Confused

Decriminalization and then legalization of marijuana in Colorado was ‘sold’ in part to end victim less crime and free law enforcement resources to focus on other criminal activity. Didn’t work.

https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/massive-multi-jurisdictional-black-market-marijuana-operation-nets-42-suspects/

There must be big money being made for this level of criminal activity to exist. There is big money being spent by the criminal justice system to combat it.

Since the shit is now legal, the question is why?

As far as I can tell, the biggest change is harassment of Colorado residents when we travel in adjacent states. We are “greenies” and not just because of our license plate color.

Shortly after Colorado relaxed marijuana laws, I had business in Kansas City, KS. Crossing Kansas I was stopped three times for bullshit reasons (my blinker only flashed twice, not three times during a lane change, etc.) All three stops had a dialog along these lines.

“I’m just giving you a warning this time. Do you mind if I search your car for drugs? We have a big problem with drugs coming in from Colorado".

Each time when I declined, things got pissy. Oh, well. I flunked the Dale Carnegie course.

Since lots of people more knowledgeable than I can’t figure this out, guess I will remain confused.

Border Wars and Economics

First day for legal recreational pot purchases in Colorado. Talking TV heads report a large portion of today's customers are from out of State. Since Colorado borders seven states and is 48 road miles from the Texas line, we may have a new revenue generator.

Or maybe not. Retail prices are around $200 for a legal ounce. Smallest quantity being sold is 1/8 ounce for $45 plus tax. From what I hear, that is about double the illegal sale street price. In addition, the unlicensed pharmacists will deliver, are flexible on what they accept for payment, and offer more than one product.

Price, convenience, and selection; why switch?

Since my last ingestion of illegal herbal products was circa 1970, I'm simply an amused bystander. I will drive the extra 21 miles by going via Cheyenne to Laramie (home of the University of Wyoming) on I-25 and I-80 instead of US 287 from Ft. Collins to Laramie. Instead of Ragtime Cowboy Joe, there will be Stoner Cowboy Joe. That is a challenging highway for a sober driver on a sunny day.