Marijuana Legalization in Colorado: Early Findings A Report Pursuant to Senate Bill 13-283 March 2016 Colorado Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Justice Office of Research and Statistics 700 Kipling St., Denver, Colorado 80215 https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dcj-ors 2 Marijuana Legalization in Colorado: Early Findings A Report Pursuant to Senate Bill 13-283 March 2016 Prepared by Jack K. Reed, Statistical Analyst Office of Research and Statistics Stan Hilkey, Executive Director, Department of Public Safety Jeanne M. Smith, Director, Division of Criminal Justice Kim English, Research Director, Office of Research and Statistics 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report benefitted from the assistance and review of many individuals. At the Governor’s Office, Andrew Freedman, Skyler McKinley, Elle Sweeney, Alice Wheet and Mark Bolton provided critical support for this work. In the Department of Public Safety, we are grateful to Executive Director Stan Hilkey along with Jeanne Smith, Peg Flick, Darla Hackworth, Major Steve Garcia, Janet Allbee, and Devon Rhoads. In the Department of Public Health and Environment, we thank Executive Director Larry Wolk, Karin McGowan, Mike Van Dyke, Lisa Barker, Katelyn Hall, Daniel Vigil, Ali Maffey, Rickey Tolliver, Amy Anderson, and Jeff Groff. Thanks to Department of Revenue Executive Director Barbara Brohl, Ron Kammerzell, and Lewis Koski of the Marijuana Enforcement Division. We appreciate the assistance provided by Highway Safety Manager Glenn Davis, Kevin Dietrick, and Alisa Babler in the Department of Transportation. In the Department of Human Services, we are grateful to Executive Director Reggie Bicha, Patrick Fox and Rebecca Helfand. Thanks to Duncan Anderson and Annette Severson in the Department of Education, and Michael Song and Carolyn Berry in the Attorney General’s Office. At the Judicial Branch, we benefitted from the help provided by Sherri Hufford, Kris Nash, Eileen Kinney, Andrea Chavez and Jessica Zender. We thank Ashley Kilroy, Netia Ingram, and Molly Duplechian from the Office of Marijuana Policy in the City and County of Denver. Thank you to James Henning, Mary Dulacki and Dan Kayser from the Denver Police Department, along with Chiefs John Jackson (Greenwood Village) and Marco Vasquez (Erie) representing the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police. Thanks to Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Director Tom Gorman, along with Kevin Wong and Chelsey Clark. Many thanks to Sarah Urfer at Chematox Laboratory for the invaluable toxicology data. Finally, thanks to Kathleen Maguire and Ann Pastore, previously of the Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics--without your training this project would have seemed much more daunting. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 5 Executive Summary 10 Section One: Introduction 19 Section Two: Impact on Public Safety 39 Section Three: Impact on Public Health 53 Section Four: Impact on Youth 73 Section Five: Additional Information 81 Section Six: Summary of Challenges Appendices 83 Appendix A: Ogden memorandum 87 Appendix B: Cole memorandum 92 Appendix C: Arrests by county, agency, judicial district, age, race 109 Appendix D: Offenses by location 112 Appendix E: Court filings by age, charge category, judicial district, and charge classification 127 Appendix F: School discipline trends 130 Appendix G: Recent marijuana use, by region, grade level, adult status 132 Appendix H: Marijuana business licenses, by license type, city, and county 137 Appendix I: Marijuana licenses in Denver 140 Appendix J: Medical marijuana cardholders by county 142 Appendix K: Marijuana revenue collection and expenditure flowchart 144 Appendix L: Denver Police Department marijuana arrest data from internal analysis 5  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  In 2013, following the passage of Amendment 64 which allows for the retail sale and possession of  marijuana, the Colorado General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 13‐283. This bill mandated the Division of  Criminal Justice in the Department of Public Safety to conduct a study of the impacts of Amendment 64,  particularly as these relate to law enforcement activities. This report seeks to establish and present the  baseline measures for the metrics specified in S.B. 13‐283, codified as C.R.S. 24‐33.4‐516.   The majority of the information presented here should be considered pre‐commercialization, baseline  data because much of the information is available only through 2014, and data sources vary  considerably in terms of what exists historically. Consequently, it is too early to draw any conclusions  about the potential effects of marijuana legalization or commercialization on public safety, public  health, or youth outcomes, and this may always be difficult due to the lack of historical data.  Furthermore, the information presented here should be interpreted with caution. The decreasing social  stigma regarding marijuana use could lead individuals to be more likely to report use on surveys and to  health workers in emergency departments and poison control centers, making marijuana use appear to  increase when perhaps it has not. Finally, law enforcement officials and prosecuting attorneys continue  to struggle with enforcement of the complex and sometimes conflicting marijuana laws that remain.  Thus, the lack of pre‐commercialization data, the decreasing social stigma, and challenges to law  enforcement combine to make it difficult to translate these early findings into definitive statements of  outcomes.   Recognizing the challenges involved in interpreting the data presented here, the following findings are  summarized in this report:  Public Safety   The total number of marijuana arrests decreased by 46% between 2012 and 2014, from 12,894 to 7,004 (Table 1). Marijuana possession arrests, which make up the majority of all marijuana arrests, were nearly cut in half (‐47%). Marijuana sales arrests decreased by 24%, while arrests for marijuana production did not change appreciably (‐2%). Marijuana arrests that were unspecified, meaning the specific reason for the arrest was not noted by law enforcement, went down by 42%.  As a share of all arrests in Colorado, marijuana was responsible for 6% of all arrests in 2012 and 3% in 2014.  The number of marijuana arrests decreased by 51% for Whites, 33% for Hispanics, and 25% for African‐Americans. The marijuana arrest rate for African‐Americans (348 per 100,000) was almost triple that of Whites (123 per 100,000) in 2014.  Ten major Colorado counties (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Mesa, and Weld) showed a decrease in arrests, ranging between ‐30% (El Paso) and ‐63% (Adams). The average decrease across these 10 counties was ‐46%. Denver’s 6  reported marijuana arrest data for 2012 and 2013 was incomplete due to separate jail arrest  and citation systems. Cite and release data were not reported to the Colorado Bureau of  Investigation until July 2013. Additionally, the 2014 arrest data reported by Denver include a  non‐criminal civil citation, which lead to an over‐reporting of marijuana arrests for that year.  See Appendix L, Table 16 for internal marijuana arrest data from the Denver Police Department.  In terms of court filings, the total number of marijuana‐related filings declined 81% between 2012 and 2015, from 10,340 to 1,954. The number of felony filings declined 45% (1,023 to 566), misdemeanors declined 1% (586 to 409), and petty offenses dropped 89% (8,728 to 979) between 2012 and 2015. The charge of marijuana possession dropped 88% (9,130 to 1,068). o Filings fell 69% for juveniles 10 to 17 years old, 78% for young adults 18 to 20 years old, and 86% for adults 21 or older.  In terms of organized crime, between 2012 and 2015 there were 88 filings under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (C.R.S.18‐17.104) that were in conjunction with some marijuana charge, including distribution (56), conspiracy (16), manufacture (10), and possession with intent to sell (6).  The most common marijuana industry‐related crime in Denver is burglary, accounting for 63% of marijuana crime related to the industry in 2015.  Traffic safety data is limited, but the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) found that the number of summons issued for Driving Under the Influence in which marijuana or marijuana‐in‐ combination with other drugs decreased 1% between 2014 and 2015 (674 to 665). o The prevalence of marijuana or marijuana‐in‐combination identified by CSP as the impairing substance increased from 12% of all DUIs in 2014 to 15% in 2015. o The Denver Police Department found summons where marijuana or marijuana‐in‐ combination was recorded increased from 33 to 73 between 2013 and 2015. Citations for marijuana or marijuana‐in‐combination account for about 3% of all DUIs in Denver. Toxicology results from Chematox Laboratory showed an increase in positive cannabinoid screens for drivers, from 57% in 2012 to 65% in 2014. Of those that tested positive on the initial screen, the percent testing positive for delta‐9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at 2 nanograms/millileter rose from 52% in 2012 to 67% in 2014.  o Fatalities with THC‐only or THC‐in‐combination positive drivers increased 44%, from 55 in 2013 to 79 in 2014. Note that the detection of any THC in blood is not an indicator of impairment but only indicates presence in the system. Detection of delta‐9 THC, one of the psychoactive properties of marijuana, may be an indicator of impairment. 7       The percent of 18 to 25 year‐old probationers testing positive for THC is stable, with 33% in  2012 and 32% in 2014. The percent of 26 or older probationers testing positive for THC is stable,  with 21% in 2012 and 20% in 2014.    Regarding illegal cultivation on public land, the number of seizures or plants seized on public  lands shows no discernible trend.    In terms of assessing the extent of diversion of marijuana to other states, the Colorado  Information Analysis Center (CIAC) compiled data from a service called Black Asphalt, an online  forum for law enforcement drug interdiction with more than 20,000 active members. From  January 1, 2014 to August 30, 2015 there were 261 drug‐related interdiction submissions in  which Colorado was the initiating state. Of those 261 submissions, 169 (65%) were for  marijuana/hashish.  Public Health      According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, administered by the Substance Abuse  and Mental Health Services Administration, the current prevalence rates for marijuana usage in  the past 30 days have increased significantly for young adults (18 to 25 years old), from 21% in  2006 (pre‐commercialization) to 31% in 2014 (post‐commercialization). Reported current  marijuana use by adults (26 years or older) increased significantly, from 5% in 2006 to 12% in  2014.    The Colorado Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a statewide telephone survey  conducted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). In 2014 the  BRFFS was expanded to include questions about marijuana use. Overall, in 2014, 14% of adults  reported marijuana use in the past 30 days and 33% of current users reported using daily.     The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment analyzed data from the Colorado  Hospital Administration and categorized visits according to determine if the visit indicated  possible marijuana exposure or used a diagnosis/billing code indicating marijuana.     Hospitalizations with possible marijuana exposures, diagnoses, or billing codes per  100,000 hospitalizations increased from 803 per 100,000 before commercialization  (2001‐2009) to 2,413 per 100,000 after commercialization (2014‐June 2015).      The period of retail commercialization showed a significant increase in emergency  department visits, from 739 per 100,000 (2010–2013) to 956 per 100,000 ED visits  (2014–June 2015).    The number of calls to poison control mentioning human marijuana exposure has increased over  the past 10 years. There were 44 calls in 2006 and 227 in 2015.    Youth Impacts     Data on youth marijuana use is available from two sources, the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey,  with 40,000 students responding in 2013 and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, with  fewer than 1,000 respondents.       8      The HKCS results indicate a slight decline in “past 30 day use” of marijuana while the  NSDUH shows a gradual increase over time. In 2013, the HKCS found that 80% of high  school students did not use marijuana in the past 30 days. The HKCS shows that  marijuana use increases by grade level, and the NSDUH shows that youth use of  marijuana in Colorado is above the national average. The perception of health risk of  using marijuana is declining among youth in Colorado, according to both surveys.     The number of juvenile marijuana arrests increased 5%, from 3,234 in 2012 to 3,400 in 2014.  The rate of juvenile marijuana arrests per 100,000 increased from 598 in 2012 to 611 in 2014  (+2%).     o The number of White juvenile arrests decreased from 2,198 in 2012 to 2,016 in 2014      (‐8%).   o The number of Hispanic juvenile arrests increased from 778 in 2012 to 1,006 in 2014  (+29%).   o The number of African‐American juvenile arrests increased from 205 in 2012 to 324 in  2014 (+58%).    Data on drug tests from the Division of Probation Services shows that the percent of 10‐ to 14‐ year‐old group testing positive for THC one or two times increased from 19% in 2012 to 23% in  2014, while the percentage testing positive three or more times went from 18% to 25%. The  percent of 15‐ to 17‐year‐olds testing positive one or two times went down slightly, from 26% in  2012 to 25% in 2014, while those testing positive three or more times increased from 23% to  25%.    The Colorado Department of Education data shows that that drug suspension rates increased  from 391 (per 100,000 registered students) in the 2008‐09 school year to 506 in 2009‐10. The  drug suspension rate has fluctuated somewhat since then and was 509 in the 2014‐15 school  year. The drug expulsion rate was 65 (per 100,000 registered students) in the 2008‐09 school  year, increasing to 90 in 2009‐10, and then decreasing to 50 by 2014‐15.    o In the 2014‐15 school year, discipline for drugs accounted for 41% of all expulsions, 31%  of all law enforcement referrals, and 6% of all suspensions in Colorado.    o Note that Senate Bill 12‐046 and House Bill 12‐1345 targeted reform of “zero tolerance”  policies in schools, and appear to have decreased expulsions, suspensions, and referrals  to law enforcement.1 To assess drug‐endangered children, data from CDPHE’s Child  Health Survey (targeting parents with children ages 1‐14) was obtained. Of parents with  children ages 1–14, 6.9% have some type of marijuana product around the house.  When asked about where it is kept, 92% report storing it in a location the child cannot  access  o      Additional Information                                                                 1  See Rosa, J., Krueger, J., and Severson, A. (May 2015). Moving from Zero Tolerance to Supportive School Discipline Practices.  Office of Dropout Prevention and Student Re‐engagement, Colorado Department of Education.       9           In December 2015, there were 2,538 licensed businesses in Colorado. Seventy percent of the  licenses for marijuana businesses are concentrated in the counties of Denver (1,112), El Paso  (308), Pueblo (202), and Boulder (169).     Total revenue from taxes, licenses, and fees increased from $76,152,468 in 2014 to  $135,100,465 in 2015 (+77%). Excise tax revenue dedicated to school capital construction  assistance was $35,060,590 in 2015.  In November 2015 there were 109,922 individuals registered as medical marijuana cardholders.  The most common conditions reported were severe pain (93%), muscle spasms (20%), and  severe nausea (12%).    Colorado’s property crime rate decreased 3%, from 2,580 (per 100,000 population) in 2009 to  2,503 in 2014.    Colorado’s violent crime rate decreased 6%, from 327 (per 100,000 population) in 2009 to 306 in  2014. It should be noted that the most fundamental challenge to interpreting data related to marijuana over  time stems from unmeasured changes in human behavior concerning marijuana. Legalization may result  in reports of increased use, when it may actually be a function of the decreased stigma and legal  consequences regarding use rather than actual changes in use patterns.  Likewise, those reporting to  poison control, emergency departments, or hospitals may feel more comfortable discussing their recent  use or abuse of marijuana for purposes of treatment. The impact from reduced stigma and legal  consequences makes certain trends difficult to assess and will require additional time to measure post‐ legalization. Additionally, for example, the increase in law enforcement officers who are trained in  recognizing drug use, from 32 in 2006 to 288 in 2015, can increase drug detection rates apart from any  changes in driver behavior.  For these reasons, these early, baseline findings should be carefully  considered in light of the need to continue to collect and analyze relevant data.       10 SECTION ONE INTRODUCTION In 2013, following the passage of Amendment 64 which allows for the retail sale and possession of marijuana, the Colorado General Assembly passed Senate Bill 13-283. This bill mandated the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Public Safety to conduct a study of the impacts of Amendment 64, particularly as these relate to law enforcement activities. This report seeks to establish and present the baseline measures for the metrics specified in S.B. 13-283, codified as C.R.S. 24-33.4-516. The majority of the information presented here should be considered pre-commercialization, baseline data because much of the information is available only through 2014, and data sources vary considerably in terms of what exists historically. Consequently, it is too early to draw any conclusions about the potential effects of marijuana legalization or commercialization on public safety, public health, or youth outcomes, and it may always be difficult because of the lack of historical data. Furthermore, the decreasing social stigma regarding marijuana use could lead to individuals being more willing to report use on surveys and to health workers in emergency departments and poison control centers, making marijuana use appear to increase when perhaps it has not. Finally, law enforcement officials and prosecuting attorneys continue to struggle with enforcement of the complex and sometimes conflicting marijuana laws that remain. Thus, the lack of pre-commercialization data, the decreasing social stigma, and challenges to law enforcement combine to make it difficult to translate these early findings into definitive statements of outcomes. There were several challenges in locating appropriate data for some of the metrics specified in S.B. 13283. Those challenges are discussed in detail in the report, but it should be made clear that there are many areas of interest where the data to measure impacts do not currently exist. This report is organized as follows: Section One describes the mandate to report per Senate Bill 13-283, data sources and the data collection methods used, the history of marijuana laws in Colorado, and the federal response. Section Two focuses on the public safety impacts of marijuana legalization while Section 3 presents information concerning public health. Section 4 presents impacts on youth, Section 5 provides additional information, and Section 6 summarizes the challenges involved in measuring the impact of legalization. Purpose of this Report The structure and data elements in this report are derived from Senate Bill 13-283, codified as C.R.S. 2433.4-516. The bill instructed the Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Justice to assess the impact of retail marijuana legalization by studying specific topics enumerated in the legislation, and listed in the table below. After the passage of SB 13-283 the Governor’s Office of Marijuana Coordination commissioned a study to understand “the legislative requirements for recreational marijuana reporting” and “the existing data 11 management capabilities within the State of Colorado.” The Marijuana Data Discovery and Gap Analysis Summary Report, prepared by Rebound Solutions in 2014, 2 identified the data required by the legislative mandate, assessed the current state of the data available to meet the requirements, made recommendations for modifying current data sources, and identified strategic priorities and recommendations for improving the state’s data management capabilities. The gap analysis identified issues with the data required in S.B. 13-283 and classified the problems based on two criteria: current capability to collect the data, and the strategic value of each element. A number of limitations were identified including the following: a complete lack of data, lack of data specific to marijuana, lack of trend data, lack of statewide data, lack of definitive information on impairment from marijuana, and data silos that do not allow for tracking an individual across systems. Additionally, the difficulties in meeting the S.B. 13-283 requirement for data specifically from 2006–2008 and 2014–2016 were identified. Data collection requirements of S.B. 13-283 Statutory Definition Statutory Category Impacts on Public Safety 2 Marijuana-Initiated Contacts by Law Enforcement Marijuana-initiated contacts by law enforcement, broken down by judicial district and by race and ethnicity Marijuana Criminal Arrest Data Marijuana arrest data, including amounts of marijuana with each arrest, broken down by judicial district and by race and ethnicity Marijuana-Related Traffic Accidents Traffic accidents, including fatalities and serious injuries related to being under the influence of marijuana Out-of-State Diversion Diversion of marijuana out of Colorado Marijuana Site Operational Crime Statistics Crime occurring in and relating to the operation of marijuana establishments Marijuana Transfer Using Parcel Services Utilization of parcel services for the transfer of marijuana Probation Data Probation data Outdoor Marijuana Cultivation Outdoor marijuana cultivation facilities Money Laundering Money laundering relating to both licensed and unlicensed marijuana Organized Crime The role of organized crime in marijuana Rebound Solutions (2014), Marijuana data discovery and gap analysis summary report. Prepared for the Governor’s Office of Marijuana Policy Coordination. Available at https://cdpsdocs.state.co.us/ors/docs/resources/MarijuanaDataDiscoveryandGapAnalysis.pdf 12 Impacts on Youth Comprehensive School Data Comprehensive school data, both statewide and by individual school, including suspensions, expulsions, and police referrals related to drug use and sales, broken down by specific drug categories Drug Endangered Children Data related to drug-endangered children, specifically for marijuana Diversion to Minors Diversion of marijuana to persons under twenty-one years of age Impacts on Public Health Data on Emergency Room Visits and Poison Control Data on emergency room visits related to the use of marijuana and the outcomes of those visits, including information from Colorado Poison Control Center Monitor changes in drug use patterns, broken down by race and ethnicity, and the emerging science and medical information relevant to the health effects associated with marijuana use. Monitor Health Effects of Marijuana (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) The Department shall appoint a panel of health care professionals with expertise in cannabinoid physiology to monitor the relevant information. The panel shall provide a report by January 31, 2015, and every two years thereafter to the State Board of Health, the Department of Revenue, and the general assembly. The Department shall make the report available on its website. The panel shall establish criteria for studies to be reviewed, reviewing studies and other data, and making recommendations, as appropriate, for policies intended to protect consumers of marijuana or marijuana products to the general public. The Department may collect Colorado-specific data that reports adverse health events involving marijuana use from the all-payer claims database, hospital discharge data, and behavioral risk factors. Source: Derived from Rebound Solutions (2014), Marijuana data discovery and gap analysis summary report. https://cdpsdocs.state.co.us/ors/docs/resources/MarijuanaDataDiscoveryandGapAnalysis.pdf, retrieved 2/24/2016. The report also made two enterprise recommendations. First, establish a data governance authority to implement the recommendations in the report. This authority would prioritize, collect, and manage coordinated data collection efforts while fostering strong cross-departmental collaboration. The streamlined data collection process would be facilitated by the creation of a data warehouse. The second recommendation called for clarifying legislative definitions for the terms marijuana-initiated law enforcement contacts, drug endangered children, and probation data. Thus far, these terms have not 13 been defined. There have been attempts to define “drug endangered children,” but consensus has not been reached by stakeholders. However, the legislature continues to work on defining this term. “Marijuana-initiated law enforcement contacts” has not been defined and, more importantly, contact data of any kind (marijuana-related or otherwise) is not routinely collected by law enforcement agencies. Thus far, there has not been an attempt to have the term “probation data” clarified. Short- and Long-term Plan Regarding Data Reporting The reporting requirements of SB 13-283 specify a report due at an undetermined time after the data collection period ends in 2016. The Governor’s Office of Marijuana Coordination and the Division of Criminal Justice have agreed to two additional near-term reporting goals. This report represents the first near-term goal, presenting baseline data so that stakeholders and members of the public will have an idea of the starting points for many of the required data elements. The second near-term goal is the creation of a web-based data portal that will allow users to interact dynamically with the available data. This portal will allow for updated data to become available to stakeholders and the public in advance of the more expansive written report. The Governor’s Office of Information Technology is currently working on obtaining the funds required to build a data warehouse that will feed the data to the portal. Data Sources This report would not be possible without the collaboration and cooperation of officials from many different entities including the following: Colorado State Government • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Colorado Attorney General’s Office, Peace Officer Standards and Training Colorado Department of Education Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Office of Demography Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Center for Health and Environmental Data Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Prevention Services Division Colorado Department of Public Safety, Colorado Bureau of Investigation Colorado Department of Public Safety, Colorado Information Analysis Center Colorado Department of Public Safety, Colorado State Patrol Colorado Department of Revenue, Marijuana Enforcement Division Colorado Department of Revenue, Taxation Division Colorado Department of Transportation Colorado State Judicial Branch Municipal and Private • Chematox Laboratory 14 • • • • City and County of Denver, Office of Marijuana Policy Colorado Hospital Association Denver Police Department Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center Federal • • • • • U.S. Bureau of Land Management U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration U.S. Forest Service U.S. National Park Service Data Collection Methodology The data in this report were collected in several ways. First, many sources provide public information on agency websites in the form of reports, briefing papers, and spreadsheets available for download. When this is the case, links to the original source material are provided. Second, several sources provided individual-level, nonpublic data for analysis. Third, summary data not published elsewhere were provided. The data presentations in this report were sent to the original data sources for comment to ensure the original information is accurately represented. Brief History of Marijuana Laws in Colorado Federal Law The Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) 3 classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug. Drugs classified as Schedule I are considered the most dangerous class of drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of other Schedule I drugs include heroin, MDMA (ecstasy, Molly), LSD (acid), mescaline (peyote), and psilocybin (mushrooms). The Schedule I classification puts state laws legalizing medical or recreational marijuana at odds with the CSA. As of December 2015, there were 23 states plus the District of Columbia allowing medical marijuana, 17 states allowing cannabidiol 4 exclusively, and four states plus the District of Columbia allowing for the sale of recreational marijuana. 5 The widespread growth of medical marijuana legalization over the past 20 years has put an increasing number of states, including Colorado, in conflict with the CSA. The potential for more states to legalize recreational marijuana is currently heightening this conflict. 3 21 U.S.C. § 811. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonpsychoactive substance derived from cannabis with potential medical uses. For a review of some relevant research, see Scuderi, C. et al. (2009). Cannabidiol in medicine: a review of its therapeutic potential in CNS disorders, Phytotherapy Research, 23 (5), 597-602. 5 National Conference of State Legislatures, State Medical Marijuana Laws (2016), http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/statemedical-marijuana-laws.aspx, retrieved 2/3/2016. 4 15 Colorado Law There have been five general eras of marijuana law in Colorado, including strict prohibition (pre-2000), medical without commercialization (2000–2009), medical with commercialization (2010–2012), recreational without commercialization (2013), and recreational with commercialization (2014present). 6 These represent distinct eras in both the legal status and commercial availability of marijuana. • • • • • Prior to 2000: Illegal to possess or grow 2000–2009: Amendment 20 approved and medical marijuana is legalized. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issues registry identification cards to individuals who have received recommendations from a doctor that it will help a debilitating medical condition. It is legal to possess up to two ounces and grow six plants (or more with doctor’s recommendation) with a registry identification card. No regulated market exists. Individual grow operations or caregiver grow operations limited to five patients is allowed. 2010–2012: Medical marijuana is commercialized and regulated with licensed dispensaries, grow operations, and product manufacturers open in jurisdictions allowing these types of businesses. 2013: Amendment 64 takes effect. Personal possession and grow limits for recreational marijuana are in place but sales are not commercialized. Medical continues as a regulated, commercial market. 2014 to present: Recreational and medical marijuana fully regulated and commercialized. Licensed retail stores open on January 1, 2014. Amendment 20 In 2000, Colorado passed Amendment 20 which allows those suffering from certain debilitating medical conditions to grow and possess a limited amount of marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation that it may help their condition. 7 Patients are required to register with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and obtain a registry identification card that indicates their status as a certified medical marijuana patient. The current list of conditions eligible for a card includes cachexia, cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, muscle spasms, seizures, severe nausea, or severe pain. Amendment 20 provides an affirmative defense from prosecution for cardholders who are allowed to grow six plants (three mature, three immature) and possess up to two ounces of finished product, unless a doctor determines that additional marijuana is needed to treat a patient’s condition. Patients can choose to grow their own marijuana or designate a caregiver to grow it for them. A caregiver was initially limited to growing medical marijuana for five patients and themselves if a medical marijuana cardholder. The justification for this limit was challenged in Denver District Court and 6 Others group 2010–-2013 as the era of medical commercialization and do not differentiate 2013 as it did not increase the availability of marijuana in the commercial market. 7 Colo. Const. Art. XVIII, § 14. Additional information can be accessed at Ballotpedia, Colorado Medical Use of Marijuana, Initiative 20 (2000), https://ballotpedia.org/Colorado_Medical_Use_of_Marijuana,_Initiative_20_(2000), retrieved 2/3/2016. A detailed review of the history of medical marijuana in Colorado and the recent status of the medical marijuana code can be found in the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ 2014 Sunset Review: Colorado Medical Marijuana Code, available at https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0B8bNvcf083ydTFpkdVRwdnhTazQ/view, retrieved 1/29/2016. 16 was overturned.8 In 2009, the Colorado Board of Health rejected the five-patient limit for caregivers. The U.S. Department of Justice also issued what is known as the Ogden Memo (see Appendix A), which gave guidance to U.S. Attorneys that where prosecution for marijuana was concerned, they should not “focus federal resources in your States on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana.” 9 The combination of the Court decision, the Board of Health’s rejection of the five-patient caregiver limit, and the Ogden Memo set the stage for the commercialization of medical marijuana. In 2010, two laws were passed: a medical marijuana code was promulgated by the Legislature through the passage of HB 10-1284, which established a regulatory structure within the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE); and SB 10-109, which clarified the definition of a “bona fide physician patient relationship.” The Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) was created within DOR to license and regulate the medical marijuana industry in Colorado. 10 The commercialization of medical marijuana followed and the number of patients registered with CDPHE increased dramatically, from about 5,000 in 2009 up to almost 119,000 in 2011. Amendment 64 Prior to the passage of Amendment 64 in 2012, Initiative 44 was put on the ballot in 2006 in an attempt to legalize the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana for adults 21 and older. The initiative failed, with 59% of Colorado voters saying no to the question of allowing possession and use. 11 In 2012, a more expansive initiative was placed on the ballot that would not simply allow for possession but would create the first legal marketplace for recreational marijuana in the world. Amendment 64 passed, with 55% of voters saying yes to the question. 12 Amendment 64 allows for individuals 21 years or older to grow up to six plants (three mature and three immature) and keep all of marijuana produced on the same premises, possess up to one ounce of marijuana, and give away up to one ounce of marijuana to someone 21 years or older. It also instructed Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division to create rules, regulations, and licenses to allow for the first recreational marijuana marketplace in the world by July 1, 2013. This included rules for licensing, ownership, security, labeling, production control, reduction of diversion, health and safety standards, advertising, and privacy guarantees. These rules resulted in the Retail Marijuana Code. 13 8 Lagoy v. Colorado, 2007 CV 6089 (Denver County District Court, 2nd Judicial District, November 15, 2007; Denver County District Court, 2nd Judicial District, November 5, 2009). 9 U.S. Department of Justice (2009). Ogden memo: Investigations and prosecutions in states authorizing the medical use of marijuana, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/opa/legacy/2009/10/19/medical-marijuana.pdf, retrieved 2/1/2016. 10 Medical Marijuana Code: C.R.S. 12-43.3-101 et seq. For additional information on the MED see https://www.colorado.gov/enforcement/marijuanaenforcement. 11 Ballotpedia, Colorado Marijuana Possession, Initiative 44 (2006), available at https://ballotpedia.org/Colorado_Marijuana_Possession,_Initiative_44_(2006), retrieved 1/29/2016. 12 Ballotpedia, Colorado Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Amendment 64 (2012), https://ballotpedia.org/Colorado_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative, Amendment_64_(2012), retrieved 1/29/2016. 13 Retail Marijuana Code: C.R.S. 12-43.4-101 et seq. and https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enforcement/laws-constitutionstatutes-and-regulations-marijuana-enforcement. 17 The MED began accepting applications for retail stores on October 1, 2013. At that time applicants needed to have a current medical marijuana license to be eligible for a retail license. The first stores opened on January 1, 2014. 14 Additional rule-making has been conducted by the Department of Revenue, Department of Public Health and Environment, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Regulatory Affairs to clarify a variety of issues that have arisen with the advent of the first legal marijuana marketplace. 15 Examples include issues regarding pesticide application, testing for mold and solvents, THC homogeneity in manufactured products, and many others. Federal Response In the wake of Amendment 64 and other recreational legalization efforts throughout the country, the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) issued what is known as the Cole Memo (see Appendix B).16 This gave guidance to U.S. Attorneys across the country. The Cole Memo set forth USDOJ’s enforcement priorities, including: 1. Preventing distribution of marijuana to minors 2. Preventing revenue from going to criminal enterprises, gangs, and cartels 3. Preventing diversion of marijuana from states where it is legal under state law in some form to other states 4. Preventing state-authorized marijuana activity from being used as a cover or pretext for the trafficking of other illegal drugs or other illegal activity 5. Preventing violence and the use of firearms in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana 6. Preventing driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) and exacerbation of other adverse public health consequences associated with marijuana use 7. Preventing growth on public lands with attendant public safety and environmental damages 8. Preventing marijuana possession or use on federal property The General Accounting Office (GAO) reports that USDOJ’s Office of the Deputy Attorney General is monitoring the effects of marijuana legalization in two ways. 17 First, “U.S. Attorneys prosecute cases that threaten federal marijuana enforcement priorities and consult with state officials about areas of federal concern, such as the potential impact on enforcement priorities of edible marijuana products. Second, officials reported they collaborate with DOJ components, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other federal agencies, including the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and assess various marijuana enforcement-related data these agencies provide.” The GAO report 14 For a detailed review of the history of the regulation of retail marijuana see Department of Regulatory Agencies (2015), 2015 sunset review: Colorado retail marijuana code, available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8bNvcf083ydSlh4NWtHTjFoa2s/view, retrieved 2/4/2016. 15 A compendium of amendments, statutes, and rules is available in the Colorado marijuana laws and regulations 2014 (2015). LexisNexis: Charlottesville, VA. This publication is updated annually to reflect changes in statutes and rules. 16 U.S. Department of Justice (2013). Cole memo: Guidance regarding marijuana enforcement, available at http://www.justice.gov/iso/opa/resources/3052013829132756857467.pdf, retrieved 1/29/2016. 17 U.S. Government Accountability Office (2015). State Marijuana Legalization: DOJ Should Document its Approach to Monitoring the Effects of Legalization, available at http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-16-1, retrieved 2/3/2016. 18 indicates that the USDOJ has not documented its monitoring approach, leading to a gap in their knowledge about state-level adherence to the Cole memo. In Colorado, the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (RMHIDTA), which is funded by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, is tracking the impact of marijuana legalization in the state and has produced three reports of its findings. 18 In sum, this report presents data from many sources in an effort to provide a baseline for preliminarily assessing the impact of the commercialization of marijuana on public safety, public health, and youth in Colorado, drawing from a myriad of data sources. The 2014 data gaps analysis report by the Rebound Solutions first identified problems with some of the data elements enumerated in S.B. 13-283, and these issues are discussed throughout this report. The history of marijuana laws in Colorado, along with the Ogden and Cole Memos, reflect the dynamic environment in which regulations and enforcement are critical components. The impact of Amendment 64 on public safety is the focus of the next section. 18 RMHIDTA (2016). The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact, http://www.rmhidta.org/default.aspx/MenuItemID/687/MenuGroup/RMHIDTAHome.htm, retrieved 2/3/2016. 19  SECTION TWO   IMPACT ON PUBLIC SAFETY  Overview  The potential impacts to public safety from the legalization of marijuana were of concern to the  legislature, law enforcement officials, district attorneys, and other public safety stakeholders across the  state. Since no jurisdiction had yet legalized marijuana, the public safety impacts were unknown. The  Cole Memo provided guidance on several public safety impacts of concern to the U.S. Department of  Justice. The specific public safety areas of interest addressed in S.B. 13‐183, some of which were  influenced by the Cole Memo, included:           Marijuana‐initiated law enforcement contacts Marijuana arrests Crime around marijuana establishments Marijuana‐related traffic accidents and DUID (Cole Memo) Organized crime and money laundering (Cole Memo) Probation infractions Illegal cultivation on public land (Cole Memo) Diversion out of state (Cole Memo) Transfer using parcel services Data Collection Challenges  Meeting the reporting requirements of S.B. 13‐183 was challenging. Obtaining data or even the number  of years of data required by S.B. 13‐283 was difficult, and in some cases the data do not exist.  “Marijuana‐initiated law enforcement contact,” for example, is not a term used by any law enforcement  agency, nor is contact data (for any purpose) collected systematically by law enforcement agencies.  Further, S.B. 13‐283 requires this contact data to be disaggregated by race/ethnicity, and it is not known  how a law enforcement officer would determine race/ethnicity on individuals involved in a marijuana‐ initiated contact. In sum, this information does not exist and therefore cannot be included in this  analysis.  Information on arrests is available, but only from 2012 to 2014 due to improvements in data reporting.  The National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) is part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s  data collection system, and are managed locally by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. NIBRS has  significantly more information than the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), including information about  drug type, which is not available in UCR arrest data. However, Colorado only recently—in 2012‐‐ became  a “NIBRS state” with nearly all agencies reporting greater details on crime incidents. For this reason,  information concerning Colorado arrests related to marijuana offenses is unavailable for analysis prior to  2012.  20  Data on crime around marijuana establishments are not collected in any central repository, but Denver  began a process in 2012 to assess whether such crime was a significant problem, and we report this  information below.   Likewise, information on diversion of marijuana out of state and transfer using parcel services is not  collected in any central location. Additionally, with an enhanced focus on marijuana it is possible that  law enforcement agencies would become more aware of the issue and increase interdiction efforts,  potentially resulting in an increase in seizures which may or may not be related to an actual increase in  diversion.  The challenges faced in collecting information on traffic accidents and driving under the influence are  significant. The current statute on impaired driving does not differentiate between driving under the  influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of drugs. There is no central repository for  toxicology results that would allow for an examination of impaired driving throughout the state. The  current data system that collects information on roadway fatalities does not capture the specific  toxicology results that would indicate impairment, does not consistently capture information on  surviving drivers involved in fatalities, and is limited to results from three drugs detected in the driver’s  system.  S.B. 13‐283 mandates the analysis of “probation data.” Probation infractions associated with marijuana  use are analyzed here, but these are also difficult to measure. The State Judicial Branch’s database does  not capture whether an infraction was marijuana‐related or even related to drugs in general.   This report attempts to begin answering the important questions identified in SB 13‐283. Despite  significant challenges in meeting all of the statute’s reporting requirements, this report examines the  data that are available to help inform the stakeholders in Colorado about these issues.   Arrests and Offenses  Data on marijuana arrests and offenses for the period 2012–2014 were obtained from the Colorado  Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) National Incident‐Based Reporting System (NIBRS) database. The NIBRS  database includes detailed information on arrests and offenses, which the previous summary reporting  system did not allow. Colorado became fully NIBRS compliant in 2012, which limits the years of data  available for this report.  Marijuana Arrests  Overall  The total number of marijuana arrests decreased by 46% between 2012 and 2014, from 12,894 to 7,004  (Table 1). Marijuana possession arrests, which make up the majority of all marijuana arrests, were  nearly cut in half (‐47%). Marijuana sales arrests decreased by 24%, while arrests for marijuana  production did not change appreciably (‐2%). Marijuana arrests that were unspecified, meaning the  specific reason for the arrest was not entered by law enforcement, went down by 42%. As a share of all  arrests in Colorado, marijuana was responsible for 6% of all arrests in 2012 and 3% in 2014.  21  Age Group  There was a 78% reduction in arrests for the 21 and older age group for whom marijuana possession is  now legal. This compares with a 33% reduction in the 18‐ to 20‐year‐old group who may possess legally  if they have a medical marijuana card. Juveniles between the ages of 10 and 17 showed a 5% increase in  the number of marijuana arrests. In 2014, juveniles accounted for almost half (49%) of all marijuana  arrests compared to 25% in 2012. (For details on arrest type, see Appendix C, Table 4.)  Race/Ethnicity  The decrease in the number of marijuana arrests by race is the greatest for White arrestees (‐51%)  compared to Hispanics (‐33%) and African‐Americans (‐25%). The marijuana arrest rate for Whites and  Hispanics is comparable, but the marijuana arrest rate for African‐Americans is almost three times that  of Whites (348/100,000 for Blacks and 123/100,000 for Whites)(Table 1). (For details on arrest type, see  Appendix C, Table 4.)  Gender  The number of males arrested for marijuana showed a slightly larger decrease (‐47%) than the number  of females arrested (‐39%). The distribution of arrests remained about the same, with males  accounting for four out of five arrests. (For details on arrest type, see Appendix C, Table 4.)  County  Ten major Colorado counties (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson,  Larimer, Mesa, and Weld) all showed a decrease in arrests, ranging between ‐30% (El Paso) and ‐63%  (Adams). The average decrease in these 10 counties was ‐46% (see Appendix C, Table 1). Denver’s  reported marijuana arrest data for 2012 and 2013 was incomplete due to separate jail arrest and  citation systems. Cite and release data were not reported to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation until  July 2013. Additionally, the 2014 arrest data reported by Denver include a non‐criminal civil citation,  which lead to an over‐reporting of marijuana arrests for that year. See Appendix L, Table 16 for internal marijuana arrest data from the Denver Police Department. Agency  The trends for each agency reporting marijuana arrests to the National Incident-Based Reporting  System (NIBRS) are presented in Appendix C, Table 2. Nearly all other major departments reported  decreases in marijuana arrests, ranging from a ‐77% decrease for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office to a  ‐13% decrease for the Lakewood Police Department (see Appendix C, Table 2). Also, please see the note  regarding Denver in the previous paragraph.  22  Table 1. Marijuana arrests and rates in Colorado, 2012–2014  Total marijuana arrests Total  Arrest type  Possession  Unspecified  Sales  Production  Smuggling  Age group  10 to 17 years old  18 to 20 years old  21 years or older  Race/Ethnicity  White  Hispanic  African‐American  Other  Gender  Male  Female  Marijuana arrests per 100,000  population  % change  2012  2013  2014  2012–2014  249 123 131 ‐47% 2012  12,894  2013  6,502 2014  7,004 % change  2012–2014  ‐46% 11,370  1,038  301  179  6  5,435 726 225 111 5 5,998 600 230 176 0 ‐47% ‐42% ‐24% ‐2% 100% 219 20 6 3 <1 103 14 4 2 <1 112 11 4 3 0 ‐49% ‐44% ‐26% ‐5% ‐‐ 3,235  3,347  6,312  3,125 2,277 1,100 3,400 2,244 1,360 5% ‐33% ‐78% 591 1490 170 561 997 29 598  978 35 1% ‐34% ‐79% 9,343  2,384  958  209  4,476 1,372 543 111 4,552 1,590 716 146 ‐51% ‐33% ‐25% ‐30% 260 219 468 71 123 124 275 35 123 140 348 44 ‐52% ‐36% ‐26% ‐37% 10,474  2,420  5,269 1,233 5,517 1,487 ‐47% ‐39% 403 93 200 47 206 56 ‐49% ‐40% Note: Denver under‐reported marijuana arrests in 2012 and 2013, due to an issue with different arrest and citations systems. Denver  over‐reported arrests in 2014 due to including a non‐criminal civil citation. See Appendix L, Table 16 for internal marijuana arrest data from the Denver Police Department. Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, National Incident‐Based Reporting System data.  Marijuana Offenses  Overall  The number of marijuana offenses reported to or that become known to law enforcement decreased at  around the same rate as arrests (Table 2). The number of offenses went down 44%, from 19,346 in 2012  to 10,814 in 2014. The biggest decrease was for possession, down 45% from 2012 to 2014. Offenses for  producing were down 24% and sales were down 23% from 2012 to 2014.   Age Group  The difference in the offense trend by age group is similar to the trend for arrests. There was a  substantial decrease in adult arrests, down 76%, and a somewhat smaller decrease in the 18 to 20 age  group, down 36%. The number of youth cited for marijuana offenses increased by 6%.  Additionally,  youth under 18 accounted for nearly half (48%) of marijuana offenses known to law enforcement in  2014, compared to 25% in 2012.  Gender  A decrease in offenses occurred across both genders, with a 45% reduction in male offenses and a 40%  reduction in female offenses. Females accounted for 15% of all offenses in 2012, rising to 22% of all  offenses in 2014.  23 Table 2. Marijuana offenses and offense rates in Colorado, 2012–2014 Age group Total Offense type Possession Producing Sales Smuggling Age group 10 to 17 years old 18 to 20 years old 21 years or older Gender Male Female Total marijuana offenses % change 2012 2013 2014 2012-2014 19,346 9,784 10,814 -44% Marijuana offenses per 100,000 population % change 2012 2013 2014 2012-2014 373 186 202 -46% 18,278 434 612 22 9,068 176 500 40 9,983 331 474 26 -45% -24% -23% 18% 352 8 12 0 172 3 9 1 187 6 9 0 -47% -26% -25% 15% 4,886 5,237 9,049 4,522 3,365 1,781 5,158 3,363 2,214 6% -36% -76% 394 2,331 243 362 1,473 47 409 1,466 57 4% -37% -76% 15,344 3,926 7,788 1,935 8,428 2,337 -45% -40% 591 152 295 74 315 87 -47% -42% Note: Race/ethnicity of suspect is not captured accurately for offenses and is not reported in this table. Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, National Incident-Based Reporting System data. Location NIBRS captures information on the place an offense was reported to have occurred. There are 57 categories, including places like public transportation, bars, convenience stores, homes, parks/playgrounds, parking lots, primary/secondary schools, colleges, etc. Data for offenses grouped by place are presented in Figure 1 and data for all places individually are in Appendix D, Table 6. The place with the biggest numeric increase is elementary/secondary schools, where offenses increased from 1,766 offenses in 2012 to 2,363 offenses in 2014 (+34%). Figure 1. Marijuana offenses, by location type, 2012–2014 Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, National Incident-Based Reporting System data. 24 Marijuana Court Filings The Colorado State Judicial Branch’s data system 19 was queried for marijuana filings 20 occurring between 2006 and 2015. The State Judicial data system captures information from the County and District Courts throughout the state, with the exception of Denver County Court. The data include information on statute, charge description, charge classification, judicial district, defendant age, and defendant race. 21 The charges were categorized according to the text entered into the charge description field. The total number of marijuana-related filings declined 81% between 2012 and 2015, from 10,340 to 1,954 (Table 3). The number of felony filings declined 45% (1,023 to 566), misdemeanors declined 1% (586 to 409), and petty offenses dropped 89% (8,728 to 979) between 2012 and 2015. The charge of marijuana possession dropped 88% (9,130 to 1,068), possession with intent to distribute dropped 4% (329 to 315), distribution dropped 23% (304 to 235), manufacture dropped 68% (314 to 102), and conspiracy dropped 48% (50 to 26) between 2012 and 2015. Filings for public consumption increased in 2013 and 2014 but dropped in 2015, resulting in no real change between 2012 and 2015. The age of defendants is grouped into three categories. Between 2012 and 2015, filings declined 69% in the 10- to 17-year-old group; in the 18- to 20-year-old group, filings declined 78%; in the 21 and older age group, filings declined 86%. In the second half of 2015 there were 29 filings for manufacturing concentrate (i.e., hash oil, wax, shatter) using an inherently hazardous substance, such as butane (C.R.S. 18-18-406.6, effective date July 1, 2015). 19 Misdemeanor and petty offense charges from the City and County of Denver are not entered in the State Judicial database and are therefore presented in a separate table. Felony charges from Denver are included. 20 This includes charges under C.R.S. 18-18-406, excluding the subsections for synthetics and salvia. 21 The race category does not consistently capture whether a defendant’s ethnicity is Hispanic and will not be used in this report. Upon examining the data, only 7% of defendants were characterized as Hispanic compared to 21% of the general population and 23% of the marijuana arrestee population. 25 Table 3. Marijuana court filings, by classification, category, and age group, 2006–2015 Total Charge classification Felony Misdemeanor Petty offense Charge category Possession Possession with intent to sell Distribution Manufacture Public consumption Conspiracy Other Age group 10 to 17 years old 18 to 20 years old 21 years or older 2006 11,903 2007 12,368 2008 11,460 2009 11,099 2010 10,502 2011 10,276 2012 10,340 2013 4,089 2014 3,268 2015 1,954 1,652 1,383 8,866 1,641 1,072 9,650 1,481 804 9,175 1,483 668 8,942 1,404 646 8,449 1,064 615 8,594 1,023 586 8,728 645 408 3,036 426 537 2,304 566 409 979 10,284 10,740 10,006 9,605 9,010 8,984 9,130 3,160 2,400 1,068 702 391 323 102 56 45 692 377 376 129 40 14 661 344 285 106 34 24 649 359 284 144 50 8 519 350 366 176 60 21 387 294 346 214 46 5 329 304 314 204 50 9 256 286 95 257 32 3 242 226 82 288 29 1 315 235 102 206 26 2 1,777 2,702 7,410 1,888 2,911 7,551 1,676 2,875 6,883 1,619 2,859 6,603 1,688 2,648 6,151 1,583 2,695 5,983 1,665 2,599 6,057 1,530 1,561 988 1,180 1,324 757 519 560 868 Note: The City and County of Denver do not report misdemeanors or petty offenses to the Colorado State Judicial Branch. Source: Data provided by the Colorado State Judicial Branch. The Denver County Court, which processes petty offenses and misdemeanors, operates separately from the State Judicial data system. The number of marijuana filings remained relatively stable, increasing by just 18 from 2014 to 2015 (Table 4). The types of filings did change, with an increase in public consumption and offenses within 1,000 feet of schools, and a decrease for minor in possession and offenses around the 16th Street Mall. 22 Table 4. Misdemeanor and petty offense filings for marijuana in Denver County Court, by charge, 2014–2015a Offense Charge Total Minor in possession Public consumption Offenses within 1,000 feet of schoolsb Offenses on/within one block of 16th St. Mallb b Offenses in public space/park/recreational facility a 2014 1,174 371 484 24 138 157 The month of April has a disproportionate share of filings, with 199 in 2014 and 319 in 2015. b Offenses include consumption, use, display, transfer, distribution, sale, or growth of marijuana. Source: Data provided by City and County of Denver, Office of Marijuana Policy. 2015 1,192 297 548 120 48 179 Organized Crime and Money Laundering The number of filings in which the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA) is charged in conjunction with a marijuana charge is presented in Table 5. There was no identifiable trend in the number of filings from 2006 to 2015. The most common marijuana filings were for distribution (54% of 22 The 16th Street Mall is an open-air pedestrian mall located in downtown Denver that has a substantial number of restaurants and shops. 26 total) and conspiracy (22% of total). In 2015, there were 40 COCCA filings in conjunction with a distribution of marijuana charge, an increase from previous years. Table 5. Colorado Organized Crime Control Act filings associated with a marijuana charge, 2006–-2015 Filed in conjunction with: Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total filings 10 1 3 8 18 15 31 16 1 40 Distribution 5 0 1 2 10 3 9 7 0 40 Conspiracy 4 0 0 1 4 7 11 5 0 0 Manufacture 0 1 1 0 3 3 7 3 0 0 Possession with intent 1 0 1 2 0 1 4 1 1 0 Possession 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 Note: These data reflect cases in which a defendant is charged with violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (C.R.S. 18-17.104) in conjunction with a filing for a marijuana charge (C.R.S. 18-18-406). Source: Colorado State Judicial Branch. Crime Around Marijuana Establishments The number of crimes around marijuana establishments is difficult to measure. Colorado does not have a statewide database that places all reported crimes at a specific location. The Denver Police Department began a project to review all reported crime and determine if there is a clear connection or relationship to marijuana. Additionally, it codes whether the crime is related to the marijuana industry or not. The total number of industry-related crimes has remained stable and makes up a very small portion of overall crime in Denver (Table 6). The most common industry-related crime is burglary, which accounts for 62% of all industry-related crime. There has been concern that, due to the cash-only nature of the industry, robbery would be prevalent but this has not proven to be the case. The number of nonindustry-related marijuana crimes is small and has remained stable. Robbery accounted for 33% of nonindustry-related crime in 2015, followed by burglary at 30%, and larceny/theft at 20%. 27 Table 6. Marijuana-related crime in Denver, 2012–2015 Industry Assault Robbery Burglary Larceny/theft Criminal mischief Other crimes 2012 170 1 2 130 12 20 5 2013 156 3 4 102 17 18 12 2014 175 3 7 115 24 14 12 2015 183 2 5 114 22 13 27 Nonindustry Assault Robbery Burglary Larceny/theft Criminal mischief Other crimes 50 4 19 15 10 0 2 85 8 22 30 13 4 8 97 9 26 38 18 0 6 69 8 23 21 14 0 3 Source: Denver Open Data Catalog, Crime Marijuana, http://data.denvergov.org/dataset/city-and-county-of-denver-crime-marijuana, retrieved 1/15/2016. Traffic Safety Driving Under the Influence Detection Issues The issue of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID), particularly marijuana, is one that is receiving increased attention due to legalization. It is difficult to gauge the scope of the DUID problem for a number of reasons. First, there is no criminal charge that specifies the driver is impaired by drugs instead of, or in combination with, alcohol. The current statute applies to driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two. 23 Second, there is no central repository of toxicology results that would allow for an analysis of trends. Information is available from some laboratories but those results cannot be linked with court cases at this time. Third, law enforcement may choose not to pursue additional toxicology testing if the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is above .08, which is the per se limit above which a driver is considered to be under the influence in Colorado statute. The additional time and cost required for further toxicology testing may not be considered worthwhile if the burden of proof for impairment is already being met by a BAC level. Colorado has established a limit of 5 ng/ml of delta 9-THC in whole blood that creates a permissible inference that a “defendant was under the influence of one or more drugs.” 24 After an arrest, if the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect is impaired by drugs and/or alcohol, 25 the officer may transfer the suspect to a location where blood can be drawn for further toxicology screening. During this 23 C.R.S. 42-4-1301. C.R.S. 42-4-1301 (6)(a)(IV). 25 An officer may also transport a suspect for blood screening in cases where alcohol is the only substance suspected. There are evidentiary breath alcohol testers available to law enforcement which are easier to administer and available in jails and some police stations. 24 28 time, the officer must also obtain a warrant to draw the suspect’s blood. The delta-9 THC level in blood decreases rapidly in the first hour after use, then gradually thereafter, making prompt testing critical. 26 The Colorado Task Force on Drunk and Impaired Driving 27 is working to improve the data available to conduct research on this topic. Additionally, the Colorado State Patrol began a pilot program in 2015 to test oral fluid devices that detect THC in saliva. The program’s outcomes are being evaluated by comparing outcomes of the oral fluid testing and blood testing results. The results will be published after analysis by researchers at the University of Colorado, Denver. Finally, the findings below should be considered in light of the fact that the number of peace officers who have been trained to identify driving impairment from drugs other than alcohol has increased substantially in recent years. In 2012 there were 129 peace officers statewide trained as Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) and by November 2015 there were 228. Hundreds of additional peace officers have also received training in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE). Colorado State Patrol The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) accounts for about 20% of all arrests for driving under the influence in Colorado. It began collecting information on the perceived impairing substance(s) of drivers at the beginning of 2014. CSP has the most drug recognition experts of any law enforcement agency in the state, with 65 (9% of all sworn personnel) as of December 2015. These factors combine to make CSP the best agency to use as a benchmark for issues related to impaired driving in Colorado. According to the data collected by the State Patrol, the total number of reported DUIs dropped 18% between 2014 (5,546) and 2015 (4,546) (Table 7). Summons in which alcohol was the only substance decreased by 988 (-18%). The number of summons in which marijuana or marijuana-in-combination was recorded decreased by nine (-1%) between 2014 and 2015. The prevalence of marijuana or marijuanain-combination (marijuana only, marijuana and alcohol, and marijuana and other drugs) as the perceived impairing substance increased from 12% of all DUIs in 2014 to 15% in 2015. Table 7. DUI summons issued by the Colorado State Patrol, by substance, 2014–2015 2014 2015 N % N % 5,546 100% 4,546 100% Total DUI citations 4,672 84% 3,684 81% Alcohol only 354 6% 347 8% Marijuana only 209 4% 209 5% Marijuana and alcohol 111 2% 109 2% Marijuana and other drugs 200 4% 197 4% Other drugs only Note: Substance is based on trooper perception and may not reflect results from toxicology tests. Source: Data provided by the Colorado State Patrol. 26 27 Atha, M. (2000). Blood and urine drug testing for cannabinoids, available at: http://www.idmu.co.uk/pdfs/drugtest.pdf. For more information on the CTFDID, please see https://www.codot.gov/about/committees/DUI-taskforce. 29 Denver Police Department The Denver Police Department began collecting data on DUID in 2013 (Table 8). The number of cases of driving under the influence of marijuana or marijuana-in-combination is small but has been increasing, from 33 in 2013 to 73 in 2015. In 2014, it accounted for 2.5% of all DUI citations in Denver and in 2015 it accounted for 3.0% of all DUI citations. Table 8. Driving under the influence in Denver, by impairment reason, 2013–2015 DUI Total DUID Marijuana Other 2013 2,896 84 33 51 2014 2,619 129 66 63 2015 2,532 148 73 75 Marijuana includes marijuana alone or in combination with alcohol or other drugs. Other includes other drugs alone or in combination with alcohol. Mandated Treatment for Driving Under the Influence Drivers convicted of driving under the influence in Colorado are mandated to attend approved treatment classes before their driver’s license privilege can be reinstated. When they are admitted into treatment, the primary drug of abuse is captured in the Drug/Alcohol Coordinated Data System (DACODS). Overall, admissions for DUI treatment dropped 12% from 2007 to 2014 (Figure 2). In that same period, admissions in which marijuana was listed as the primary drug increased by 48%. Figure 2. DUI treatment admission trends Source: Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Drug/Alcohol Coordinated Data System. 30 Toxicology A total of 11 labs are currently certified by the CDPHE to perform toxicology testing for DUI/DUID purposes. Only four of the 11 labs routinely perform blood drug analysis for DUI/DUID where a fatality has not occurred: the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Colorado State University, Rocky Mountain Instrumental Labs, and Chematox. Chematox is a private lab based in Boulder that performs a large number of screenings for more than 160 law enforcement agencies. In 2014, Chematox performed 4,371 toxicology screenings (Table 9). Of those 4,371, 65% tested positive on the initial cannabinoid screen for metabolites of THC, which can be present for weeks after consumption. Of those that tested positive on the initial screen, 67% tested positive for psychoactive Delta-9 THC at 2ng/ml or greater. The trend for positive initial cannabinoid screens was stable from 2010 to 2013 (approximately 58%) and then jumped to 65% in 2014. The trend for detecting active THC at 2ng/ml or higher in whole blood has been moving upward since 2009. The 2 ng/ml threshold was used to detect probable recent use and not necessarily impairment. Table 9. Toxicology screening for cannabinoids and active THC by Chematox Lab, 2009–2014 Year Total screens % positive cannabinoid screens % active THC 2ng/ml or higher 2009 1,514 52% 28% 2010 2,809 58% 38% 2011 3,987 59% 49% 2012 4,263 57% 52% 2013 4,333 58% 63% 2014 4,371 65% 67% Source: Sara Urfer, Chematox Laboratory. Fatality Analysis Reporting System The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) is a program administered federally by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and statewide by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). FARS contains data derived from a census of fatal traffic crashes within the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To be included in FARS, a crash must involve a motor vehicle traveling on a traffic way customarily open to the public and must result in the death of at least one person (occupant of a vehicle or a nonmotorist) within 30 days of the crash. The FARS database includes 143 coded data elements that characterize the crash, the vehicles, and the people involved. 28 FARS includes information from toxicology testing of drivers and others involved in the crash when it is available. The percentage of drivers tested for drugs has remained between 45% and 50% for the past three years, according to information provided by CDOT. The status of the driver 28 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2014), Fatality Analysis Reporting System, http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811992.pdf, retrieved 1/14/2016. 31 has an impact on testing prevalence, with 81% of deceased drivers tested compared to 14% of living drivers in 2014. This limits any conclusions that can be drawn about the prevalence of DUID in Colorado. Additionally, in 2013, the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (RMHIDTA) began working with CDOT to enhance the collection of toxicology data. In 2012, 9% of drivers had a drug test conducted, but the results were not reported to CDOT. The partnership between CDOT and RMHIDTA, where additional contact was made with coroners or law enforcement to obtain results, has virtually eliminated this problem of missing data. This improvement in the completeness of Colorado’s FARS data, however, makes comparisons to years prior to 2013 difficult. The type of testing reported also precludes making any definitive statements about driver impairment. The primary compound in cannabis that produces psychoactive effects is Delta-9-THC, which begins to dissipate in blood rapidly after consumption. There are other active metabolites of THC (11-OH-THC) which dissipate quickly and inactive metabolites (THC-COOH) that are detectable in blood for longer periods of time. 29 It is not possible to tell in the FARS data if the test detected psychoactive Delta-9-THC or the other metabolites of THC. The results reported here only indicate the presence of THC and are not statements about driver impairment. The number of fatalities in which the driver tested positive for THC-only or THC-in-combination increased from 55 in 2013 to 79 in 2014 (Table 10). The number of fatalities in which the driver tested positive for THC-only increased from 23 in 2013 to 37 in 2014. Fatalities in which the driver tested positive for THC-in-combination increased from 32 in 2013 to 42 in 2014. The percentage of all fatalities with a THC positive (alone or in combination) driver increased from 12% in 2013 to 15% in 2014. Table 10. Fatalities from motor vehicle crashes in Colorado, by driver toxicology results, 2013–2014 2013 N fatalities 2014 % N fatalities % Total fatalities 481 100% 488 100% No alcohol or drugs 141 29% 153 32% Alcohol only 78 16% 107 22% THC only 23 5% 37 7% THC and alcohol 18 4% 31 6% THC and other drugs 9 2% 5 1% THC, alcohol, and other drugs 5 1% 6 1% Other drugs only 44 9% 27 6% Alcohol and other drugs 20 4% 17 3% 143 30% 105 22% Unknown Source: Colorado Department of Transportation, Fatality Analysis Reporting System. 29 Huestis, M., Henningfield, J., and Cone, E. (1992). Blood cannabinoids I: Absorption of THC and formation of 11-OH-THC and THC-COOH during and after marijuana smoking, Journal of analytical toxicology, 16, 276-282. Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/21817925_Blood_cannabinoids_I_absorption_of_THC_and_formation_of_11-OHTHC_and_THC-COOH_during_and_after_marijuana_smoking, retrieved 1/15/2016. 32 The number of drivers testing positive for THC-only or THC-in-combination increased from 47 in 2013 to 67 in 2014 (Table 11). The number testing positive for THC-only increased from 18 to 29. The percentage of drivers who tested positive for THC (alone or in combination) increased from 8% in 2013 to 10% in 2014. However, only about half of all drivers involved in fatal crashes are tested for drugs. Table 11. Drivers in fatal motor vehicle crashes in Colorado, by toxicology results, 2013-2014 2013 N drivers Total drivers % 100% N drivers % 100% 24% 684 140 Alcohol only 87 14% 95 14% THC only 18 3% 29 4% THC and alcohol 16 3% 28 4% 1% No alcohol or drugs 627 150 2014 21% THC and other drugs 8 1% 5 THC, alcohol, and other drugs 5 1% 5 1% 36 6% 25 4% 20 3% 46% 16 341 2% 50% Other drugs only Alcohol and other drugs Unknown 287 Source: Colorado Department of Transportation, Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Law Enforcement Training to Detect Impairment Three training programs were administered in fiscal year 2015 using the marijuana tax revenue funds allocated to Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) for law enforcement training from Senate Bill 14-215. Training data are provided by the State of Colorado’s Department of Law for the period July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015. A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is a peace officer trained to recognize, document and articulate impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol. The course to become a DRE is 56 hours, the DRE instructor course is an additional 24 hours, and an annual eight hour update is required. In fiscal year 2015 training was completed for 56 DREs, 17 DRE instructors, and 160 DREs attended the required update training (Table 12). As of December 2015, a total of 228 DREs were certified statewide (Figure 3), an increase from 32 in 2006. The Colorado State Patrol (65) and Denver Police Department (31) have the greatest number of DREs. The Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) program was created to address the gap in training between the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and the Drug Recognition Expert program. ARIDE bridges the gap between these two programs by providing officers with general knowledge related to drug impairment and by promoting the use of DREs. ARIDE training is 16 hours long. In fiscal year 2015 ARIDE training was completed for 562 peace officers (Table 12). 33 The Introduction to Marijuana for Law Enforcement (Marijuana 101) course is designed to clarify legal issues for peace officers. Topics covered are potential lawsuits, the difference between Amendments 20 and 64, changes to possession charges and limits, the meaning of being a caregiver and medical marijuana patient, how marijuana has changed the way law enforcement conducts and develops probable cause for a search, how to query a medical marijuana card on the Colorado Crime Information Center database, and investigations. This course allows the peace officers attending to participate in scenario-based training and gain an understanding of marijuana laws. In fiscal year 2015 this training was provided to 2,256 peace officers, 40 civilians, 70 school resource officers, and 14 “train the trainers” (Table 12). Table 12. POST Training Funded by marijuana tax revenue, July 2014–June 2015 Training Drug Recognition Expert Operator Instructor Annual update ARIDE Hours required Number of classes Number officers trained 56 24 8 3 2 2 56 17 160 16 35 562 Marijuana for Law Enforcement Law enforcement 4 103 School Resource Officers Train the Trainer 2 8 1 2 2,256 officers/ 40 civilians 70 14 Source: Colorado Attorney General’s Office, Peace Officer Standards and Training. Figure 3. Cumulative drug recognition experts in Colorado, 2006–2015 Source: Data provided by Colorado Department of Transportation. Probationer Drug Test Results Colorado’s Probation Departments conduct drug tests on adult probationers. The frequency of testing is determined by assessment, court orders, and other case-related information. There is no link currently between probationer drug testing results and their probation status so it is not known if changes in drug 34  use patterns are affecting probation violations. Table 13 presents information on the percentage of  probationers tested who are positive for THC, categorized by the number of times they tested positive in  a year. The percent of the 18‐ to 25‐year‐old group who tested positive for THC one or two times  decreased from 20% in 2012 to 17% in 2014. The percent testing positive three or more times increased  from 13% to 15%. The 26‐ to 35‐year‐old group showed a similar trend, from 21% in 2012 to 20% in  2014. The percent testing positive just one or two times decreased from 13% to 11%, while those testing  positive three or more times increased from 8% to 9%. The 36 and older group went from 15% testing  positive in 2012 to 13% in 2014. The percent testing positive just one or two times decreased from 9% to  7%, while those testing positive three or more times held steady at 6%.   Table 13. Adult probationer drug test results for THC, 2012–2014  Percent of probationers  testing positive  Age Group  18–25 years old  Times tested  positive  2012  2013  2014  N probationers  0 times  1–2 times  3 or more times  17,349  67%  20%  13%  17,245  68%  18%  14%  15,869  68%  17%  15%  N probationers  0 times  1–2 times  3 or more times  15,221  79%  13%  8%  16,794  80%  11%  8%  17,003  80%  11%  9%  N probationers  0 times  1–2 times  3 or more times  16,314  86%  9%  6%  18,598  87%  8%  5%  19,300  87%  7%  6%  26–35 years old  36 years or older  Note: Percentages may not sum to 100 due to rounding.  Source: Data provided by Colorado State Judicial Department.  The percent of all drug tests that are positive for THC has remained stable for all adult age groups (Table  14). For 18‐ to 25‐year‐olds, 12% of their tests were positive in both 2012 and 2014. For 26‐ to 35‐year‐ olds, 7% of their tests were positive in both 2012 and 2014. The percent of drug tests for those 36 years  or older dropped slightly, from 5% to 4%.  Table 14. Adult probationer drug test results:   percent of tests that are positive for THC, 2012–2014  Age group  18–‐25 years old  26–35 years old  36 years or older  2012  12%  7%  5%  2013  12%  7%  4%  2014  12% 7% 4% Source: Data provided by Colorado State Judicial Department.  Illegal Cultivation on Public Land  The issue of marijuana being grown illegally on public land was of concern to the legislature. Contact  was made with the National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service  35 to determine what enforcement action had been taken in the last seven years. The number of growing operations and plants seized shows no discernible trend (Table 15). The year with the greatest activity was 2012, with 11 grow operations seized, accounting for approximately 46,622 plants. Two maps, Figures 4 and 5, show the number of grow operations and plants seized from 2009–2012 and 2013– 2015. Table 15. Marijuana plants seized on public land, by agency, 2009–2015 Plants seized Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Grows seized 8 5 4 11 3 4 6 National Forest Service 29,200 15,665 3,970 46,662 4,980 4,484 22,830 Bureau of Land Management 177 0 0 0 0 0 2,200 National Park Service 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total number of plants 29,381 15,665 3,970 46,662 4,980 4,484 25,030 Source: Data provided by National Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management. Figure 4. Marijuana on public lands, by county, number of seizures, and number of plants seized, 2009–2012 Note: Darker shaded areas indicate a higher number of plants eradicated. Source: Data provided by National Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management. 36 Figure 5. Marijuana on public lands, by county, number of seizures, and number of plants seized, 2013–2015 Note: Darker shaded areas indicate a higher number of plants eradicated. Source: Data provided by National Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management. Drug Enforcement Administration Cannabis Eradication Program The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated the Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program (DCE/SP), which is the only nationwide law enforcement program that exclusively targets drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) involved in cannabis cultivation (Table 16). Through its nationwide cannabis eradication efforts, the DEA provides resources to support the 128 state and local law enforcement agencies that actively participate in the program. This assistance allows for the enhancement of already aggressive eradication enforcement activities throughout the nation. The number of outdoor grow sites eradicated in Colorado went down from 16 in 2011 to 3 in 2012 and remained low through 2014 (Table 16). The number of outdoor plants destroyed has also decreased each year since 2011, from 26,020 in 2011 down to 2,630 in 2014. The trend in number of indoor grows and plants seized have not shown a consistent pattern. The number of arrests decreased from 60 in 2010 to 11 in 2011 and has stayed low since then. The number of weapons seized has gone up however, from 0 in 2011 to 47 in 2012, 11 in 2013, and 23 in 2014. 37 Table 16. Drug Enforcement Administration cannabis eradication/suppression program in Colorado, 2006–2014 Year Outdoor grow sites Outdoor plants Indoor grow sites Bulk processed marijuana (pounds) Indoor plants Number of arrests Weapons seized Assets seized (value) 2006 14 3,819 47 3,667 1,727 193 19 $932,679 2007 31 2,498 45 2,430 57 143 29 $903,944 2008 17 5,564 29 24,469 64 36 0 $3,094,240 2009 28 29,655 7 235 62 5 0 $12,500 2010 7 6,331 50 5,492 0 60 0 $153,674 2011 16 26,020 3 4 125 11 0 $15,626 2012 3 21,235 7 2,069 515 9 47 $354,325 2013 2 5,562 19 11,042 1,636 2 11 $257,938 2014 3 2,630 18 5,426 381 6 23 $2,066,855 Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. Cannabis Eradication, http://www.justice.gov/dea/ops/cannabis.shtml, retrieved 4/20/2015; Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics, URL: http://www.albany.edu/sourcebook, retrieved 9/16/2014. Diversion Out of State The Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC), in the Department of Public Safety, is developing a comprehensive overview of where and how marijuana is being diverted out of Colorado. At present, staff is working to identify data sources that can reliably report on marijuana that is diverted from Colorado to other states. CIAC has compiled data from a service called Black Asphalt, an online forum for law enforcement drug interdiction that has more than 20,000 active online members from almost all states. Nationally, between January 1, 2014 and August 30, 2015 there were 261 drug-related interdiction submissions 30 in which Colorado was the originating state. Of these 261 submissions, 169 (65%) were for marijuana/hashish. Almost all of the marijuana seizures (166 of 169) were destined for states outside of Colorado, most commonly Oklahoma, Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri. It is unknown whether that marijuana is coming from licensed businesses, caregivers, personal growers, or the general black market, thus a conclusion that it is related to legalization of marijuana is premature. Locally, CIAC received data from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Between January 1, 2015 and December 15, 2015, Wyoming reported 48 submissions in which Colorado was the originating state and 47 of them were for marijuana/hashish. CIAC is expanding its marijuana diversion data collection capabilities and future reports will include data from a wider variety of data sources and longer periods of time. In a study published in 2015, researchers from the University of Nebraska, Omaha 31 compared marijuana arrests for the period 2000–2004 (prior to medical commercialization) to 2009–2013 (after 30 A submission can include seizures of drugs, cash, or weapons. Ellison, J. & Spohn, R. (2015). Borders up in smoke: Marijuana enforcement in Nebraska after Colorado’s legalization of medicinal marijuana, Criminal Justice Policy Review, available at Online First, http://cjp.sagepub.com/content/early/2015/11/23/0887403415615649.abstract. 31 38 medical commercialization). They focused on comparing arrest trends in Nebraska counties bordering Colorado, counties along the I-80 corridor, and all other counties in Nebraska (control group) to determine if proximity to Colorado or a major transportation artery was associated with an increase in marijuana arrests. They found that the “rate of marijuana arrests and jail admissions is quite low (i.e., less than 2.5 arrests per 1,000 residents)” (p.10) and were most commonly for possession. They also found that for both 2000–2004 and 2009–2013, border counties and counties along the I-80 corridor had higher arrest rates for marijuana possession. Additionally, border counties experienced a significant increase in both possession and sales arrest rates after commercialization when compared to other counties in the control group. Counties along the I-80 corridor did not show a significant increase in arrest rates for either possession or sales after commercialization compared to the control group. Transfer Using Parcel Services CIAC is working to gather data from the United States Postal Inspection Service, UPS, and FedEx. These data should be available for future reports. Summary The public safety data provided in this report will act as baseline measurements for future reports. Not enough time has elapsed after legalization to allow for any definitive statements about impacts, but the attention being paid to this topic has enhanced the efforts to collect information. This enhanced attention has the potential to change patterns of enforcement independent of any change in the behavior of Colorado residents and visitors alike. The long-term public safety impacts of legalization will not be clear for several years and, even then, separating out marijuana legalization as the cause of any change will be difficult. 39 SECTION THREE IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH Overview The impacts of marijuana legalization on public health in Colorado are still being assessed. This section summarizes several sources of epidemiological data. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regulates environmental health and safety for the state and is required to measure and report on the public health impacts of marijuana legalization. CDPHE has produced a report, Monitoring Health Concerns Related to Marijuana in Colorado: 2014, 32 which should be reviewed to gain a more in-depth understanding of the public health concerns in the state. CDPHE is measuring marijuana use patterns by county and race/ethnicity, as is required by statute. There are two primary sources of data on this topic. The first comes from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a long-term survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The second is from CDPHE’s version of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). These are discussed below. Trends in admissions to emergency departments and hospitalizations with an indication of marijuana exposure, billing code, or diagnosis code are also examined below. This information comes from Colorado Hospital Association data analyzed by CDPHE. The limitations of these data are also discussed. Trends in marijuana exposure calls to the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center from 2006 to 2014 that were analyzed from CDPHE are also detailed below. Data provided by the Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health provide information on two treatment topics in this section. The first focuses on licensed facilities that report treatment admissions in which marijuana is listed as the client’s primary drug of abuse. The second looks at trends in frequency of use by clients in treatment for marijuana abuse. Adult Usage National Survey on Drug Use and Health The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducts the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). 33 NSDUH is the primary source of information on the prevalence, patterns, and consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use and abuse and mental disorders in the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population, age 12 and older. The survey generates estimates at the national, state, and substate levels. NSDUH is state-based, with an independent, multistage area probability sample within each state and the District of Columbia. SAMHSA produces 32 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Monitoring marijuana-related health effects, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/monitoring-marijuana-related-health-effects. 33 Descriptions of NSDUH derived from information available at http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh/reports. 40 state-level estimates from a two-year rolling average. This means that each year presented in this report actually represents two years of data. For purposes of reporting, only the second year is presented in these tables and figures. 34 The two-year prevalence rates for Colorado residents 18 and older are based on weighted estimates from between 1,200 and 1,300 survey respondents. 35 Figures 6, 8, 10 and 12 have additional information that needs explanation. First, there are bars above and below each estimate which represent the 95% confidence intervals of that estimate. These intervals show that there is a 95% chance that the true value is found within the upper and lower bounds of the confidence interval. These intervals are affected by the standard error of the mean and the number of people in the sample. The standard error of the mean is a measure of how different the sample mean is likely to be from the true population mean. Additionally, the more people that are in the sample, assuming they are chosen at random from the population of interest, the more precise the measurement, resulting in a smaller confidence interval. Further, the triangles in these figures represent the results of a statistical comparison between the estimate for that particular year and 2014. The Welch’s unpaired t-test was used to test a statistically significant difference between the means because the years have different variance estimates. The standard deviation for each year was calculated using the values from the confidence intervals and number of people in the sample. If a year is marked with a triangle it indicates a statistically significant difference from 2014 with a two-tailed probability (p) value less than .05. This means that if 100 samples are drawn from a population, a similar difference between the two means would occur 95 times. Young Adult Trends (18–25 Years Old) The current prevalence rates for marijuana usage have increased significantly for young adults (18–25 years old), from 21% in 2006 to 31% in 2014 (Figure 6). This change contrasts with a decline in cigarette use (down from 40% to 32%) and other illicit drug use (down from 10% to 8%) during this same period (Figure 7). Alcohol use has not changed appreciably, with current usage rates staying around 69% during this period. 34 For example, data indicated as 2014 is actually the average of 2013 and 2014. Estimates for smaller substate regions are based on three-year averages and the most recent results only cover the 2010– 2012 period. The updated estimates will be presented once data for the 2013-2015 period become available. 35 41 Figure 6. Past 30-day marijuana use, 18–25 years old, 2006–2014: NSDUH Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh, retrieved 12/17/2015. Please see Page 40 for an explanation of confidence intervals and the statistical tests used for this analysis. Figure 7. Past 30-day substance use, 18–25 years old, 1999–2014: NSDUH Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh, retrieved 12/17/2015. The perception of a great risk from once-per-month marijuana use has decreased significantly in young adults in Colorado, from 19% to 8% in the period from 2006 to 2014 (Figure 8). The national average 42 went down significantly, from 25% to 14%. The perception of risk for Colorado residents has been lower than the national average and both have decreased over time. The gap between the nation and Colorado for perceived risk has remained relatively stable at between 5% and 6%. The perception of great risk for smoking a pack of cigarettes a day or regular binge drinking has remained stable (Figure 9). Figure 8. Perception of great risk for using marijuana once a month, 18–25 years old, 2006–2014: NSDUH Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh, retrieved 12/17/2015. Please see Page 40 for an explanation of confidence intervals and the statistical tests used for this analysis. Figure 9. Perception of great risk for using various substances, 18–25 years old, 1999–2014: NSDUH Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh, retrieved 12/17/2015. 43 Adult Trends (26 Years or Older) Reported current marijuana use by adults increased from 5% in 2006 to 12% in 2014 (Figure 10). The 2014 usage rate is significantly higher than the rate from any other time from 2006 to 2013. When compared to current national marijuana usage, Colorado shows a consistently higher rate. Adult usage has also increased significantly at the national level, but the gap between the two rates has widened from about 1% difference in 2006 to more than a 6% difference in 2014. The prevalence trends for alcohol, cigarette, and other illicit drug use show no appreciable changes over this same period (Figure 11). Figure 10. Past 30-day marijuana use, 26 years or older, 2006–2014: NSDUH Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh, retrieved 12/17/2015. Please see Page 40 for an explanation of confidence intervals and the statistical tests used for this analysis. 44 Figure 11. Past 30-day substance use, 26 years or older, 1999–2014: NSDUH Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh, retrieved 12/17/2015. The perceived risk in adults from using marijuana once a month shows a significant decrease for marijuana, from 33% in 2006 down to 20% in 2014 (Figure 12). The perception of great risk at the national level has also decreased, from 42% in 2006 to 30% in 2014. The gap between the nation’s perception of risk and Colorado’s has remained relatively stable over time. The perception of great risk for smoking a pack of cigarettes a day or regular binge drinking has remained stable (Figure 13). Figure 12. Perception of great risk for using marijuana once a month, 26 years or older, 2006–2014: NSDUH Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh, retrieved 12/17/2015. Please see Page 40 for an explanation of confidence intervals and the statistical tests used for this analysis. 45 Figure 13. Perception of great risk for using various substances, 26 years or older, 1999–2014: NSDUH Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh, retrieved 12/17/2015. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System The Colorado Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a system of telephone surveys sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor lifestyles and behaviors related to the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. In recent years, health professionals and the public have become increasingly aware of the role of such lifestyle factors as cigarette smoking, being overweight, sedentary lifestyle, and the nonuse of seat belts in contributing to injury, illness, and death. 36 Questions regarding marijuana use and other marijuana-related behaviors were added to the Colorado BRFSS in 2014. These results will act as baseline measurements for adult usage rates and other behaviors based on a sample that is larger than the one that produces estimates for the NSDUH. In the 2014 administration, the BRFSS questions regarding marijuana were asked in two of the three sample splits, resulting in a final sample size of 7,708. 37 CDPHE is conducting additional analyses of these data that will be presented in future reports. Overall, 14% of Colorado adults (age 18 and over) reported current use of marijuana and 49% reported use at some time in their life (Table 17). The average age at first use was 18 years old. According to the BRFSS, 33% of current users report using daily. Additionally, 19% of current users report driving after using. Age group and gender were both significant predictors of current marijuana use. Males were more likely to report current use of marijuana (17%) than females (10%). Residents under 25 were much more likely 36 Additional information on the Colorado BRFSS can be accessed here: http://www.chd.dphe.state.co.us/topics.aspx?q=Adult_Health_Data. 37 The survey for the BRFSS is split into three sample groups that may have questions regarding different topics. The questions about marijuana were asked in two of the three sample splits. 46 to report current use (29%) than those 25–44 years old (17%), 45–64 (10%), or those 65 and older (3%). 38 Individuals who attended college reported lower current usage rates (12%) than those who did not receive a high school diploma (17%) or were high school graduates (16%). Interestingly, this trend was reversed when the question concerned lifetime usage. Income level was also related to marijuana use, with 20% of those earning less than $25,000 per year reporting current use, while 12% of those earning $25,000–$49,999 and 11% of those earning $50,000 or more reported use in the past 30 days. Sexual orientation was also related to current marijuana use. Those who reported their sexual orientation as gay, lesbian, or bisexual reported current use 30% of the time compared to 13% of those who identified as heterosexual. Race was not a significant predictor of marijuana use. However, there were differences between African-Americans reporting current use (19%) and Whites (14%) and Hispanics (12%). Table 17. Reported marijuana use among Colorado adults, by demographic characteristics, 2014: BRFSS a Colorado Gendera Male Female Age groupa 18–24 years old 25–44 years old 46–64 years old 65 years or older Education levela Less than high school High school graduate Some college or more Income levela < $25,000 $25,000–$49,999 $50,000+ Race/ethnicity White Black Hispanic Other Sexual orientationa Heterosexual Gay, lesbian, or bisexual Current use 13.6% Lifetime use 48.9% Age at first use 18.1 years 17.2 10.0 54.7 43.0 17.5 18.8 28.8 16.6 10.3 3.0 52.1 53.5 56.1 23.3 16.0 17.2 18.0 26.8 16.8 16.3 12.3 36.9 45.5 52.0 17.1 17.5 18.4 19.8 12.3 11.1 46.6 46.3 53.4 17.8 18.6 18.0 14.1 19.2 11.7 8.0 51.7 56.8 36.9 44.8 18.2 18.0 17.5 17.9 12.9 30.0 48.7 64.4 18.1 17.5 Groups showed significant difference at p < .05. Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. 38 The differences in current usage rates were significantly different (p < .05) level for these categories. 47 The BRFSS results for Colorado are grouped into 21 Health Statistics Regions (HSRs). Larger counties act as their own regions, while smaller counties are combined into larger regions so there are enough cases to make valid estimates for those areas. Figure 14 shows the variation in usage rates across Colorado. The highest current usage is reported in Region 16 (Boulder and Broomfield) at 19%. The lowest rate was reported in Region 5 (Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson, and Lincoln) at 1%. Detailed data on each region’s usage is presented in Appendix G, Table 12. 48 Figure 14. Reported marijuana use by Colorado adults in past 30 days, by region, 2014: BRFSS Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System. Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits CDPHE analyzed data from the Colorado Hospital Administration and categorized visits according to their International Classification of Diseases, Volume 9 ICD-9-CM codes to determine if the visit indicated possible marijuana exposure or used a diagnosis/billing code indicating marijuana. Use of these codes does not mean that the visit is motivated by marijuana exposure but simply that it is a possibility. The four codes used include: 305.2-Marijuana (Cannabis Abuse); 304.3-Marijuana (Cannabis Dependence); 969.6-Poisoning by psychodysleptics (hallucinogens); and E854.1-Accidental poisoning by psychodysleptics (hallucinogens). For the purposes of 969.6 and E854.1, hallucinogens can include cannabis, LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin (mushrooms). The data reflect four different eras of legalization in Colorado (Figure 15). In 2000 (prior to medical legalization), the rate was 575 hospitalizations per 100,000. This increased significantly during the era when medical marijuana was legalized but not commercialized (2001–2009), rising to 803 hospitalizations per 100,000. The era of medical marijuana commercialization (2010–2013) saw another significant jump, to 1,440 hospitalizations per 100,000. Finally, the most recent era of retail 49 commercialization (2014–June 2015) has shown another significant increase, to 2,413 hospitalizations per 100,000. The data on Emergency Department (ED) visits is more limited due to changes in reporting. The period of retail commercialization showed a significant increase in ED visits, from 739 per 100,000 (2010–2013) to 956 per 100,000 ED visits (2014–June 2015). Figure 15. Rates of hospitalizations (HD) and emergency department (ED) visits with possible marijuana exposures, diagnoses, or billing codes per 100,000 HD and ED visits, by legalization eras in Colorado Source: Data provided by Colorado Hospital Association with analysis provided by CDPHE. Note: Data for 2015 covers January 1, 2015, through June 30, 2015. NA = Data not available. An individual can be represented more than once in the data; therefore, the rate is HD or ED visits with marijuana codes per 100,000 total HD or ED visits. The most recent information on monitoring health-related effects can be found at CDPHE’s website on this topic: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/monitoring-marijuana-related-health-effects. Poison Control The Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center (RMPDC) provided data to CDPHE for analysis. The number of calls to poison control mentioning human marijuana exposure has increased over the past 10 years (Figure 16). There were 44 calls in 2006 and 227 in 2015. The increases occurred across all age groups, with the biggest jumps in the 8-year-old and younger age group (4 in 2006 to 49 in 2015) and the 25 and older group (8 in 2006 to 78 in 2015). There were two years in which the total increases are most notable, in 2010 (+51 from 2009) and again in 2014 (+98 from 2013). 50 Figure 16. Human marijuana exposure calls to Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, by age group, 2006–2015 Note: Human marijuana exposure calls to RMPDC were determined by the presence of the generic code ‘Marijuana-0083000’ from the National Poison Data System. Source: Data provided by Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center with analysis provided by CDPHE. Treatment Trends The Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) requires licensed drug and alcohol treatment centers to submit information on all individuals admitted to treatment. The data are entered into OBH’s Drug/Alcohol Coordinated Data System (DACODS) and are the source of the information provided in this section. These data include the top three drugs of abuse, demographic characteristics, referral source, referral reason, time in treatment, client residence, and much more. The age at first use for those seeking treatment for marijuana abuse has remained stable at around 14.2 years (Figure 17) during the period of 2007–2014. The age at first treatment has increased since 2010, from 23.3 years up to 25.4 years. The time from first usage to first treatment is increasing, from around nine years in 2010 to 11.2 years in 2014. The reasons behind this change are unknown at this time, but OBH is tracking this development. 51 Figure 17. Age at first use of marijuana and age at first treatment, 2007–2014 Source: Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Drug/Alcohol Coordinated Data System. Treatment admission rates (per 100,000 population) with marijuana as one of the three reported drugs of abuse are detailed in Figure 18. The rate has decreased since 2009 for those under 18, from its peak at 271 to 180 admissions per 100,000 population in that age group. The admission rate has also decreased for those in the 18–20 age group, from 1,733 to 1,066 admissions per 100,000. The one group showing an increase are those 21 or over, from 569 to 618 per 100,000. This is an interesting finding, because this oldest age group is the only one for whom marijuana use is considered legal. Figure 18. Treatment admission rate reporting marijuana as drug of abuse, by age group, 2007—2014 Source: Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Drug/Alcohol Coordinated Data System. 52 The DACODS also collects information on frequency of drug use in the 30 days prior to treatment (Figure 19). In 2007, 52% of clients seeking treatment were occasional users (1–7 days of use in the past 30 days) and 22% were heavy users (22 days or more). By 2014, this distribution changed and the same percentage of occasional users (36%) and heavy users (36%) were admitted to treatment. This indicates that those seeking treatment were more likely to be heavy users prior to admission. The most common method of marijuana use was smoking (91%), followed by inhalation (5%), and oral (4%). Figure 19. Reported marijuana use in past 30 days, by number of reported days of use, 2007–2014 Source: Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Drug/Alcohol Coordinated Data System. In sum, the impacts of marijuana legalization on public health in Colorado are still being assessed. Surveys of marijuana use show that, among young adults (18-25), past 30-day use increased from 21% in 2006 39 to 31% in 2014. Past 30-day use among adults ages 26 and older increased from 5% in 2006 to 12% in 2014. Since 2000, rates of hospitalizations and emergency department visits possibly related to marijuana have increased, as have the number of calls to poison control. Drug treatment admission rates for marijuana increased somewhat between 2007 and 2014 for those over the age of 21. 39 Note that the 2006 NSDUH survey for Colorado showed the lowest past 30-day use since 1999. 53 SECTION FOUR IMPACT ON YOUTH Overview This section focuses on the impact of marijuana legalization on youth. The general questions concern youth use, diversion of marijuana to youth, youth arrests, comprehensive school information, drugendangered children, and other potential impacts. These topics will be addressed using two surveys that ask about drug use and other risky behavior. The first is the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, which is a biannual survey administered to high school and middle school youth by CDPHE. The second is the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a national survey administered annually to those 12 and older by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The public safety impacts are examined by using official arrest and offense data from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, court filings data, and drug testing information from the State Division of Probation Services in the Judicial Branch. Information about schools is gathered using discipline data from the Colorado Department of Education. These data include trends on suspensions, expulsions, and law enforcement referrals for drugs. The data system in place from 2004–2015 did not capture whether marijuana was the specific drug that led to the discipline as it was grouped with all other drugs. However, since the most commonly used illicit drug in the youth population is marijuana, changes in discipline trends can logically be linked to changes in marijuana use. Discussions with school administrators also support this assumption. The question about legalization’s impact on drug-endangered children is difficult to answer. The term “drug-endangered children” has not been defined by the legislature, and choosing what data elements to gather is problematic. The Department of Human Services does not currently collect specific information on whether drug use or abuse is a contributing factor in at-risk families. With that in mind, a few data elements may act as proxies for the time being. The Colorado Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a group of health-related telephone surveys that collect data about residents regarding their health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services. The Child Health Survey is a component of the BRFSS that asks parents about various behaviors, including parental marijuana usage and marijuana storage in the home. Questions about marijuana were first added in 2014, meaning that the data presented in this report will act as baseline measures. A second proxy for drug-endangered children will be reports from persons entering substance abuse treatment regarding how many children they are responsible for. While seeking treatment does not necessarily equate to endangering one’s children, it is one of the few proxies available and it may provide useful information. 54 Youth Usage Survey Data Healthy Kids Colorado Survey The Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) collects health information biennially (every odd year) from Colorado public school students. 40 Surveys are completed by students from a random sample of selected schools and randomly selected classrooms within those schools. Results are weighted to represent student enrollment in all Colorado public high schools (2005, 2009, 2011, 2013 41) and public middle schools (2013). The HKCS and other sample-based surveys use statistical weights to account for the fact that information is obtained from a sample and used to represent the larger population. The weights account for sampling design, school and student nonparticipation and nonresponse, and overall adjustments in grade, sex, and ethnicity that match the sample and the population. A total of 224 randomly selected schools and 40,206 randomly selected students participated in the 2013 HKCS. The sample includes 25,197 students in 106 public high schools, 14,187 students in 110 public middle schools, and 822 students in eight alternative high schools. The overall response rate is the product of the school participation rate and the student response rate. Overall response rates in 2013 were 63% for middle schools, 58% for high schools, and 24% for alternative high schools. The high school student response rates for 2005–2013 are presented in Table 18. It should be noted that the 2013 survey administration changed compared to previous years. CDPHE partnered with the Colorado Department of Human Services and the Colorado Department of Education and the sampling design and frames were also changed. The sample was stratified and sampled by region for the first time. Also, regular and alternative high schools were sampled separately rather than together as done in the past. These types of methodological changes have potential effects on prevalence estimates. Therefore, careful interpretation should be used to prevent misrepresentation of the data. Table 18. Sample information for Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) Year 2005 2007b 2009 2011 2013 High school N Response Responses rate 1,498 60% 734 29% 1,511 62% 1,523 67% 25,197 58% Middle schoola N Response Responses rate --------14,187 63% 40 More detailed information about the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey can be accessed here: https://www.colorado.gov/cdphe/hkcs. 41 The response rate from the 2007 survey was too low to allow for accurate weighting. 55 Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, http://www.chd.dphe.state.co.us/topics.aspx?q=Adolescent_Health_Data. a The middle school survey was not conducted prior to 2013. b The response rate from the 2007 survey was too low to allow for accurate weighting of the data and these data are not presented. The trend for students reporting ever using marijuana has shown a gradual decline in the past two surveys, going down by about three percentage points in each survey (Table 19). The trend for students reporting past 30-day marijuana use has remained relatively stable, with no significant change from 2005 to 2013. Finally, the percentage of students trying marijuana before the age of 13 has not changed significantly over the last four survey administrations. Table 19. High school student marijuana usage trends, 2005–2013: HKCS 2005 Ever used marijuana (one or more times during their life) Currently used marijuana (one or more times during the 30 days before the survey) Tried marijuana before age 13 years (for the first time) 2009 2011 2013 42.6% 39.5% 36.9% 22.7 24.8 22.0 19.7 9.9 8.3 9.0 8.1 42.4% Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, http://www.chd.dphe.state.co.us/topics.aspx?q=Adolescent_Health_Data. The prevalence trends for the three most commonly used substances are presented in Figure 20. The three trends are all downward, with the biggest reduction being for current alcohol use, down from 47% in 2005 to 31% in 2013. Figure 20. Past 30-day substance use among high school students, 2005–2013: HKCS Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, http://www.chd.dphe.state.co.us/topics.aspx?q=Adolescent_Health_Data. The results for past 30-day marijuana use by grade level are presented in Figure 21. There are increases in reported use for each grade, with the biggest jumps being from eighth to ninth grade (+5.0 percentage points) and from ninth to tenth grade (+5.3 percentage points). 56 Figure 21. Past 30-day marijuana use, by grade level, 2013: HKCS Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, http://www.chd.dphe.state.co.us/topics.aspx?q=Adolescent_Health_Data. The number of times high school students reported using marijuana in the past 30 days is presented in Table 20. In 2013, the most common number of times used is one to two (6.6%), followed by three to nine (4.7%), and then 40 or more (4.1%). That is, students were more likely to be either light users or heavy users, with fewer in the intermediate range. This distribution of usage frequency is similar to that reported in the NSDUH. Table 20. High school students reporting number of times used marijuana in past 30 days, 2005–2013: HKCS Usage frequency category 2005 2009 2011 2013 0 1 or 2 3 to 9 10 to 19 20 to 39 40 or more 77.3% 6.9% 5.5% 3.9% 2.6% 3.8% 75.2% 7.6% 6.0% 3.0% 2.2% 6.0% 78.0% 7.1% 4.7% 2.6% 2.3% 5.3% 80.3% 6.6% 4.7% 2.4% 1.9% 4.1% Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, http://www.chd.dphe.state.co.us/topics.aspx?q=Adolescent_Health_Data. In 2013, the HKCS began reporting data for the 21 health statistics regions (HSRs) in Colorado. Large counties represent their own HSR, while smaller counties are grouped together. This grouping allows estimates to be produced for areas with small student populations. A table with results for all HSRs is available Appendix G, Table 12. The area with the highest reported past 30-day usage by high school students is Region 7 (Pueblo County), where 32.1% of high school students reported using marijuana in the past 30 days (Figure 22). This is followed by Region 10 (Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel Counties) at 26.7%, and Region 20 (Denver) at 26.6%. The areas with the lowest usage include Region 5 (Cheyenne, 57 Elbert, Kit Carson, and Lincoln) at 9.4%, Region 1 (Logan, Morgan, Philips, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma) at 11.4%, and Region 3 (Douglas) at 13.2%. Figure 22. Past 30-day marijuana use by high school students, by health statistics region, 2013 Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 2013 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey. Note: Jefferson County (Region 21), Colorado’s second largest school district with 29,042 high school students, did not participate in the 2013 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey. For the middle school sample, Region 7 (Pueblo) has the highest 30-day prevalence rates at 22.8%, followed by Region 20 (Denver) at 19.2%, and then Region 6 (Baca, Bent, Crowley, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, and Powers) at 12.3% (Figure 23). The areas with the lowest middle school rates are Region 3 (Douglas) at 1.3%, Region 11 (Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt) at 2.1%, and Region 4 (El Paso) at 2.5%. 58 Figure 23. Past 30-day marijuana use by middle school students, by health statistics region, 2013: HKCS Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 2013 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey. Note: Jefferson County (Region 21), Colorado’s second largest school district with 16,491 middle school students, did not participate in the 2013 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey. The HKCS also asks about various student opinions and behaviors concerning marijuana (Table 21). The perception of moderate/great risk of using marijuana regularly 42 was reported by 76.4% of middle school students and 54.0% of high school students. The judgment of how easy it would be to get marijuana is very different as students age, with 16.2% of middle school students reporting that it would be sort of/very easy to get marijuana, and 54.9% of high school students expressing this belief. Student perceptions about the wrongness of marijuana use also vary by age, with 89.3% of middle school students believing use is wrong/very wrong and 60.2% of high school students expressing this opinion. 42 The frequency implied by the term “use marijuana regularly” is not explicitly defined in this question. This is also a different measure of risk than that used in the NSDUH, which asks about perceived great risk for using once a month. 59 Table 21. Student opinions regarding marijuana, by school level, 2013: HKCS Question Percentage of students who think people who use marijuana regularly have moderate/great risk of harming themselves Percentage of students who feel it would be sort of easy or very easy to get marijuana if they wanted Percentage of students who think it is wrong/very wrong for someone their age to use marijuana Percentage of students who think their parents would feel it is wrong/very wrong if they used marijuana Percentage of students who rode one or more times during the past 30 days in a car or other vehicle driven by someone who had been using marijuana Among students who drove a car or other vehicle during the past 30 days, the percentage who drove one or more times when they had been using marijuana Middle school High school 76.4% 54.0% 16.2 54.9 89.3 60.2 96.3 86.4 NA 19.7 NA 10.9 Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, http://www.chd.dphe.state.co.us/topics.aspx?q=Adolescent_Health_Data. National Survey on Drug Use and Health The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducts the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). 43 The NSDUH is the primary source of information on the prevalence, patterns, and consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use and abuse and mental disorders in the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population, age 12 and older. The survey generates estimates at the national, state, and substate levels. The NSDUH is state-based, with an independent, multistage area probability sample within each state and the District of Columbia. SAMHSA produces state-level estimates from a two-year rolling sample. This means that each year presented in this report actually represents two years of data. For purposes of reporting, only the second year is presented in these tables and figures. 44 The two-year usage prevalence rates for Colorado residents 12 to 17 years old are based on weighted estimates from between 575 to 650 survey respondents. For a full explanation of the confidence intervals and tests for difference of means see Section 2, page 40. The 30-day marijuana usage prevalence for Colorado youth was significantly above the national average for the period 2009–2014 (Figure 24). 45 The 2014 30-day usage prevalence within Colorado is significantly higher than the period from 2006 to 2008. However, the prevalence increase within Colorado since 2009, from 10.2% to 12.6%, was not statistically significant. The recent upward trend in Colorado usage differs from the national trend, which shows a relatively flat usage rate, fluctuating between 6.7% and 7.6% for the last eight years. 43 Descriptions of the NSDUH derived from information available at http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-datansduh/reports. 44 For example, data indicated as 2014 is the combination of 2013 and 2014. 45 Means tests were conducted comparing 2014 with each other year. If the term “significant” is used, it denotes a 5% probability (p < .05) that the difference identified is by chance. 60 Figure 24. Past 30-day marijuana use, 12–17 years old, 2006–2014: NSDUH Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh, retrieved 12/17/2015. This increase in Colorado youth’s marijuana usage is in contrast to the general downward trends in usage of alcohol, cigarettes, and other illicit drugs (Figure 25). Figure 25. Past 30-day substance use, 12–17 years old, 2006–2014: NSDUH Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh, retrieved 12/17/2015. Colorado youth’s perception of great risk for using marijuana once per month has been consistently lower than the national average (Figure 26). Both the Colorado and national trends have shown steep 61 declines in perception of risk. The perception of great risk from using marijuana once a month among Colorado youth declined from 29.9% in 2006 to 17.0% in 2014. The perception of great risk in Colorado for 2014 is significantly lower than for the period 2005–2010 and for 2012. The national rate went from 34.3% in 2006 down to 23.5% in 2014. The gap between the two rates has remained relatively consistent, at five to six percentage points. Figure 26. Perception of great risk for using marijuana once a month, 12–17 years old, 2006–2014: NSDUH Note: The 95% confidence intervals are represented by the bars above and below the estimate for each year. These indicate that 95 times out of 100 the true value should fall within that range. Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh, retrieved 12/17/2015. The reduced perception of risk for marijuana use contrasts with almost no change in the perception of great risk for regular cigarette smoking or binge drinking (Figure 27). The difference in the frequency of behavior under question should be noted and taken into consideration when interpreting this disparity. 62 Figure 27. Perception of great risk for using various substances, 12–17 years old, 2006–2014: NSDUH Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/population-data-nsduh, retrieved 12/17/2015. In sum, data on youth use is available from two sources, the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, with 40,000 students responding in 2013 and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, with fewer than 1,000 respondents. The HKCS results indicate a slight decline in “past 30 day use” of marijuana while the NSDUH shows a gradual increase over time. The HKCS shows that marijuana use increases by grade level, and the NSDUH shows that youth use of marijuana in Colorado is above the national average, and the perception of risk of using marijuana is declining among youth in Colorado. Criminal Justice Involvement Arrest Trends The total rate (+2%) and number (+5%) of juvenile marijuana arrests increased from 2012 to 2014 (Table 22). The demographic characteristics of this change reveal some differences in trends based on gender and race/ethnicity. The percentage increase in the rate (+23%) and number (+26%) of female juvenile arrests contrasts with the decrease in the rate (-3%) and number (-1%) of male juvenile arrests between 2012 and 2014. The rate (-9%) and number (-8%) of White juvenile arrested decreased during this period. The rate and number of arrests for the largest minority populations increased: the rate (+22%) and number (+29%) of Hispanic juvenile arrests increased, and the rate (+52%) and number (+58%) of African-American juvenile arrests increased markedly. 63 Table 22. Juvenile marijuana arrest trends, by gender and race/ethnicity, 2012– 2014 Arrest total Total Gender Female Male Race/Ethnicity White Hispanic African-American Asian Native American Arrest rate (per 100,000) % change 2012 2013 2014 2012–14 +2% 598 571 611 2012 3,235 2013 3,125 2014 3,400 % change 2012–14 +5% 712 736 900 +26% 269 275 331 +23% 911 854 880 -3% 2,523 2,389 2,500 -1% 2,198 2,019 2,016 -8% 686 628 624 -9% 778 808 1,006 +29% 489 495 598 +22% +58% 904 1,133 1,376 +52% 182 150 174 -4% 205 260 324 28 24 29 +4% 18 8 7 -61% 521 236 206 -61% Pacific Islander 0 0 1 -- 0 0 122 -- Unknown 8 6 17 +113% -- -- -- -- Note: Colorado arrest records do not include juveniles under the age of 10; therefore, juvenile arrest rates are based on Colorado population aged 10–17. Approximately 3% of the juvenile population is classified as multiracial and is not included in the racial breakdown. Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, National Incident-Based Reporting System; U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates, available from http://www.census.gov/popest/data/state/asrh/2014/SC-EST2014-ALLDATA6.html. Offense Trends The National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) captures information on the place where an offense was reported to have occurred. There are 57 categories, which include places like public transportation, bars, convenience stores, homes, parks, parking lots, primary/secondary schools, colleges, etc. The only place where marijuana offenses have increased is elementary/secondary schools, up 34% from 2012 to 2014 (Figure 28). Figure 28. Marijuana offenses in Colorado schools, 2012–2014 64 Probation Testing Data Colorado’s Probation Departments conduct drug tests on juvenile probationers. The frequency of testing is determined by assessment, court orders, and other case-related information. Table 23 presents information on the percentage of juvenile probationers who test positive for THC. The percent of 10- to 14-year-old group testing positive for THC one or two times increased from 19% in 2012 to 23% in 2014, while the percentage testing positive three or more times went from 18% to 25%. The percentage of 15to 17-year-olds testing positive one or two times went down slightly, from 26% in 2012 to 25% in 2014, while those testing positive three or more times increased from 23% to 25%. There is no link currently between probationer drug testing results and their probation status so it is not known if changes in drug use patterns are affecting probation violations. Table 23. Juvenile probationer test results for THC, 2012–2014 Percent of probationers testing positive for THC Age Group 10 to 14 years old 15 to 17 years old Times tested positive N probationers 0 times 1-2 times 3 or more times 2012 660 63% 19% 18% 2013 528 58% 18% 25% 2014 425 52% 23% 25% N probationers 0 times 1-2 times 3 or more times 3,244 50% 26% 23% 2,671 51% 24% 26% 2,193 49% 25% 25% Note: The number of active juvenile clients decreased from 5,156 in 2012 to 4,061 in 2014. Source: Colorado State Judicial Branch. The percentage of total tests with positive results for THC is presented in Table 24. For 10 to 14 year olds, the percentage of tests positive for THC increased from 31% in 2012 to 39% in 2014. There are similar results for the 15 to 17 year old group, with 28% of tests coming back positive in 2012, then increasing to 33% in 2014. Table 24. Juvenile drug test results, percent of tests that are positive for THC, 2012–2014 Age Group 10 to 14 years old 15 to 17 years old Times tested N tests % positive N tests % positive 2012 2,587 31% 24,221 28% 2013 2,301 35% 19,993 31% 2014 1,655 39% 15,180 33% Note: The number of active juvenile clients decreased from 5,156 in 2012 to 4,061 in 2014. Source: Colorado State Judicial Branch. 65 In sum, arrest rates per 100,000 juveniles for marijuana-related offenses increased 2% overall between 2012 and 2014, but for certain groups, the arrest rate increased substantially: females, Blacks and Hispanics. Additionally, since 2012 there has been an increase in marijuana offenses on school property. Finally, more juveniles on probation are testing positive for marijuana. School Data School Discipline Data Trends There is concern that marijuana legalization may lead to an increase in school discipline for drug-related activity. School discipline, including suspension or expulsion, can disrupt academic achievement, increase the probability of future involvement in the justice system, and normalize punitive social control early in a student’s life. 46 The Colorado Department of Education reports disciplinary data on suspensions, expulsions, and law enforcement referrals for each school year. 47 A number of reasons for discipline are reported, including drugs, alcohol, tobacco, serious assault, minor assault, robbery, other felonies, disobedience, detrimental behavior, destruction of property, and other violations. The drug category covers all drugs and does not break out marijuana separately. However, since marijuana is currently the most commonly used illicit drug in elementary and secondary schools, changes in trends are likely to be related to changes in use and possession of marijuana. In 2015, legislation was passed instructing the Department of Education to begin collecting discipline data about marijuana separately from other drugs. The first marijuana-specific data are expected in fall 2016. Prior to the 2012 school year, legislation (S.B. 12-046/H.B. 12-1345) modified some zero-tolerance policies that had resulted in what some considered “unnecessary expulsions, suspensions, and law enforcement referrals.” 48 This change in the law should be taken into account when examining disciplinary trends. The school-level data for suspensions, expulsions, and law enforcement referrals were provided by the Colorado Department of Education. These raw numbers were transformed into rates per 100,000 students to take the increased number of students into account. 49 In the 2008–2009 school year, 818,443 students were enrolled in Colorado schools and by 2014–2015 that number had increased to 889,006. 50 A student may be involved in more than one disciplinary incident, so these rates should not be equated to the percentage of students receiving disciplinary action in any given year. 46 Ramey, D. (2016). The influence of early school punishment and therapy/medication on social control experiences during young adulthood, Criminology, Online Early publication, available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/17459125.12095/abstract. 47 Colorado Department of Education, Suspension and expulsion statistics, available at http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdereval/suspend-expelcurrent. 48 Colorado School Safety Resource Center, Discipline in Schools, available at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cssrc/ discipline-schools. 49 The raw numbers are included in Appendix F, Table 12. 50 Colorado Department of Education, pupil membership, available at http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdereval/pupilcurrent. 66 The drug suspension rate decreased 12% from 2004–2005 to 2008–2009 (Figure 29). The drug suspension rate began to increase in 2009–2010, up 29% from 2008–2009. Since that increase, the drug suspension rate has remained relatively stable. This increase is in contrast to a decrease in the overall suspension rate. Figure 29. Total and drug suspension rates per 100,000 students, 2004–2015 Source: Colorado Department of Education, http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdereval/suspend-expelcurrent, retrieved 12/15/2015. The drug expulsion rate decreased 16% from 2004–2005 to 2008–2009 (Figure 30). The drug expulsion rate increased 39% in 2009–2010, plateaued in 2010–2011, and has been decreasing since then. This decrease occurred in conjunction with a decrease in the total expulsion rate. Figure 30. Total and drug expulsion rates per 100,000 students, 2004—2015 Source: Colorado Department of Education, http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdereval/suspend-expelcurrent, retrieved 12/15/2015. The law enforcement referral rate for drug-related behaviors has followed a trend similar to that for expulsions (Figure 31). There was a 13% increase in the referral rate from 2008–2009 to 2009–2010, a plateau in 2010–2011, and then a gradual decrease until 2013–2014. There was a marked decrease, 67 down 51%, from 2013–2014 to 2014–2015. The reasons for this decline are not entirely clear. Discussions with administrators point to changes in policies regarding referrals to law enforcement rather than a reduction in student possession or use. Figure 31. Total and drug law enforcement referral rates per 100,000 students, 2004–2015 Source: Colorado Department of Education. The percentage of drug expulsions among all expulsions was stable from 2004–2005 to 2008–2009 at around 25% (Figure 32). It increased by nine percentage points, from 26% to 35%, in 2009–2010. In 2014–2015, 41% of all expulsions in Colorado were for drugs. The percentage of drug referrals among all law enforcement referrals follows a similar pattern. It was stable from 2004–2005 to 2008–2009 at around 23%, began to increase in 2009–2010, and then peaked in 2013–2014 at 37% of all law enforcement referrals. The 2014–2015 school year saw a decrease that coincides with the decrease in law enforcement referrals for drugs overall. The percentage of drug suspensions among all suspensions also increased, but it remains around 6% of all suspensions. Figure 32. Percent of disciplinary incidents for drugs 2004–2015 Source: Colorado Department of Education. 68 Drug suspension and expulsion rates for 2014–2015, categorized by percent minority representation in the school, 51 are presented in Figure 33. The drug expulsion rate is lowest in schools where more than 75% of the student population represents a minority population (31 expulsions per 100,000 students). The drug expulsion rate is highest in schools where 26% to 50% of the school population is minority (70 expulsions per 100,000 students). The drug suspension rates are lowest in schools with a smaller proportion of minorities. In schools with a proportion of minorities 25% or lower, there are 313 drug suspensions per 100,000 students. The drug suspension rate in schools with 51% to 75% minority is 651 per 100,000 students, and in schools where the minority population is over three-quarters, the drug suspension rate is 658 per 100,000 students. Schools with the highest proportion of minorities have a drug suspension rate 110% higher than schools with the lowest proportion of minorities. Figure 33. Drug suspension and expulsion rates, by minority representation in school, 2014-15 school year Source: Colorado Department of Education. Drug suspension and expulsion rates, categorized by percent receiving free or reduced school lunch (FRSL), 52 are presented in Figure 34. The drug expulsion rates are lowest in the schools where more than 75% of students are receiving FRSL (28 FRSLs per 100,000 students) and highest in schools where between 51% and 75% of students are receiving FRSL (96 FRSLs per 100,000 students). 51 Percent minority was calculated by adding the number of African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, and multiracial students, then dividing that by the total student population in the school. The percentages were collapsed into four categories for ease of display. Rates were calculated by using the formulas: (Number of suspensions*100,000/Number of students enrolled in school) and (Number of expulsions*100,000/Number of students enrolled in school). 52 Percentages calculated by adding the number of students receiving free or reduced price school lunch and dividing by the total number of students in the school. Rates were calculated by using the formulas: (Number of suspensions*100,000/Number of students enrolled in school) and (Number of expulsions*100,000/Number of students enrolled in school). 69 Drug suspension rates are lowest in schools where one-quarter or less of the student body receives FRSL (302 per 100,000) and highest in schools where between 51% and 75% are receiving FRSL (713 per 100,000 students). Figure 34. Drug suspension and expulsion rates, by percent receiving free/reduced lunch at school, 2014–2015 school year Source: Colorado Department of Education. In sum, over the last ten years, the overall suspension rate has declined while the drug-related suspension rate has increased, yet a decline occurred in the last year. The total expulsion rate has declined, as has the drug-related expulsion rate. In 2014-2015, drug related expulsions represented 41% of all expulsions. Drug-related suspensions and expulsion rates were highest in schools with large minority populations. Overall, referrals to law enforcement declined significantly in the last ten years, and drug-related referrals to law enforcement also declined somewhat in the last few years. It should be noted that recent declines in rates of suspension and expulsion, and fewer referrals to law enforcement, are likely to be associated with school reform efforts mandated in S.B. 12-046 and H.B. 121345. Drug-Endangered Children Senate Bill 13-283 requires that information be collected on the impacts of marijuana legalization on drug-endangered children. There is no agreement on the definition of that term, so there is no formal definition, which makes reporting difficult. The Colorado Department of Human Services does not have a method to track whether a child welfare case was prompted by any specific drug. There is also no way to identify whether an arrest or court filing for child abuse/child endangerment has marijuana as a causal or contributing factor. This creates a significant gap in the information available on this topic. In an attempt to address the General Assembly’s concern about drug- endangered children, this report uses information from two sources to examine the issue. First, data from a statewide survey of parents about their marijuana use and product storage at home is presented, followed by data from the 70 DACODS examining marijuana treatment trends for people reporting children under 18 who are dependent on their income. Child Health Survey The Child Health Survey 53 (CHS) is done as an adjunct to the annual Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) conducted by CDPHE. Once respondents complete the BRFSS, the interviewer asks them if they have a child between the ages of the ages of one and 14, and asks about their willingness to complete the child health survey. Approximately ten days later, the parent is called to complete the survey on a variety of topics, including their child's physical activity, nutrition, access to health and dental care, behavioral health, school health, sun safety, injury, and many others. Questions regarding parental marijuana use, storage, and consumption methods were added to the CHS in 2014. Of parents with children ages 1–14 who participated in the 2014 BRFSS and the Child Health Survey, 4% reported using marijuana in the past month. The reported methods of use include smoking (76%), vaping (39%), and eating in food (14%). Of parents with children ages 1–14, 7% have some type of marijuana product around the house. When asked about where it is kept, 92% report storing it in a location the child cannot access, 89% report using a childproof container/packaging, and 71% report using a locked container (data not presented). Parental Treatment Trends At intake, the Office of Behavioral Health records in DACODS the number of children whom the client supports financially and otherwise. Seeking treatment for marijuana abuse does not necessarily indicate that the children dependent on the client for support are drug-endangered. However, if a person’s drug usage has reached the point where treatment is required, there are several potential impacts, including the involvement of human services or the criminal justice system. The number of people seeking treatment for marijuana as their primary substance of abuse who are also responsible for children shows no clear trend (Figure 35). 53 Additional information about the Child Health Survey is available at http://www.chd.dphe.state.co.us/topics.aspx?q=Maternal_Child_Health_Data. 71 Figure 35. Number seeking treatment for marijuana abuse who are responsible for children, 2007– 2014 Source: Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Drug/Alcohol Coordinated Data System. Future Possibilities for Data Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System CDPHE describes the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) as “a surveillance system designed to identify and monitor behaviors and experiences of women before, during, and after pregnancy. Information is collected by surveying a sample of women who have recently given birth.” 54 PRAMS added questions about marijuana use beginning with its 2014 survey and these data will be available for inclusion in future reports. Changes to Human Services Data System (Trails) The Colorado Department of Human Services uses a data system known as Trails to track cases through the child welfare system. The current system does not allow case workers to capture information on whether the presence or use of specific drugs is putting a child at risk. Trails is currently undergoing an upgrade, and it is hoped that future versions will have the ability to track the impact of various drugs in the child welfare system. In sum, in an effort to assess the impact of marijuana legalization on drug endangered children, two sources of information were explored. The Child Health Survey, administered by CDPHE, found that, of parents with children ages 1-14, 4% reported using marijuana in the past month, and 7% reported having marijuana in the household. Of those with marijuana in the household, 92% reported that they store it in a location that the child cannot access. Data from OBH shows that the number of people 54 For more information, see https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/pregnancysurvey. 72 seeking treatment for marijuana as their primary substance of abuse who are also responsible for children shows no clear trend in terms of increasing or decreasing over the past several years. 73 SECTION FIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION LICENSING AND REVENUE Marijuana Enforcement Division The Marijuana Enforcement Division 55 (MED) is tasked with licensing and regulating the medical and retail marijuana industries in Colorado. The Division implements legislation, develops rules, conducts background investigations, issues business licenses, and enforces compliance mandates in order to maintain a robust regulatory structure. MED promotes transparency and clarity for all stakeholders by utilizing a highly collaborative process through which it develops industry regulations and furthers its primary mission of ensuring public safety. Licensees Statewide Licenses for retail stores and medical centers (Figure 36) are concentrated in Denver County (365), El Paso County (120), and Boulder County (53). Licenses for retail or medical cultivations (Figure 37) are concentrated in Denver County (594), El Paso County (152), and Pueblo County (116). Licenses to manufacture products (Figure 38) are concentrated in Denver County (143), Pueblo County (42), and El Paso County (36). There are 17 labs certified to test retail marijuana 56 (Figure 39) and ten are located in Denver. Overall, the City and County of Denver accounts for 44% of all licensed marijuana businesses in Colorado. 55 56 Additional information on the MED can be obtained at https://www.colorado.gov/enforcement/marijuanaenforcement. Labs test for potency of products, homogeneity of THC throughout a product, solvents, and microbial contamination. 74 Figure 36. Retail store and medical center licensees, by county, December 2015 Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Marijuana Enforcement Division, MED Licensed Facilities, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enforcement/med-licensed-facilities, retrieved 12/20/2015. Figure 37. Retail and medical cultivation licensees, by county, December 2015 Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Marijuana Enforcement Division, MED Licensed Facilities, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enforcement/med-licensed-facilities, retrieved 12/20/2015. 75 Figure 38. Retail and medical product manufacture licenses, by county, December 2015 Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Marijuana Enforcement Division, MED Licensed Facilities, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enforcement/med-licensed-facilities, retrieved 12/20/2015. Figure 39. Product testing lab licenses, by county, December 2015 Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Marijuana Enforcement Division, MED Licensed Facilities, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enforcement/med-licensed-facilities, retrieved 12/20/2015. . 76 Tax Revenue Data The total revenue from taxes, licenses, and fees increased 77% from calendar year 2014 to 2015, going from $76,152,468 up to $135,100,465 (Table 25). The revenue increase was driven primarily by the sales taxes, excise taxes, licenses, and fees for retail marijuana. In calendar year 2015, total revenue from retail marijuana accounted for $108,783,986, or 81% of all marijuana revenue. The excise tax revenue collected to fund the public school capital construction assistance fund reached $35,060,590 in calendar year 2015, which is close to the $40 million estimated to result from Amendment 64. This represented a 163% increase from 2014. The taxes distributed to local governments increased 89%, from $4,553,122 to $8,626,922. The tax revenue from marijuana should be put in context of all tax revenue collected in Colorado. In fiscal year 2015 (June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015) gross collections for all tax revenue totaled $14.2 billion dollars.57 Marijuana taxes make up about 0.95% of all tax revenue collected in the state. For a graphical depiction of the flow of marijuana revenue see Appendix K. Table 25. Tax revenue, license, and application fees collected from marijuana licensees, calendar years 2014, 2015 2014 2015 2014 to 2015 % change TAXES Sales tax transfer to marijuana cash fund (2.9% rate) Medical marijuana Retail marijuana $ 19,709,086 $ 10,886,966 $ 8,822,120 $ 27,936,012 $ 11,451,375 $ 16,484,635 42% 5% 87% Retail marijuana sales tax (10% rate) Local government distribution Marijuana cash fund transfer Collections not yet allocated $ 30,364,796 $ 4,553,122 $ 25,798,923 $ 12,750 $ 57,582,835 $ 8,626,922 $ 48,885,799 $ 60,115 90% 89% 89% 371% Retail marijuana excise tax Public school capital construction assistance fund transfer (15% rate) Marijuana cash fund transfer Collections not yet allocated $ 13,341,001 $ 35,060,590 163% $ 13,303,365 $ $ 37,636 $ 35,027,041 $ $ 33,549 163% -11% Total marijuana tax transfers and distributions $ 63,414,883 $ 120,579,434 90% $ 12,737,585 $ 14,521,031 14% $ 9,032,155 $ 3,705,430 $ $ 9,831,845 4,689,186 9% 27% Total marijuana cash fund transfers $ 58,245,594 $ 91,342,840 57% Total all marijuana taxes, licenses, and fees $ 76,152,468 $ 135,100,465 77% LICENSES AND FEES License and applications fees transfer to marijuana cash fund Medical marijuana Retail marijuana Note: Annual data represent a calendar year and not a state fiscal year. Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Marijuana Enforcement Division. Colorado Marijuana Tax Data, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/revenue/colorado-marijuana-tax-data, retrieved 2/18/2016. 57 Colorado Department of Revenue (2016). Annual Report 2015, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/2015%20Annual%20Report_1.pdf, retrieved 2/18/2016. 77 MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARDHOLDERS Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Process The Medical Marijuana Registry is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) pursuant to CRS 25-1.5-106. To apply for a medical marijuana registry card, a person must be a Colorado resident with a valid Social Security number, be receiving treatment for a qualifying debilitating medical condition, and be examined by a doctor with whom the person has a bona fide physician-patient relationship. The doctor must recommend the use of marijuana for the patient’s condition and specify the number of plants required to alleviate the symptoms of the condition. If the applicant is a minor, additional requirements apply, including a signed parental consent form, two separate physician recommendations, and a copy of the minor’s state-issued birth certificate. Cardholders can choose to grow their own marijuana plants or designate a caregiver to grow the plants for them. The commercial dispensary market can act as the caregiver and can service the number of patients allowed by the Marijuana Enforcement Division. 58 Cardholders also have the choice of designating a private person as their caregiver. Trend Data The number of medical marijuana cardholders began to increase in 2009, after the commercialization of the caregiver market was allowed (Figures 40). From 2009 to 2011, more than 113,000 cardholders were added to the registry. The number of cardholders plateaued in 2011, and has remained relatively consistent since 2013 at around 111,000. Figure 40. Number of medical marijuana cardholders, 2009–November 2015 Note: Data come from each January’s report, except for November 2015. Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, medical marijuana statistics and data, available at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/medical-marijuana-statistics-and-data. 58 The Marijuana Enforcement Division licenses each dispensary to grow up to a certain number of plants based on the number of patients registered and their recommended plant count. 78 As of November 2015, there were 109,922 registered cardholders in Colorado (Table 26). The average age of a cardholder was 42.5 years old. The majority are male (65%) and their average age is 41.4 years, while the average age of female cardholders (35%) is 45.0 years. The majority of cardholders are over 40 (51%). The three most common conditions reported are severe pain (93%), muscle spasms (20%), and severe nausea (12%). A cardholder can report more than one debilitating condition. Table 26. Medical marijuana cardholder characteristics, November 2015 Patient characteristics Total Gender Male Female Age group 0-10 11-17 18-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 71 and older Reported conditiona Cachexia Cancer Glaucoma HIV/AIDS Muscle spasms Seizures Severe nausea Severe pain a N 109,922 % 100.0% 71,339 38,583 64.9% 35.1% 241 137 5,508 25,451 22,635 17,517 20,348 15,135 2,942 <1% <1% 5.0% 23.2% 20.6% 15.9% 18.5% 13.8% 2.7% 965 3,926 1,290 612 21,526 2,585 12,599 102,121 <1% 3.6% 1.2% <1% 19.6% 2.4% 11.5% 92.9% Does not sum to 100% because patients may report more than one debilitating medical condition. Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, medical marijuana statistics and data, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/medical-marijuanastatistics-and-data. 79 OVERALL CRIME IN COLORADO Offense rates for both property and violent crime remained relatively stable from 2008 to 2014, showing a slight decrease of about 5% over this period (Table 27). Table 27. Offenses and offense rates in Colorado, by offense type, 2008–2014 Number of total offenses Year Property Offense rate, per 100,000 population Violent Property Violent 2008 132,212 16,062 2,639 321 2009 131,141 16,608 2,580 327 2010 132,623 16,676 2,570 323 2011 131,800 16,278 2,575 318 2012 136,483 15,719 2,630 303 2013 138,275 16,056 2,622 305 2014 133,927 16,355 2,503 306 Note: Violent crime includes murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crime includes burglary, larceny/theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Two additional offenses were added into the category of rape in 2013. Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, as analyzed by Colorado Division of Criminal Justice. See: Crime Statistics, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dcj-ors/ors-crimestats. The trends in arrests for violent crime and weapons remained relatively stable in the past several years (Table 28). The overall trend for drug arrest rates was downward, with a 22% drop between 2012 and 2014. This coincides with the drop in marijuana arrests. The arrest rate for property crime was stable from 2006 to 2012, but then jumped by 15% in 2013 and another 10% in 2014. An increase in the number of larceny arrests is primarily responsible. Table 28. Arrests and arrest rates in Colorado, by crime type, 2006–2014 Number of total arrests Year Drug Property Violent Arrest rate, per 100,000 population Weapon Drug Property Violent Weapon 2006 19,893 24,606 7,183 2,421 486 601 176 59 2007 19,377 24,836 6,430 2,406 466 598 155 58 2008 18,763 26,664 6,849 2,207 444 631 162 52 2009 17,382 27,103 7,239 1,935 405 632 169 45 2010 16,946 24,813 6,806 1,831 389 570 156 42 2011 16,374 25,106 6,213 1,824 370 568 140 41 2012 16,804 24,707 5,578 1,809 374 550 124 40 2013 12,476 29,019 5,909 1,850 273 635 129 41 2014 13,521 32,643 6,064 2,178 290 701 130 47 Note: Violent crime includes murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crime includes burglary, larceny/theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Drug and weapon crimes include crimes classified in those categories. Two additional offenses were added into the category of rape in 2013. Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, as analyzed by Colorado Division of Criminal Justice. See: Crime Statistics, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dcj-ors/ors-crimestats. 80 In sum, licenses for retail and medical marijuana stores are concentrated in Denver, El Paso and Boulder counties. Overall, 44% of all licensed businesses are located in Denver County. Revenue from taxes, licenses and fees totaled $135,100,465 in 2015; retail establishments accounted for 81% of all marijuana revenue. Marijuana taxes make up about 1% of all tax revenue collected in the state. In addition, in November 2015, there were 109,922 medical marijuana card holders; 93% of card holders report severe pain as the debilitating condition. Finally, across the state, crime has remained fairly stable between 2008 and 2014; drug arrests declined 22% between 2012 and 2014. 81 SECTION SIX SUMMARY OF CHALLENGES OVERVIEW The most fundamental challenge to collecting data related to marijuana over time stems from unmeasured changes in human behavior concerning marijuana. The decreasing social stigma around marijuana use could lead to individuals being more willing to report use on surveys. Legalization could result in reports of increased use, when it may actually be a function of the decreased stigma and legal consequences regarding use. Likewise, those reporting to poison control, emergency departments, or hospitals may feel more comfortable discussing their recent use or abuse of marijuana for purposes of treatment. The impact from this reduced stigma and legal consequences makes certain trends difficult to assess and will require additional time to measure post-legalization. Legalization also is likely to change how law enforcement responds to crimes involving marijuana. There are still many statutes prohibiting production, distribution, and high quantity possession of marijuana and marijuana products. Additionally, there are many challenges related to collecting the specific information required by S.B. 13283. Law enforcement contact data is not collected so is unavailable for analysis, for example. Very little data is available to address the “drug-endangered children” mandate. Another challenge is that the amount of data on several topics is limited, and some was not collected prior to legalization of marijuana. For example, the diversion of marijuana out of Colorado is not tracked in any systematic way. While there is a reporting mechanism for these data its use is not required and the database only contains an unknown percentage of seizures. Additionally, there may be changes in enforcement patterns by agencies, particularly those in adjoining states, which increase the interdiction of marijuana independent of an actual increase in trafficking. It is also possible that there are co-occurring increases in trafficking and enforcement that are magnifying the interdiction amounts. Systematic data on driving under the influence of marijuana are also not available at this time. Some agencies are tracking this issue, but their efforts are recent and do not allow for any kind of trend analysis. This limits both the geographic and temporal scope of the available data. Additionally, the increase in law enforcement officers who are trained in recognizing drug use, from 32 in 2006 to 288 in 2015, can increase detection rates apart from any changes in driver behavior. Finally, there is also the issue of lag time between when data are collected and when they become available. For example, arrest and offense data become publicly available in June of the following year. Data on vehicle fatalities do not become available until October of the following year due to the time it takes to collect final information from coroners and law enforcement. Survey data on usage have significant lag time, sometimes up to a year after the data are finalized. These limitations are not ones that can be easily remedied due to the nature of the data cleaning, validation, and weighting that must occur before results can be made public. 