Millions of United States citizens await to evaluate the impact of drug legalization in the state of Colorado (among a few others), in this case cannabis (marijuana). Colorado Amendment #64 passed in November 2012, effective January 2013 for personal use and 2014 for commercial cultivation and distribution (sale). The results were predictable. The Save Our Society From Drugs and the Institute for a Drug-Free Workplace helped compile some statistics:
- A 2014 survey by NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) revealed that marijuana or cannabis use in Colorado was 42% higher than the national average. Since drug use impacts work productivity, motor vehicle safety, interpersonal relationships and behavior, etc, this is a not a good statistic, and it validates the claim that legalization promotes use of drugs instead of discouraging sale and purchase and use.
- According to the same survey, use among high school teenagers in Colorado was 56% above the national average. Considering the negative biological and physiological effects of pot use for those who start smoking it as teens, this is very negative new.
- According to the Arapahoe House Treatment network in Colorado the admissions for pot-addiction treatment rose by 66% from 2011 to 2014.
- According to the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area report traffic fatalities involving drivers testing positive for cannabis doubled (100% increase) from 2007 to 2012 before legalization, and is expected to skyrocket after statistics are collected post-legalization.
- The Colorado State Patrol in 2014 reported that 77% of those tested involved in driving-while-intoxicated incidents had cannabis or other drugs in their blood.
- Disorderly conduct in Denver increased 45% in the first year after legalization.
- Poison control center calls regarding marijuana poisoning increased 147% from 2012 to 2014.
- Colorado has proven that marijuana is a gateway drug. After legalization, heroin and meth have flooded into Colorado (supply follows demand). More than 2100 kg of heroin coming from Mexico was seized and 15, 800 kg of meth was seized, which is more than 300% of seizures before legalization in 2009.
- According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, hospitalizations due to cannabis exposure increased 128% in 2015.
- CHS (cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome) (nausea, vomiting, severe stomach or intestinal pain) diagnoses in emergency room visits doubled from 2009 (before legalization) to 2012 (after legalization) as described in a study coauthored by Doctor Kennon Heard in Colorado. The only cure for CHS is to stop smoking pot.
- According to the Children's Hospital of Colorado Emergency Department infant exposure to cannabis (age 5 and under) increased 268% from 2010 to 2013 the first year of legalization. Many minors were exposed to the drug overdose from cookies and brownies or candy made with cannabis.
- Pot is not supposed to be sold outside the state, yet more than 40 states have reported seizures of marijuana coming from Colorado, so the negative self-imposed problem in Colorado is spreading to the rest of the country.
- US Post Office interceptions of marijuana destined for 33 other states increased 1,280% from 2010 to 2013 according to the Rocky Mountain High Drug Trafficking Area report.
- Tax revenue (anticipated) has a shortfall of 42% in 2014 as reported by the Governor's office, with the lost revenue blamed on black market sales and distribution by people avoiding regulatory control.
