KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Colorado is not out of the woods yet when it comes to legalizing pot.
That’s the message from the governor of Colorado, after the state approves a measure that legalizes marijuana for recreational use.
Governor John Hickenlooper, who does not support the measure, is reminding people that the federal government still considers marijuana an illegal drug. The state of Washington also voted to legalize marijuana Tuesday. Right now the Justice Department is reviewing the ballot initiatives in both states to see how to move forward with these measures.
Meanwhile, Colorado’s proximity to Kansas and Missouri have some wondering if legalization there, will increase pot trafficking in either state.
The sheriff of Jackson County, Missouri says regardless of what happens in Colorado, Missouri law on pot will be enforced in the Show Me state.
A Missouri pro-legalization group says it could only be a matter of time before Missouri follows Colorado’s example.
Pot goes by many names, and pro-legalization groups are confident that it can cure many ailments.
“To ignore what has been put here on creation for us to access and use is ignorant,” said military veteran Joseph Hatcher.
Hatcher served for one year in Iraq, and now suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
However, pot-legalization is not without opposition.
“I think they’re using their own personal interest and anecdotal knowledge to say that legalization won’t impact the community in a bad way and the research completely 180-degrees different,” said Colorado district attorney Don Quick, of the 17th judicial district.
Colorado’s vote is capturing a lot of national attention. A viewer even remarked on FOX4KC.com that he’s packing up and moving to quote “the new weed wonderland”.
Colorado’s vote also has some wondering if Kansans and Missourians would not only go to Colorado to partake, but if some would bring the pot back home.
“I can’t foresee anything in the future that would lead me to believe that it’s going to increase drug trafficking here in the state of Missouri,’ said Sheriff Sharp.
Pro-legalization group, Show Me Cannabis Regulation, says it’s only a matter of time before Missouri follows Colorado’s lead
“Missouri and other states are going to need to face the fact that legalization is something that’s coming, and so we need to work on creating the regulatory system that works for us here in our state,” said the groups executive director, John Payne.
Show Me Cannabis Regulation is looking to launch another campaign in the future.
Colorado’s vote has them excited about getting something similar to Amendment-64 on Missouri’s ballot in either 2014, or 2016.
