Over the years, the journey from medical marijuana legalization in 2000 to the full embrace of recreational use in 2012 has defined Colorado’s progressive stance on cannabis. This article will take a look at how long has weed been legal in Colorado and how it has impacted the society.
Historical Context
To appreciate Colorado’s current cannabis landscape, it’s essential to glance back at history. In 1917, Colorado restricted cannabis, imposing fines and potential jail time. The 1937 Marihuana Tax Act saw the first federal marijuana convictions.
Decriminalization briefly surfaced in 1975, reducing possession penalties. Medical marijuana gained approval in 2000, setting the stage for the state’s progressive approach to cannabis.
Medical Marijuana Era
In 2000, Colorado voters by a majority of 54%, approved Amendment 20. This pivotal amendment altered the State Constitution, permitting the use of marijuana for approved patients with written medical consent.
Patients, under this law, were allowed to possess up to 2 ounces of medical marijuana and cultivate a limited number of marijuana plants.
However, exceeding these limits of Colorado legalized drugs did not offer legal protection under state law. The medical era laid the groundwork for later developments in cannabis legislation.
Recreational Legalization
The turning point came in 2012 with the passage of Colorado Amendment 64. This marked the shift from medical use to full-fledged recreational legalization.
Adults aged 21 or older could legally grow up to six marijuana plants, possess marijuana from their cultivation, and carry up to one ounce of marijuana while traveling.
The amendment ushered in legalized drugs in Colorado. It also marked the inception of the first dispensary in Colorado, opening its doors in January 2014. That lead to what is now a prominent facet of Colorado legalize identity—cannabis tourism.
Regulation and Challenges
Colorado has faced challenges in regulating cannabis, especially concerning impaired driving. The state established a Colorado weed limit for THC in the bloodstream to determine marijuana intoxication, although debates around this threshold persist.
In 2019, Governor Jared Polis signed a law allowing licensed businesses to have social marijuana use areas, adding a new dimension to cannabis consumption.
Impact and Revenue
The impact of Colorado legalization on the economy and social landscape is noteworthy. In 2014, the first year of full implementation, marijuana sales reached $700 million. However, by April 2018, revenue from legalized marijuana constituted only 2% of the state’s education budget.
The state collected over $247 million in taxes, fees, and licensing costs in 2017, reflecting the financial implications of the cannabis industry.
Is Hashish Legal in Colorado
In Colorado, individuals aged 21 and above can privately possess up to two ounces of hashish or extracts without facing penalties. Possession exceeding 2 ounces but below 3 ounces results in a misdemeanor, carrying a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or imprisonment for 6 to 364 days.
Possession laws in Colorado also state that carrying over 3 ounces of marijuana concentrate escalates to a felony, leading to 6 to 18 months of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000. These regulations are outlined in the Colorado Constitution Article 18, Section 16(3)(a), and detailed in § 18-18-406(b)(c).
Youth and Cannabis
One area of concern has been the potential impact on youth. Emergency room visits involving cannabis-related issues among teenagers spiked after legalization.
However, subsequent surveys suggested a decline in adolescent marijuana abuse, attributed to increased funding for education and law enforcement oversight.
