Facts about Marijaua in Colorado before and after it’s legalization

This is the first report and foundational for future reports. It is divided into six
sections with each providing data on the impact of legalization prior to and during the creation of the medical marijuana industry in Colorado. Generally, except for diversion of Colorado marijuana, there is limited data for 2012 and 2013. The sections are as follows:

Colorado Driving Fatalities: From 2006 to 2011, traffic fatalities decreased in
Colorado 16 percent, but fatalities involving drivers testing positive for
marijuana increased 114 percent.

Colorado Youth Marijuana Use: In 2011, the national average for youth 12 to 17
years old considered “current” marijuana users was 7.64 percent which was the
highest average since 1981. The Colorado average percent was 10.72.

Colorado Adult Marijuana Use: In 2011, the national average for young adults
ages 18 to 25 considered current marijuana users was at 18.7 percent. The
Colorado average was 27.26 percent.

Colorado Emergency Room – Marijuana Admissions: From 2005 through 2008
there was an average of 741 visits per year to the emergency room in Colorado
for marijuana-related incidents involving youth. That number increased to 800
visits per year between 2009 and 2011.

Colorado Marijuana-Related Exposure Cases: From 2005 through 2008, the
yearly average number of marijuana-related exposures for children ages 0 to 5
years was 4. For 2009 through 2012, that number increased 200 percent to an
average of 12 per year.

Diversion of Colorado Marijuana (General): From 2005 to 2008, compared to
2009 to 2012, interdiction seizures involving Colorado marijuana quadrupled
from an average per year of 52 to 242. During the same period, the average
number of pounds of Colorado marijuana seized per year increased 77 percent
from an average of 2,220 to 3,937 pounds. A total of 7,008 pounds was seized in
2012.

Diversion of Colorado Marijuana (Postal Packages): In 2010, the U.S. Postal
Inspection Service seized 15 packages with Colorado marijuana destined for
other states. Seizures steadily increased through 2012 when 158 parcels were
seized. From 2010 to 2012 Colorado marijuana seized by the U.S. Postal
Inspection Service increased from 57 to 262 pounds.

There is much more data in each of the sections, which can be used as a standalone
document. Each of the sections is on the Rocky Mountain HIDTA website and can be
printed individually. Go to www.rmhidta.org. For full document click here