Pubdate: Mon, 10 Jun 2013
Source: New Haven Register (CT)
Copyright: 2013 McClatchy-Tribune Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.nhregister.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/292

COLORADO BRACES FOR RECREATIONAL POT

DENVER - Colorado was one of the pioneers of medical marijuana. Soon, 
it will hold another distinction.

Voters in November overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment 
that will allow for the sale of cannabis to anyone over age 21. In 
doing so, they made Colorado one of only two states to opt for full 
commercialization of the drug, along with Washington state.

As early as next year, marijuana strains such as Facewreck Haze, 
Bio-Diesel, Cheesequake and Colorado Cough will be available to the masses.

It's a prospect that supporters say will bring states millions in 
additional tax revenue at a time of starved budgets and launch a new 
industry that could provide thousands of new jobs and spur economic 
development.

Others warn that the societal and regulatory costs of legalization 
could far outweigh the economic benefits.

Established companies in Colorado's medical marijuana industry, which 
will get the first crack at selling recreational or "adult use" pot 
to the masses, are preparing for a potential windfall of profits.

A recent study by Colorado State University estimates the size of 
Colorado's recreational marijuana market at $605.7 million in 2014. 
That would bring in an additional $130 million in state tax revenue, 
assuming a 15 percent special sales tax and a 15 percent excise tax.

Researchers predict that about 643,000 Coloradans, or about 12 
percent of the state population, will use more than 2.2 million 
ounces of marijuana next year, or about 142,000 pounds.

Under the amendment, adults can possess up to an ounce of marijuana 
and can grow as many as six plants for personal use.

The measure was met with withering criticism and fierce opposition 
from business groups, including the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, 
which feared the move could stain Colorado's mostly sterling 
reputation as a low-tax state with a highly educated work force.

"We are truly the leanest, most active adults in the country. We are 
the second-most educated state in the country. We know we've got the 
work force to make you successful, and I don't think marijuana 
reinforces that message," said Kelly Brough, the chamber's president 
and chief executive.

Brough acknowledged that the new law could bring economic activity, 
but said she doesn't think the boost "offsets what you have to do in 
return to ensure that employers and companies are confident in the 
work force you can deliver."

Aside from image concerns, the chamber and other business groups 
worry about more tangible consequences.

For the Associated General Contractors of Colorado, one of the most 
ardent detractors of expanding use beyond medicinal needs, the 
concern goes beyond Colorado's ability to attract employers.

The contractors group, which represents about 400 construction 
employers, including 50 of the state's largest commercial companies, 
worries that workers in the industry, many in dangerous jobs, could 
be impaired when they show up for work, endangering their lives and 
those of their colleagues.

Stoned workers also could endanger contractors' ability to win 
federal construction contracts, which require a certified drug-free workplace.

It lobbied the Colorado General Assembly hard to ensure that 
employers retained certain protections, including one that allowed 
them to continue with a zero-tolerance policy on drugs, even though 
marijuana use is legal in Colorado.

Denver City Councilman Chris Nevitt acknowledged it's risky for 
Colorado to open the market to adults ahead of most other states.

Although he was wary of legalizing pot for the masses, he said the 
economic activity the new industry is expected to bring is undeniable.

"When this is legalized everywhere, Colorado will be poised to be the 
Silicon Valley of cannabis," Nevitt said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom