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."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom