Re: “Colorado should allow marijuana tasting rooms,” March 16 editorial.
Seventy-seven Coloradans died in marijuana-involved car accidents in 2016, the most recent year tracked by the state. This deadly total has steadily and dramatically increased since 2013.
Thatap one reason House Bill 1258, which would allow recreational marijuana stores to open facilities where customers could use marijuana on site, is so concerning.
A state panel has noted that those who use marijuana less than once a week may be impaired for at least six hours after smoking and eight hours after eating or drinking marijuana products. HB 1258 would increase the likelihood that individuals will drive impaired.
Amendment 64, which legalized recreational marijuana sales, specifically excluded “consumption that is conducted openly and publicly or in a manner that endangers others.” This bill conflicts with the voter-approved language.
Finally, HB 1258 has the potential to dramatically increase already widespread marijuana commercialization, which is likely to encourage use by Colorado youth.
Henny Lasley, Greenwood Village
The writer is executive director of Smart Colorado.
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