Pubdate: Sun, 16 Aug 2015 Source: Columbus Dispatch (OH) Copyright: 2015 The Columbus Dispatch Contact: http://www.dispatch.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/93 Author: Kristyn Hartman, WBNS-10TV Note: WBNS-10TV news anchor Kristyn Hartman traveled to Colorado to gauge how that state has fared since legalizing marijuana in 2012. Her six-part series begins at 11 tonight and continues at 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. COLORADO COULD OFFER OHIO INSIGHT ON LEGAL POT DENVER - A 21st century version of the Colorado Gold Rush is underway. Three years ago, 55 percent of Colorado voters said yes to Amendment 64, a statewide ballot initiative that legalized the purchase and recreational use of marijuana by anyone 21 or older. The resulting "Green Rush" might offer insights into what Ohioans could expect if they vote to legalize marijuana - something it appears they'll have an opportunity to do this fall. Secretary of State Jon Husted confirmed on Wednesday that the group ResponsibleOhio had collected enough valid signatures to place a proposed constitutional amendment on the Nov. 3 ballot. Colorado's first retail outlets opened on Jan. 1, 2014, and, by most measures, the state's recreational-pot industry has been growing and attracting visitors and new residents. In June, according to figures released last week by the Colorado Department of Revenue, monthly recreational marijuana sales topped $ 50 million for the first time. A tourist-focused "weedery" ( as in winery or brewery) - a $ 35 million greenhouse complex featuring a restaurant, gift shop and rooftop bar - is set to open in Denver early next year. And pot-infused edibles are so prevalent that state regulators have proposed requiring a stop-sign-shaped warning label on such products. "It's surreal that it came this far this fast," Denver resident Gabriel Pieper said of the state's growing acceptance of the once- taboo drug. "You can smoke and not feel ashamed about it anymore." The Ohio measure, like the initiative that Colorado voters endorsed in 2012, would allow individuals 21 or older to buy marijuana for recreational use. It also would permit marijuana to be sold and used for medicinal purposes. Colorado voters opened the door to medical marijuana in 2000. ResponsibleOhio has promoted its ballot measure as a moneymaker for state and local governments. The organization predicts that the industry would produce $ 554 million in annual tax revenue by 2020. In Colorado, the fledgling recreational-pot industry struggled to live up to the tax-revenue projections of state officials. Retail sales yielded $ 44 million in new taxes in 2014 - well below the $ 70 million forecast. But tax revenue has surged this year. In June, the most recent month for which numbers are available, Colorado pot sales added $ 9.7 million to government coffers - almost double the corresponding amount in June 2014. Even so, "it's not going to be the thing that turns around an economy - - or even adds a significant boost," said Andrew Freedman, director of marijuana coordination for the state of Colorado. Early on, in terms of sales, recreational pot lagged behind its medical counterpart. Freedman cited two reasons: Medical marijuana had what amounted to a 12- year head start in the market, and, more important, taxes are lower on medical marijuana. In Colorado, all marijuana sales are subject to a 2.9 percent sales tax, while additional sales and excise taxes - 25 percent in all - are applied to retail sales and wholesale transfers of recreational pot. "There are people almost undoubtedly staying in the medical system because of the tax benefit of doing so," even though medical marijuana requires a doctor's approval, Freedman said. Ian James, ResponsibleOhio's executive director, said the tax structure his organization advocates would discourage Ohio consumers from "gaming the system" in a manner that could erode tax revenue. "It allows us to regulate both - tax personal use while providing the chronically ill ( with) compassionate care under a primary physician's watchful eye." Some Ohioans who moved to Colorado to gain access to medical marijuana said they'd welcome the chance to return to their home state. Paula Losekamp Lyles describes herself and her 20-year-old daughter, Jordan, as "refugees." They left suburban Cleveland more than a year ago, she said, in search of a more-effective treatment for the life- threatening seizures that Jordan suffers because of a neurological disorder. Losekamp Lyles said cannabis oil has dramatically reduced the frequency of the seizures. "It's not a placebo," the mother said. "You can't will medicine or a plant into working. I see it every day - before my eyes. I live with her." Experts debate the broader effects of legalized marijuana on the health and well-being of Colorado residents - newcomers and natives alike. Tom Gorman, director of the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, said public health and law-enforcement agencies are tracking a variety of potential indicators, including emergency-room visits, vehicle crashes and student suspensions. "Everything is shooting up at the same time," Gorman said. "What happened? We legalized marijuana." Freedman's assessment is more measured. "In the short term," he said, "the sky hasn't fallen in Colorado." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom