Governor Hickenlooper and Attorney General Coffman detailed statistics defending legalized marijuana in Colorado, including a 140-page report that showed the state’s 2012 legalization did not significantly increase youth drug abuse or juvenile arrests. Marijuana DUI have declined 21% in the first six months of 2017. In addition, they cited $459.5 million in taxes which have been used for school constructions, regulation of marijuana laws, youth prevention programs, and public education.
Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, who has long been a vocal opponent of marijuana and its legalization, sent letters to to the 4 states that have legalized recreational marijuana: Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Colorado. All states have subsequently responded. After Washington State responded to Jeff Sessions’ letter, they received a reply from him expressing skepticism of marijuana legislation. He is considering reversing the Obama administration’s relaxed approach to state legislation and may decide to resume strictly enforcing federal laws. As it stands according to federal law, all marijuana use is illegal.
Further Reading: DUI Jurisprudence Strengthened by Colorado State Supreme Court
Know the Laws in Colorado
In Colorado, it is legal for an adult over the age of 21 to legally purchase small amounts of recreational marijuana. Yet, you can still be arrested and charged with a crime if you do not follow Colorado marijuana laws and regulations. Here are some of the rules:
- You must be 21 years old to purchase, consume or sell marijuana
- Illegal to consume marijuana in public
- Illegal to take marijuana out of the state
- Only licensed establishments can sell marijuana
- Illegal to drive high
- Illegal to give marijuana to minors
- Illegal to purchase or possess more than 1 ounce of recreational marijuana
- Illegal to possess or consume pot on government land or property
- It is up to the hotel’s discretion whether they allow marijuana to be smoked or consumed in rooms or on balconies.
Penalties for breaking these laws could be severe. If you are caught with a large amount of marijuana and traveling out of state, for example, you could be charged with drug trafficking. Penalties for various marijuana related crimes could include hefty fines and even jail time.
Denver Marijuana Criminal Defense Lawyers
If you have been arrested and charged with a marijuana crime in Boulder, the Boulder criminal defense lawyers at Steven Louth Law Offices can help. Contact us today for a free consultation and review of your case. Call us at (303) 422-2297.