Will marijuana tourism begin now after the passage of the pot ballots by voters in Colorado and Washington state, legalizing the recreational use for adults 21 and over? Jennifer Rudolph of the Colorado Ski Country USA is watching what happens next before giving the ′green′ light. While the idea of skiing by day and bonging by night dances in the minds of potential vacationers, there is still that nasty Federal drug law to contend with. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper is already trying to get a sign from Eric Holder and the Justice Department before moving forward. Meanwhile, in Washington state, two county prosecutors, Dan Satterburg of King County and Mark Lindquist of Pierce County, are already dropping hundreds of marijuana possession cases pending in the courts. So were Tuesday election results legalizing marijuana use the first step towards a nationwide reform? Or are we all just stoned?
Ah, the sweet smell of success! You have to admit that it is ′high time′ for a change in our laws concerning marijuana use by adults. Already many states have adopted laws permitting its use for medical purposes. In most cases, this is simply a ruse where people obtain prescriptions from doctors who are connected to marijuana dispensaries. Got a hang nail, a headache, a stuffy nose? Get a script! Too much anxiety from work related stress? No problem, just light up!
True, many people with real ailments who actually do get a medical benefit from marijuana use are now better off. But we know that in most cases, the whole thing is a sham. But now, Colorado and Washington state have stepped into the daylight and removed the hypocrisy. The new laws approved by a majority of the voters allows not only for adults 21 and older to use marijuana for recreational purposes, but also to grow their own.
Since both states went for Obama in the general election, we might also conclude that they know full well that the only way to get through the next four years without going stark raving mad is to get high and stay high. Plus, as many companies are already laying off employees and freezing future hiring due to Obama′s reelection, a new pot industry might be the only jobs available in the New Normal.
I say let marijuana tourism begin! Green jobs for greenbacks! Cash is king and weed is the thing! Hopefully, Gov. John Hickenlooper will be able to convince Eric Holder and the Justice Department to let the Federal drug law on marijuana slide. Kudos to Dan Satterberg and Mark Linquist for leading the way of local county prosecutors in dropping cases that needlessly tie up the courts. Jennifer Rudolph of Colorado Ski Country USA is watching how the new law shakes out. From ski slopes to bongs full of dope, a whole new industry could be born.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:25 am
Fun fact:
Colorado is well-known for being a pot-friendly state. We are 4th in number of breweries per capita (130 breweries as of 2011).
Despite being stoners and drunks, we are also the least obese state in the US and 3rd most educated.
Politically we are a fairly important swing-state, but I see bad things for the Republicans in the future. We are certainly becoming more liberal and I wouldn’t be surprised if we become straight-up blue pretty soon.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:31 am
“Despite being stoners and drunks, we are also the least obese state in the US…”
Because junkies cant afford to eat.
“I see bad things for the Republicans in the future. ”
Political tides have always fluctuated back n forth.
By 2014 the country will be sick of liberals and go conservative. Tis the nature of the beast.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:42 am
The fed will never adhere to pot freindly laws any time soon.
Theres too much money and employment wrapped up the war on drugs.
The right is woefully ignorant on pot by including it with other rec drugs in its stupid overpriced war on drugs.
But, then again, a dem, I forget who its was said the day after election; ” if pot were legalized nationwide the cartels would be out of business.
Bull, other drugs such as meth, coke, heroin, ecstasy are much lighter, hold less volume, more profitable and are much easier to smuggle.
Freind of mine; (Colorado resident)
http://rayharvey.org/index.php/2011/02/castro-pot-bust-goes-awry-law-professor-converts-threatens-to-sue/
“When pot smokers and recreational drug-users voted for Barack Obama because, during his initial campaign for President, he promised “a compassionate drug policy,” they may not have realized that in actuality Obama requested $25.6 billion for drug control by 2013. That is the highest yearly total ever by an American president. More here > (see link above) on this absolutely pointless and profligate life-destroying war-on-drugs”
November 11th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Because junkies cant afford to eat.
We are not a poor state.
Also, you are truly delusional, as always.
November 11th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
Legalize it and move on to the important stuff. Potheads aren’t a big deal.
November 11th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
“Because junkies cant afford to eat.
We are not a poor state.
Also, you are truly delusional, as always.”
Yeah well screw you too.
Have a sense of humor ass hole.
You and I have always agreed on this subject.
Poor state, rich state, has nothing to do with addictions.
I’m in the business, wise up.
You’re the one whos delusional if you think wealth and addiction have any correlation.
How bout you address Obamas hypocrisy instead of your typical bullsht, Amber.
On another note, you really ought to try and not be the first to post every time pot gets mentioned. Its very telling.
I smoke pot, but it snot a big issue in my political spectrum.
It seems to mean everything to you.
November 11th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
I agree, Patrick!
How is it telling Mick? Do I smoke pot? Sure, maybe once or twice a month. It is a fairly big deal because so much cash is wasted on fighting what I consider to be a fairly benign drug.
November 11th, 2012 at 5:57 pm
I agree with Patrick also.
But your head is still up your ass.
I’ve written and opined on this subject with you and Rhayader til we were blue in the face, remember ?
I’m the one who did three months in the big house and lost his gun and voting rights because of one stupid joint and a stupid law.
The point that deserves attention is not so much the battle between the fed,Colorado and Washington as it is these idiots who think legalization of pot will eliminate the cartels.
That, is the height of ignorance coming from the clueless idiots who make our laws and pretend to stand behind them for all the wrong reasons.
The biggest plus that will come from this is if the fed legalizes pot nationwide is not freedom, but rather their intent to tax sales for revenues.
