The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact

Key Findings: There are 47 pages of shocking findings as a result of the legalization of marijuana in Colorado. To name a few:

1. "Since recreational marijuana was legalized in 2013, traffic deaths where drivers tested positive for marijuana increased 138% while all Colorado traffic deaths increased 29%."

2. "Past month marijuana use for ages 12 and older increased 26% and is 61% higher than the national average, currently ranked 3rd in the nation."

3. "The percent of suicide incidents in which toxicology results were positive for marijuana has increased from 14% in 2013 to 29% in 2020."

4. "RMHIDTA Colorado Drug Task Forces (10) conducted 294 investigations of blackmarket marijuana in Colorado resulting in: 168 felony arrests, 5.54 tons of marijuana seized, 86,502 marijuana plants seized, and the marijuana was destined to 21 different states."

Read full report on Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area

Prepared by The Rocky Mountain HIDTA Investigative Support Center, September 2021

Download PDF