The Effects of Legalizing Marijuana in Colorado

Colorado marijuana legalization has set an example for the rest of the country, demonstrating how legalizing this drug affects drug use, criminal activity, and economics both positively and negatively. The state attempted to legalize marijuana in 2006, but at that time, a ballot pushing for legalization was defeated. Fast forward to 2012 and Amendment 64 was approved, with 55.32% voting for the amendment and 44.64% voting against the amendment. The amendment allows Colorado residents aged 21 and over to possess and use limited quantities of marijuana and provides for the regulation of the marijuana industry as well as the collection of taxes from marijuana sales. 

Given that the amendment was approved in 2012, there has been plenty of time to assess the effects of the legalization of marijuana in Colorado. While there have been some benefits to Colorado marijuana legalization, there have also been negative consequences. Get the full story, backed by data and expert review, below.

The Pros of Marijuana Legalization 

While opponents of marijuana legalization argue that laws allowing recreational marijuana use are entirely harmful, it is important to recognize that there have been some pros of Colorado marijuana legalization. Consider, for example, the fact that each year, Amendment 64 requires that the first $40 million of excise taxes collected from retail marijuana must be given to the Public School Capital Construction Assistance Fund, which provides money for projects at Colorado schools. 

There are also other positive impacts of the Colorado legalization to consider.

• Economic Impact
• Reduction in Opioid Deaths
• Potential Decline in Problematic Marijuana Use Among Teens
• Reduction in Marjuana Arrests

The Cons

While there are benefits of Colorado marijuana legalization, especially in terms of the economic impact and reduced burden on the criminal justice system, the effects of legalizing weed in Colorado are not all positive. With legalization comes the potential for risks to children, as well as increased drug use among some groups.

• Accidental Ingestion of Edibles
• Accidental Ingestion of Edibles with Children
• Increased Marijuana Use Among Some Age Groups

The Pros and Cons of Legalized Marijuana 

As is the case with most policy changes, Colorado’s marijuana legalization has come with both pros and cons. While legalization benefits Colorado’s economy and reduces the burden placed upon the criminal justice system, it may also increase marijuana use and addiction, especially among young adults. Children may also face serious consequences if they accidentally ingest marijuana edibles. 

Not everyone who uses recreational marijuana will develop an addiction, but the reality is that marijuana can become problematic for some people. If you find that you are unable to stop using marijuana despite serious consequences, you may be in need of treatment for a marijuana use disorder. For those seeking marijuana addiction treatment in Colorado, The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake is here to help. We offer a range of services, including medical detox, inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization and outpatient programming, and aftercare services. Contact us today to discuss your needs.

Editor – Nicole LaNeve

Nicole leads a team of passionate, experienced writers, editors and other contributors to create and share accurate, trustworthy information about drug and alcohol addiction, treatment and recovery for The Recovery Village and all Advanced Recovery Systems sites. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Jenni Jacobsen, LSW

Jenni Jacobsen is a licensed social worker through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She has seven years of experience working in the social work field, working with clients with addiction-related and mental health diagnoses. Read more