Drug Crimes
Drugs in Your Car? That Could Be Possession
If police find drugs in your car, what happens? Regardless of whether they’re your drugs, in Colorado, they are now officially your problem.
Marijuana Crimes in Colorado
Colorado Amendment 64 made headlines around the world in 2012. The popular ballot initiative made it legal for people aged 21 and over to possess certain amounts of industrial hemp or cannabis (marijuana). Essentially, Amendment 64 legalized the personal recreational use of marijuana much in the same way as alcohol may be used. In addition, the new law allows for the “commercial cultivation, manufacture, and sale” of cannabis. In spite of marijuana’s new legality in Colorado, possession of it may still lead to arrest. It’s important that the finer points of the law be understood by anyone considering using, growing, or purchasing the substance.
Report: Colorado Marijuana Arrests Have Decreased, but Racial Disparities Persist
A recent report indicates that although the number of charges filed for marijuana possession have dropped dramatically in the past year, charges are still being filed disproportionately against racial minorities, according to an article in the Colorado Springs Gazette.
The report, based on an analysis by the Drug Policy Alliance, found that charges for marijuana possession, distribution, and cultivation dropped from about 39,000 charges filed in 2010 to just over 2,000 filed in 2014. This represents a decrease of about 95 percent, according to the report.
Following Marijuana Legalization, Criminal Charges Plummet
The number of criminal charges filed on suspicion of marijuana-related crime dropped sharply after the state legalized limited possession of the substance for adults 21 and over, according to a recent article by the Denver Post.
An analysis by the news publication found that the number of marijuana-related cases filed in state court dropped by 77 percent between 2012 and 2013. Charges for small amounts of marijuana possession dropped the most: 81 percent fewer cases were filed in 2013 than in 2012.
Three Arrested in Colorado Springs Drug Bust
A man and two women have been arrested on suspicion of drug distribution in Colorado Springs. According to a news report in The Gazette, Colorado Springs police arrested the trio at the Sun Springs Motel on South Nevada Avenue. The arrest occurred after an undercover investigation led officers to the motel where drugs were allegedly being distributed. During the execution of a search warrant, police seized 31 grams of heroin, a gram of cocaine, a loaded .40-caliber handgun and cash. The two 29- and 21-year-old women and the 28-year-old man face felony distribution charges.
You can face serious criminal penalties for possessing drugs in Colorado, but the charges increase dramatically when the authorities determine an intent to sell. It is unlawful to knowingly manufacture, sell, dispense or distribute controlled substances.
How Will Recreational Marijuana Sales be Taxed?
In November 2012, Colorado voters approved a measure that legalized the purchase and possession of marijuana for recreational use. When Amendment 64 was passed, retail sales for marijuana were set to begin on January 1, 2014. Since this approval, the Colorado Legislature has been forming the regulations that would accompany the legal purchase and possession of small amounts of marijuana. One of the regulations being voted on by the Colorado Legislature is how marijuana will be taxed.
Taxation of this controversial substance continues to benefit the state of Colorado. The state and county governments have already generated millions of dollars through the taxation of medical marijuana. In 2012, the State of Colorado generated more than $199,000,000 in taxation of medical marijuana retail sales. El Paso County generated almost $35,000,000 in tax revenue. The addition of recreational marijuana sales will substantially increase the amount of money this controversial substance generates for our state.