The lessons Colorado and Michigan learned from marijuana legalization

Apr 25, 20230

Alex Kormann, Star Tribune count

Cadillac Rainbow is one of dozens of strains of cannabis flower available at Herbana in Ann Arbor, Mich. States that have legalized recreational marijuana offer lessons for Minnesota, where the Legislature is advancing bills to make Minnesota the latest state to legalize adult-use cannabis.

The Star Tribune talked to dozens of people in Colorado and Michigan about their recreational marijuana markets and asked what Minnesota should emulate - and avoid.

Here are thoughts shared by authorities and industry pros:

Public safety

Sgt. Jim Janes, Michigan State Police drug recognition expert program leader: "We've done a really good job as a nation telling people you can't drive when you're drunk. I don't think that message has gotten out there with drugs, marijuana or otherwise."

Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew Packard: "Based on what I'm hearing on the radio, when I look at our own data, when you talk to troopers that are working, there's not a question in my mind that there are more impaired drivers ... We invested more time and training and resources into identifying drug-impaired drivers."

https://www.startribune.com/lessons-colorado-and-michigan-learned-from-marijuana-legalization-cannabis-minnesota/600268305/