Pubdate: Mon, 04 Jan 2016
Source: Lawrence Journal-World (KS)
Copyright: 2016 The Lawrence Journal-World
Contact:  http://www.ljworld.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1075
Author: Peter Hancock

ATTORNEY GENERAL SEEKS DATA ON COLORADO MARIJUANA IN KANSAS

Topeka - Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced Monday that 
he has launched a project to collect information from local law 
enforcement agencies about how marijuana purchased in Colorado is 
entering Kansas and how it's affecting the state.

"There are numerous and persistent anecdotal accounts of marijuana 
acquired in Colorado and illegally transported into Kansas causing 
harm here," Schmidt said. "But because of technology limits, the 
confirming data is elusive. Since Colorado's experiment with 
legalization is affecting Kansas, we need to know more about what is 
actually happening here so policymakers can make informed decisions."

In 2012, voters in Colorado approved a constitutional amendment 
legalizing the sale and possession of small amounts of marijuana for 
recreational use. Since then, the state has become a kind of 
destination attraction for people who want to enjoy a legal high, 
including many people who enter Colorado by way of Kansas.

Schmidt said he has sent more than 500 survey forms requesting 
information from all county and district attorneys in Kansas, as well 
as all county sheriff's offices and city police departments, asking 
them about their experiences with pot from Colorado.

He also said he would make the survey results public when they are 
compiled later this year.

Although marijuana remains illegal nationwide under federal law, 
Schmidt's office noted that federal law enforcement agencies have 
elected not to fully enforce those laws in states like Colorado that 
have elected to legalize the drug locally.

However, Schmidt said federal enforcement remains a possibility if 
marijuana from states like Colorado comes into surrounding states and 
causes harm.

Kansas state law still prohibits the possession or distribution of marijuana.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom