Follow Colorado

On Tuesday (July 8), state of Washington residents joined those in Colorado in enjoying the legal recreational use of marijuana. It’s time for California to follow suit.

It’s been six months since Coloradans have been able to buy pot in retail stores, and some preliminary results are in as far as tax revenues and the effect legalization has had on crime rates. Both are favorable. News reports reveal Colorado already has collected $11 million in marijuana sales taxes and expects that number to grow to nearly $200 million over the next four years. In addition, in Denver, violent crime rates have dropped 10 percent over last year.

This is all good news for Washington, and good news for Californians in favor of legalization. Better yet, both states can learn from Colorado’s mistakes—and its successes. Among the problems reported are increases in animals and children falling ill from ingesting marijuana. Edibles, too, have posed challenges as to how to test for potency and ensure clear labeling.

Washington just last month set new guidelines for pot shops based on data from Colorado. We can do the same. If legalization is on the ballot this November, we should strongly consider approving it. It could be a financial boon to our cash-strapped state while easing pressure on our courts and prison system. And, as we all know, prohibition only serves to fuel the black market.

This issue is a no-brainer. After all, we don’t have to be the guinea pigs anymore—we can follow the trails blazed by Colorado and Washington.