One Year-Post Marijuana Legalization in Colorado

By CHARLIE MAY

It has now been just over a year since Colorado has become the first state to  legalize the recreational use of marijuan, and initial reports show the new law has reduced crime, and unemployment-making Colorado one of the fastest growing economies in the United States.

The legalization of marijuana in Colorado in January 2014 is solely responsible for booming the economy and job growth, all while creating more space in jails and decreasing the amount of arrests for non-violent drug crime, statistics show. For example, there has also been a 41 percent drop in drug arrests due to the fact that Coloradans are now able to produce, possess and use marijuana.

Proponents of legalizing marijuana locally say that the results in Colorado so far show that the law has overhauled the so-called ‘war on drugs’ and instead has created social opportunities for the state.

“The war on drugs has been proven unnecessary, and in 2012 there were more marijuana incarcerations than any other drug combined,” said Erika Nastasi President of Ramapo College’s NORML or the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

She explains that prisons are overcrowded, and marijuana possession charges are wrongfully giving citizens criminal records, which makes it difficult for them to get a job.

So the question now is: What has changed?

It has been legal now for two years for citizens of the state to possess up to one ounce of marijuana for private use in Colorado. Under the Colorado law, known as Amendment 64, citizens 21 years old and older can use the drug recreationally. This also allows small businesses to be created and distribute pot-infused goods to the public.

For tourists, Colorado almost seems like a foreign country. Pot is everywhere. There  are many small shops all over the state that sell marijuana infused goods. Thus  allowing small business to thrive in the Centennial state.

Overcrowding of jails had a huge role in stagnating the economy before legalization. Now, the state is ranked one of the fastest growing economies, and the legalization of pot has helped it get to this point.

According to state data, marijuana possession charges are estimated to fall drastically below 2,500, which is down 30,000 since 2010. There has also been a 41percent drop in drug arrests due to the fact that Coloradans are now able to produce, possess, and use marijuana.

Now, the state is ranked one of the fastest growing economies, and the legalization of pot has helped it get to this point. Unemployment is now at its lowest rate, 4.1 percent, and is well below the national average.

The legalization of marijuana in Colorado is solely responsible for booming the economy and job growth, all while creating more space in jails and decreasing the  amount of arrests for non-violent drug crime, according to some observers.

The state of Colorado has a tax capacity. This means that the state is required by law to give some of its money back to the citizens. The numbers are not finalized but it is  estimated that they will be giving back $30.5 million in pot taxes.

So far, marijuana is legal for recreationaluse in Colorado and Washington. Alaska and Oregon passed bills in November that have allowed recreational use, but that passage has yet to be determined.