If you think pot will ever be legalized because some bleeding heart politician cares about your freedom you’re wrong. Right now the only thing crossing their minds is revenues to pay off the debt they stuck us with.
It will result in less freedom when they begin to tax it on the same levels they tax booze and cigarettes.
People will still grow their own and sell on the black market at much more reasonable prices because in no time at all dispensaries will be regulated, taxed and monitored up the wazoo.
Also…
“According to a recent survey by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), Colorado was one of the top ten states in several categories of drug use. Colorado ranked above the national average in:
• Past-month use marijuana
• Past-month use of any illicit drug
• Rate of drug-induced deaths.
747 people died in Colorado in 2007 as a direct consequence of drug use. During that same time, 593 people died from motor vehicle accidents and 505 from firearms. This shows the severity and widespread problem of drug abuse in Colorado.”
http://transformationstreatment.com/colorado-drug-abuse-statistics/
Aint got nuthin to do with poor or rich baby !
November 12th, 2012 at 5:22 am
Folks in Colorado are already naturally high due to the altitude and lack of oxygen.
November 12th, 2012 at 7:21 am
If one looks at deaths due to drugs they will find that prescription medication is the component with considerabe upward movement.
November 12th, 2012 at 8:23 am
Just goes to show that skiing and oxycotin do not mix…
November 12th, 2012 at 8:27 am
“Just goes to show that skiing and oxycotin do not mix…”
Not necessarily…
November 12th, 2012 at 8:39 am
Folks in Colorado are already naturally high due to the altitude and lack of oxygen.
Yet we are still near the top when it comes to education! Also, our people don’t suck. Where are you at again Andy? Michigan, right?
November 12th, 2012 at 9:24 am
” Also, our people don’t suck”
BS,if they’re anything like you who hates fat white Christians,fat white rich people and fat white trailer park trash and all other fat people.
If the folks in Colorado are anything like your bigoted ass forget it.
And Buzz, telling folks that skiing and oxy are not necessarily bad ideas is flat out stupid and makes you a danger to society.
By no means should anyone be under the influence of any opiate, including oxy be driving never mind going down a crowded slope endangering others.
With any opiate our body is desensitized to many of our bodys natural warning signals, inhibits reaction time and balance.
Unless you’ve got the slope all to yourself I would advise against it.
November 12th, 2012 at 10:12 am
That’s right Mick, we also have way fewer fatties than other states. God bless Colorado!
November 12th, 2012 at 10:14 am
Well as someone who has a great deal of experience with both skiing and opiates I find that it works well.
Old knees. If I want to go skiing at my advanced age it will require copious amounts of cortisone and Oxy, with perhaps a little non-medical marijuana thrown in (I can’t survive the medical variety, simply too strong).
Now drinking and, skiing on the other hand, (or any athletic endeavor other than golf, which is barely athletic) is never a good idea.
Oxycontin always got a bad name when it is far superior to fast-acting opiates such as Vicodin. No acetaminophen, which is terribly dangerous, and a steady serum level. It is a shame it has been so often abused as physicians are understandably afraid to prescribe it when it is a good option for a lot of people. For example, anyone over 80.
My mother, who is 83, suffers from debilitating arthritis, but the doctor gives her Ultram, which is a terrible drug, when she would be better served by low dose OxyContin. She will probably not crush it, snort it or smoke it.
November 12th, 2012 at 11:04 am
“That’s right Mick, we also have way fewer fatties than other states. God bless Colorado! ”
What are you ? 12 years old ?I’ll assume all your relatives are Jack Lalane ?
(of you have no fat friends)
Buzz, you’re an idiot.
“Well as someone who has a great deal of experience with both skiing and opiates I find that it works well.”
Thats you buzz.
I can eat 5 full strength Vicodin,or 500 mgs of morphine (MS Contin) and dance on your head.
but telling the general public its not necessarily a bad idea to do opiates and ski is irresponsible at best.
November 12th, 2012 at 11:08 am
“That’s right Mick, we also have way fewer fatties than other states. God bless Colorado! ”
You’re also the top ten of all 50 states in addiction, which is a far greater threat to everything than fat people.
November 12th, 2012 at 3:29 pm
I will leave it up to the general public to make their own decisions.
I am guessing the average age of people on this website is north of 50. I will sleep fine tonight, of course I am not one to be troubled by conscience.
November 12th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
“I am not one to be troubled by conscience.”
The dogma of our liberal friends finally admitted by one. Bravo Buzz.
Conservatives had a tough time understanding why this generation is making decision that doom the next one. Our kids owe U.S. bondholders $230,000 already and it is rapidly growing. We ask how can anyone do this in good conscience? It’s the wrong question. The reality is that liberals don’t care.
November 12th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
You are right, Patrick and when my friends ask me I tell them I am liberal for all the wrong reasons.
I will probably only be around less than 20 years so I truly believe in borrow and spend.
November 12th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
Another Motherless Child
November 13th, 2012 at 5:55 am
Believe me, Snow, I am well aware of the shortcomings here in Michigan. Especially with our dufus RINO governor who should just call himself a Democrat since he made money taking patents out on stem cells from aborted fetuses. What a guy!
November 13th, 2012 at 11:43 am
Buzz;
“I am guessing the average age of people on this website is north of 50. ”
So, does that mean when you turn fifty you wont like yourself ?
November 13th, 2012 at 12:06 pm
“Buzz;
“I am guessing the average age of people on this website is north of 50. ”
So, does that mean when you turn fifty you wont like yourself ?”
As usual, I have no idea what you are talking about.
Point is that people over 50 can make their own decisions and are certainly not influenced by me.
Remember, this is just entertainment to me. I am under no illusion that I am changing the world, or even one mind, for that matter. Nor am I attempting to.