Everyone Else Hardly Noticed.

“Why is marijuana against the law? It grows naturally upon our planet. Doesn’t the idea of making nature against the law seem to you a bit . . . unnatural?” ― Bill Hicks

Colorado has reported tax revenues and fees of $3.5 million off pot (medical and recreational) sales in January alone. Simple arithmetic suggests that annual tax revenues will be $40 million. However, revenues will certainly be higher as pot sales will increase with warmer weather. And as the number of pot outlets expands.

Despite dire warnings of problems with legalized pot, there have been no reports an uptick in crime, juvenile delinquency or highway fatalities. (A claim, propagated by the Annapolis Police Chief, that 37 people died from pot related causes on the first day of legal pot in CO. proved to be a hoax.)

The Colorado State Patrol has designated 25 officers to be trained in spotting people driving high. In January, 60 drivers were cited for driving stoned.

To combat a potential increase of driving while high, the Colorado DOT has produced several PSAs reminding people of the dangers of driving under the influence of pot.

Ho hum.