A group of Massachusetts state senators are visiting Colorado in order to learn about the state’s experience with legalizing recreational marijuana. “We have recognized all along that the best way to really learn about the impact of legalizing marijuana is to spend time on the ground in the state that has the most experience with it, and that is Colorado,” said Sen. Jason Lewis, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Marijuana. Colorado legalized weed for recreational use in 2012.
The Associated Press reports the committee was formed at the beginning of 2015 in order to examine the issue of marijuana legalization, which could potentially appear on the ballot in the 2016 election. Since its inception, the committee expanded its membership and currently includes ten senators.
Lewis’s website states the four-day research trip will focus on questions for Colorado regulators, such as the process in which marijuana product is tracked from seed to sale, how law enforcement officers manage drugged-driving traffic stops and other policy questions. “Expanding the committee membership and spending time on the ground in Colorado will enable us to strengthen and further refine our analysis and recommendations,” Lewis said.
Along with Colorado, recreational use of marijuana is currently legal in Washington, Alaska and Oregon.
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