I wonder how much Colorado has lost indirectly. I know that Colorado will never be in my vacation plans; the only reason I would go there is if I have a connecting flight at the airport.
And I wonder how the crime rate is doing, as drug addicts who are incapable of work turn to crime to feed their addictions. Not to mention the increase in violent crimes committed by the brain-addled. I wonder how life expectancy is doing in Colorado, given the heavy physical toll of drug addiction.
You cannot have an honest conversation about the state’s “profits” from legalized drug abuse without also looking at the costs of the second, third, fourth, etc., order effects.
Dirt water, n sunshine? Ohhh hardened criminals there.
It should be rearing its head. I have seen more toxic thc levels in newborn umbilical cord in the last few years, than in a 30 yr career. Very few have just one drug. These babies have been bathed in drug chemicals during critical organ development.
These kids should be in early ed soon.
For 1 billion in revenue, these kids will be subjected to this forever. This is not the same pot from decades ago, so comparing those results with today, wouldn’t be accurate.
For another billion, the state could legalize child sonography. People are doing it anyway, why not get revenue from it. It would stop us from spending taxpayer dollars in criminal enforcement.
I live in the Springs, overall crime is not bad. Homelessness, especially in Denver is getting bad, but I chalk that up to Demonrat policies overall. Quite a few states have legalized weed, and more on the way. You will not be able to vacation in the USA soon if you follow your own policy.
I wish it wasn’t legal here, but it is the future...
Yes, there is more homeless here. Most likely due to legalized pot. But my guess is that many of them will move on for more mild climates in Oregon, Nevada, California. As legalized marijuana spreads across the country, homelesness concentrations will equalize.
Colorado ranks well nationally for health. Colorado is not all about legalized marijuana. We have one of the best outdoor activity industries in the nation. People are healthy here. Things like most active, lowest obesity, etc.
Some things are getting worse such as road congestion, and auto accidents. But, our economy, thanks to our laws supporting limited government, is one of the hottest in the nation. So, again, people are coming to here for more than drugs. There are jobs here from energy to STEM to tourism.