Pot

Everyone: “You’re in Colorado? Wink. Wink.”

I was curious about how the legalized marijuana shops worked. I googled one near where I was staying in Fort Collins and visited. The bud tender was helpful and kind to a novice.

Here are your marijuana questions answered:

1.  What does it mean for pot to be legal in the state of Colorado?

It means that you can consume marijuana in private, but not in public spaces. You can transport it, just not in an open container. It means you can still be arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana.

2.  How do I find a store?

Google it, like everything else.

3.  How do I buy it?

You must be 21 and be willing to give them your ID. The employees of these stores are very knowledgeable and will answer any questions. You choose what you want (edibles, candy, loose leaves) and then pay for it. It’s similar to a liquor store.

4.  Can I go store-to-store-to-store buying up marijuana?

Yep. Although, if you’re doing that with the hope of accumulating a lot of pot that you can sell on the black market, it’s known as “smurfing.” It’s illegal, and it’s something that law enforcement officials are watching carefully.

5.  Will recreational marijuana stores take credit cards?

In general, it’s a cash business. Federal banking regulations prevent marijuana stores from having access to banking services. Expect to pay for green buds with greenbacks.

6.  What are the packaging rules?

All pot leaving a recreational marijuana shop must be in an opaque, child-resistant package. All marijuana products also must have labels on them, detailing the potency, and the types of chemicals used in cultivation. Every label must have the state’s official THC decal on it.

7.  How much can I buy?

In-state residents can buy one ounce per day; out of state residents can buy 1/4 of an ounce per day.

8.  What are the hours of the stores?

In general, the stores can’t open before 8 am or stay open later than midnight.

9.  Is there anything that will show I bought weed at one of the stores?

You’ll be on camera. The state’s rules for marijuana stores require the shops to have a security camera pointed at the cash register so that it can record “the customer’s facial features with sufficient clarity to determine identity.” Stores must also have security cameras recording entrances and exits. Smile big!

10.  Where can I smoke or eat it? Can I light up at the store?

The only place you can legally smoke pot is in a private residence with the owner’s permission. On-site consumption is prohibited at marijuana shops. You have to take your leaves (or buds or edibles) and leave. Smoking on ski slopes is banned. Smoking while driving is banned. Federal lands such as national parks, national forests, monuments and other government properties aren’t regulated by state laws, but by federal ones. You can be cited for possession of marijuana and penalized as a federal offense.

11.  Can I still get in trouble with my employer if they test me?

Yes, just because it is legal doesn’t mean you aren’t responsible to follow your employer’s drug policy. It doesn’t matter if you got high in a legal state.

12.  Is organic better than non-organic?

Generally, yes. No chemicals or toxins is a good thing.

13.  Is there such a thing as marijuana tolerance?

Yes, long-time users tend to need more for the desired effect.

14.  Does pot chocolate have calories?

Duh.

15.  Can I take it across state lines?

Not unless you want to invoke the feds.

16.  What about driving?

Wait at least six hours after smoking or at least eight hours after eating or drinking marijuana before driving, biking, or performing other safety-sensitive activities.

Drive high, get a DUI! Colorado has a legal limit of five nanograms/mL of blood. If you are over this limit and are pulled over, you will be facing a DUI charge.

Colorado revokes driving privileges for any individual who refuses the chemical testing process requested by an officer during the investigation of a drug-related DUI arrest. Any driver who refuses to take a blood test will immediately be considered a high-risk driver.

17.  What does it feel like?

Cannabis is well-known for inspiring a happy, giggly, and euphoric mood. However, the herb affects everyone differently. Also, different types of cannabis have different effects.

In general, you can expect some or all of these sensations when you’re high on psychoactive cannabis:

Skewed or slowed perception of time

Slow or heavy-feeling movements

Laughter, joy, contentedness, calm, a care-free attitude

Difficulty with spatial and short-term memory

Feelings of ease, relaxation, and general well-being

Increased sensory awareness

possible anxiety and paranoia

18.  What are the bad things about it?

Overall, research on the subject has been inconclusive. When it comes to cannabis, it has been difficult to pin down firm negatives on regular, routine use.

When used in moderation by an adult, like caffeine, research suggests that the herb is NOT associated with long-term brain damage, lung impairment, or cancers. However, there seem to be a few risk groups that are particularly concerning to public health officials. These include:

Children under 16

Those predisposed to psychotic disorders

Those with heart conditions

Those who consume heavily for years

19.  What about the two different kinds of weed?

Cannabis is often classified into two major types: indicas and sativas. In general, indica strains are thought to be more sedative, producing a slow, drowsy experience. Sativa strains provide a cerebral, euphoric encounter.

20.  What does it cost?

As of October 2017, it costs approximately $75 for a half ounce of high-quality leaves. A candy bar costs about $25. Prices may vary.

21.  Further questions?

The hotline number is 877-741-3777.