82 NEXT STEPS Two steps to improve reporting on the impact of marijuana legalization will be undertaken in the near term. First, the Division of Criminal Justice will work with the Governor’s Office of Information Technology and the Governor’s Office of Marijuana Coordination to create a data warehouse that can systematically hold all of the information currently being collected. This data warehouse can be used to drive a web-based portal that will enable public to access continually updated data. It will also allow for more in-depth analysis by creating a mechanism to link data sources. Second, current data collection capabilities in different agencies will be improved. Several agencies are currently undergoing data infrastructure upgrades. This makes it an excellent time to work on improving the ability to collect information related to impacts of the legalization of marijuana. In sum, efforts are underway to expand data collection efforts and increase the availability of data to increase the ability to assess the impact of marijuana legalization in Colorado. COPS A Appendix A Ogden Memorandum COLORADO Department of Public Safety 83 84 US. Department of Justice Of?ce of the Deputy Attorney General The Depot} Artur-tic} Gt'nenll ?infuriated. DC. MUD {)eto her 9.. Ziltl?) .LE TED UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS tel FROM: David W. Ogd Deputy Attorney General Investigations and Prosecutions itt States .?tuthorizin the Medical Use ol?Mari'oana This memorandum provides clari?cation and guidance to federal prosecutors in States that have enacted laws authorizing the medical use ofman'j uana. These laws vary in their ti ve provisions and in the extent of state regulatory oversight, both among the enacting States and among local jurisdictions within those States. Rather than developing different guidelines lior every possible variant of state and local law. this memorandum provides uniform guidance to focus federal investigations and prosecutions in these States on core federal enforcement priorities. The Department of Justice is committed to the en torcernent of the Controlled Substances fort in all States. Congress has determined that marijuana is a dangerous drug, and the illegal distribution and sale of marijuana is a serious crime and provides a significant source of revenue to large?scale criminal enterprises, gangs, and cartels. One timely example underscores the importance of our efforts to prosecute signi?cant marijuana traf?ckers: marijuana distribution in the United States remains the single largest source of revenue tor the Mexican cartels. The Department is also committed to making ef?cient and rational use ofits limited investigative and prosecutorial resources. In general, United States Attorneys are vested with ?plenary authority with regard to federal criminal matters" within their districts. USAM 9-2110]. In exercising this authority, United States Attorneys are "invested by statute and delegation from the Attorney General with the broadest discretion in the exercise of such authority.? Id. This authority should of course. be exercised consistent with Department priorities and guidance. The prosecution of significant traf?ckers of illegal drugs. including marijuana. and the disruption of illegal drug manufacturing and traf?cking networks continues to he a core priority in the Department?s efforts against narcotics and dangerous drugs. and the Department?s in vcsti gati?t-?e and prosecutorial resources should he directed towards these objectives. As a general matter. pursuit of these priorities should not focus federal resources in your States on COLORADO Department of Public Safety 85 Memorandum for Selected United States Attorneys Page 2 Subject: Investigations and Prosecutions in States Authorizing the Medical Use of Marijuana individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marij uana. For example, prosecution of individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part ofa recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or those caregivers in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law who provide such individuals with marijuana, is unlikely to be an ef?cient use of limited federal resources. On the other hand, prosecution of commercial enterprises that unlawfully market and sell marijuana for pro?t continues to be an enforcement priority of the Department. To be sure, claims of compliance with state or local law may mask operations inconsistent with the terms, conditions, or purposes of those laws, and federal law enforcement should not be deterred by such assertions when otherwise pursuing the Department?s core enforcement priorities. Typical ly, when any of the following characteristics is present, the conduct will not be in clear and unambiguous compliance with applicable state law and may indicate illegal drug traf?cking activity of potential federal interest: a unlawful possession or unlawful use of ?rearms; - violence; sales to minors; ?nancial and marketing activities inconsistent with the terms, conditions, or purposes of state law, including evidence of money laundering activity andt?or ?nancial gains or excessive amounts of cash inconsistent with purported compliance with state or local law; - amounts of marijuana inconsistent with purported compliance with state or local law; - illegal possession or sale of other controlled substances; or - ties to other criminal enterprises. Of course, no State can authorize violations of federal law, and the list of factors above is not intended to describe exhaustively when a federal prosecution may be warranted. Accordingly, in prosecutions under the Controlled Substances Act, federal prosecutors are not expected to charge, preve, or otherwise establish any state law violations. Indeed, this memorandum does not alter in any way the Department?s authority to enforce federal law, including laws prohibiting the manufacture, production, distribution, posseSsion, or use of marijuana on federal property. This guidance regarding resource allocation does not ?legalize? marijuana or provide a legal defense to a violation of federal law, nor is it intended to create any privileges, bene?ts, or rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable by any individual, party or witness in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter. Nor does clear and unambiguous compliance with state law or the absence of one or all of the above factors create a legal defensc to a violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Rather, this memorandum is intended solely as a guide to the exercise of investigative and prosecutorial discretion. COLORADO Department of Public Safety 86 Memorandum for Selected United States Attorneys Page 3 Subject: Investigations and Prosecutions in States Authorizing the Medical Use of Marijuana Finally, nothing herein precludes investigation or prosecution where there is a reasonable basis to believe that compliance with state law is being invoked as a pretext for the production or distribution of marijuana for purposes not authorized by state law. Nor does this guidance preclude investigation or prosecution, even when there is clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law. in particular circumstances where investigation or prosecution otherwise serves important federal interests. Your of?ces should continue to review marijuana cases for prosecution on a case-by-ease basis, consistent with the guidance on resource allocation and federal priorities set forth herein, the consideration of requests for federal assistance from state and local law enforcement authorities, and the Principles of Federal Prosecution. cc: All United States Attorneys Lanny A. Breuer Assistant Attorney General Criminal Division B. Todd Jones United States Attorney District of Minnesota Chair. Attorney (ieneral's Advisery Committee Michele M. Leonhart Acting Administrator Drug Enforcement Administration H. Marshall Jarrett Director Executive Of?ce for United States Attorneys Kevin L. Perkins Assistant Director Criminal Investigative Division edera] Bureau of Investigation COLORADO Department of Public Safety CDPS A Appendix Cole Memorandum COLORADO Department of Public Safety 87 88 US. Department of Justice Of?ce of the Deputy Attorney General The Deputy Attorney General Washington, DC. 20530 August 29, 2013 MEMORANDUM FOR ALL UNITED ST ATTORNEYS FROM: James M. Cole . 7/ Deputy Attomeyv?eneral SUBJECT: Guidance Regarding Marijuana Enforcement In October 2009 and June 2011, the Department issued guidance to federal prosecutors concerning marijuana enforcement under the Controlled Substances Act (C SA). This memorandum updates that guidance in light of state ballot initiatives that legalize under state law the possession of small amounts of marijuana and provide for the regulation of marijuana production, processing, and sale. The guidance set forth herein applies to all federal enforcement activity, including civil enforcement and criminal investigations and prosecutions, concerning marijuana in all states. As the Department noted in its previous guidance, Congress has determined that marijuana is a dangerous drug and that the illegal distribution and sale of marijuana is a serious crime that provides a signi?cant source of revenue. to large-scale criminal enterprises, gangs, and cartels. The Department of Justice is committed to enforcement of the CSA consistent with those determinations. The Department is also committed to using its limited investigative and prosecutorial resources to address the most signi?cant threats in the most effective, consistent, and rational way. In furtherance of those objectives, as several states enacted laws relating to the use of marijuana for medical purposes, the Department in recent years has focused its efforts on certain enforcement priorities that are particularly important to the federal government: - Preventing the distribution of marijuana to minors; - Preventing revenue from the sale of marijuana from going to criminal enterprises, gangs, and cartels; - Preventing the diversion of marijuana from states where it is legal under state law in some form to other states; I Preventing state-authorized marijuana activity from being used as a cover or pretext for the trafficking of other illegal drugs or other illegal activity; COLORADO Department of Public Safety 89 Memorandum for All United States Attorneys Page 2 Subject: Guidance Regarding Marijuana Enforcement 0 Preventing violence and the use of ?rearms in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana; Preventing drugged driving and the exacerbation of other adverse public health consequences associated with marijuana use; - Preventing the growing of marijuana on public lands and the attendant public safety and environmental dangers posed by marijuana production on public lands; and Preventing marijuana possession or use on federal property. These priorities will continue to guide the Department?s enforcement of the CSA against marijuana-related conduct. Thus, this memorandum serves as guidance to Department attorneys and law enforcement to focus their enforcement resources and efforts, including prosecution, on persons or organizations whose conduct interferes with any one or more of these priorities, regardless of state law.1 Outside of these enforcement priorities, the federal government has traditionally relied on states and local law enforcement agencies to address marijuana activity through enforcement of their own narcotics laws. For example, the Department of Justice has not historically devoted resources to prosecuting individuals whose conduct is limited to possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use on private property. Instead, the Department has left such lower-level or localized activity to state and local authorities and has stepped in to enforce the CSA only when the use, possession, cultivation, or distribution of marijuana has threatened to cause one of the harms identi?ed above. The enactment of state laws that endeavor to authorize marijuana production, distribution, and possession by establishing a regulatory scheme for these purposes affects this traditional joint federal-state approach to narcotics enforcement. The Department?s guidance in this memorandum rests on its expectation that states and local governments that have enacted laws authorizing marijuana-related conduct will implement strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems that will address the threat those state laws could pose to public safety, public health, and other law enforcement interests. A system adequate to that task must not only contain robust controls and procedures on paper; it must also be effective in practice. Jurisdictions that have implemented systems that provide for regulation of marijuana activity 1 These enforcement priorities are listed in general terms; each encompasses a variety of conduct that may merit civil or criminal enforcement of the CSA. By way of example only, the Department?s interest in preventing the distribution of marijuana to minors would call for enforcement not just when an individual or entity sells or transfers marijuana to a minor, but also when marijuana trafficking takes place near an area associated with minors; when marijuana or marijuana?in?tsed products are marketed in a manner to appeal to minors; or when marijuana is being diverted, directly or indirectly, and purposefully or otherwise, to minors. COLORADO Department of Public Safety 90 Memorandum for All United States Attorneys Page 3 Subject: Guidance Regarding Marijuana Enforcement must provide the necessary resources and demonstrate the willingness to enforce their laws and regulations in a manner that ensures they do not undermine federal enforcement priorities. In jurisdictions that have enacted laws legalizing marijuana in some form and that have also implemented strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems to control the cultivation, distribution, sale, and possession of marij uana, conduct in compliance with those laws and regulations is less likely to threaten the federal priorities set forth above. Indeed, a robust system may af?rmatively address those priorities by, for example, implementing effective measures to prevent diversion of marijuana outside of the regulated system and to other states, prohibiting access to marijuana by minors, and replacing an illicit marijuana trade that funds criminal enterprises with a regulated market in which revenues are tracked and accounted for. In those circumstances, consistent with the traditional allocation of federal-state efforts in this area, enforcement of state law by state and local law enforcement and regulatory bodies should remain the primary means of addressing marijuana-related activity. If state enforcement efforts are not suf?ciently robust to protect against the harms set forth above, the federal government may seek to challenge the regulatory structure itself in addition to continuing to bring individual enforcement actions, including criminal prosecutions, focused on those harms. The Department?s previous memoranda speci?cally addressed the exercise of pro secutorial discretion in states with laws authorizing marijuana cultivation and distribution for medical use. In those contexts, the Department advised that it likely was not an ef?cient use of federal resources to focus enforcement efforts on seriously ill individuals, or on their individual caregivers. In doing so, the previous guidance drew a distinction between the seriously ill and their caregivers, on the one hand, and large-scale, for-pro?t commercial enterprises, on the other, and advised that the latter continued to be appropriate targets for federal enforcement and prosecution. In drawing this distinction, the Department relied on the common-sense judgment that the size of a marijuana operation was a reasonable proxy for assessing whether marijuana traf?cking implicates the federal enforcement priorities set forth above. As explained above, however, both the existence of a strong and effective state regulatory system, and an operation?s compliance with such a system, may allay the threat that an operation?s size poses to federal enforcement interests. Accordingly, in exercising prosecutorial discretion, prosecutors should not consider the size or commercial nature of a marijuana operation alone as a proxy for assessing whether marijuana traf?cking implicates the Department?s enforcement priorities listed above. Rather, prosecutors should continue to review marijuana cases on a case-by-case basis and weigh all available information and evidence, including, but not limited to, whether the operation is demonstrably in compliance with a strong and effective state regulatory system. A marijuana operation?s large scale or for-pro?t nature may be a relevant consideration for assessing the extent to which it undermines a particular federal enforcement priority. The primary question in all cases and in all jurisdictions should be Whether the conduct at issue implicates one or more of the enforcement priorities listed above. A 0 Department of Public Safety 91 Memorandum for All United States Attorneys Page 4 Subject: Guidance Regarding Marijuana Enforcement As with the Department?s previous statements on this subject, this memorandum is intended solely as a guide to the exercise of investigative and prosecutorial discretion. This memorandum does not alter in any way the Department?s authority to enforce federal law, including federal laws relating to marijuana, regardless of state law. Neither the guidance herein nor any state or local law provides a legal defense to a violation of federal law, including any civil or criminal violation of the CSA. Even in jurisdictions with strong and effective regulatory systems, evidence that particular conduct threatens federal priorities will subject that person or entity to federal enforcement action, based on the circumstances. This memorandum is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in any matter civil or criminal. It applies prospectively to the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in future cases and does not provide defendants or subjects of enforcement action with a basis for reconsideration of any pending civil action or criminal prosecution. Finally, nothing herein precludes investigation or prosecution, even in the absence of any one of the factors listed above, in particular circumstances where investigation and prosecution otherwise serves an important federal interest. cc: Mythili Raman Acting Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division Loretta E. United States Attorney Eastern District of New York Chair, Attorney General? Advisory Committee Michele M. Leonhart Administrator Drug Enforcement Administration H. Marshall Jarrett Director Executive Of?ce for United States Attorneys Ronald T. Hosko Assistant Director Criminal Investigative Division Federal Bureau of Investigation A 0 Department of Public Safety Appendix Arrests by county, agency, judicial district, age, and race COLORADO Department of Public Safety 92 93  Appendix C, Table 1. Number and rate of marijuana arrests, by county, 2012–2014  Number of arrests Arrest rate (per 100,000)  % change  2012‐2014  ‐46%  County  Total  2012  12,894  2013  6,502  2014  7,004  Adams  2,297  989  847  ‐63%  Alamosa  2  7  12  500%  Arapahoe  1,467  699  818  ‐44%  Archuleta  17  3  6  ‐65%  Baca  17  7  1  ‐94%  0  1  0  ‐‐  Boulder  714  433  353  ‐51%  Broomfield  297  131  132  ‐56%  47  14  17  ‐64%  Cheyenne  2  1  0  ‐100%  Clear Creek  44  7  6  ‐86%  Bent  Chaffee  2012  249  2013  123  2014  131  % change  2012‐2014  ‐47%    500  211  177 ‐65%  13  44  75  488%    246  115  133 ‐46%  141  25  49  ‐65%    455  191  27 ‐94%  0  18  0  ‐‐    234  140  113 ‐52%  510  220  216  ‐58%  259  77  91 ‐65%  107  53  0  ‐100%  487  78  67 ‐86%        Conejos  2  0  0  ‐100%  24  0  0  ‐100%  Costilla  0  0  1  ‐‐  0  0  28  ‐‐  Crowley   0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Custer  1  1  2  100%  24  23  45  92%  Delta  15  15  8  ‐47%  49  50  26  ‐47%  a Denver   --  --  --  --  126  0  50  49  ‐‐    177  108  70 ‐60%  529  248  181  ‐66%    133  79  90 ‐32%  73  80  70  ‐4%    81  24  11 ‐87%  288  124  115  ‐60%    1,788  125  70 ‐96%  99  14  27  ‐72%    240  188  197 ‐18%  0  0  0  ‐‐    198  0  62 ‐69%  0  0  0  ‐‐    276  143  170 ‐38%  70  214  0  ‐100%    234  174  49 ‐79%  105  99  150  43%  371  41  40 ‐89%  290  148  142  ‐51%  47  35  7 ‐85%  18  0  0  ‐100%  186  14  127 ‐31%  836  --    Dolores  0  1  1  ‐‐  Douglas  528  330  218  ‐59%  Eagle  274  130  96  ‐65%  Elbert  17  19  17  0%  El Paso  857  521  598  ‐30%  Fremont  38  11  5  ‐87%  Garfield  164  71  67  ‐59%  Gilpin  98  7  4  ‐96%  Grand  14  2  4  ‐71%  Gunnison  37  29  31  ‐16%  Hinsdale   0  0  0  ‐‐  Huerfano  13  0  4  ‐69%  Jackson   0  0  0  ‐‐  1,508  788  950  ‐37%  Jefferson  1  3  0  ‐100%  Kit Carson  19  14  4  ‐79%  Lake  27  3  3  ‐89%  La Plata  55  53  82  49%  Larimer  Kiowa    899  468  456  ‐49%  Las Animas  7  5  1  ‐86%  Lincoln  1  0  0  ‐100%  Logan  41  3  28  ‐32%        --  94  Appendix C, Table 1. Number and rate of marijuana arrests, by county, 2012–2014  Number of arrests County  Mesa  Arrest rate (per 100,000)  % change  2012‐2014  ‐31%  2012  629  2013  418  2014  431  0  0  0  105  22  20  ‐81%  74  6  12  ‐84%  133  50  46  ‐65%  Morgan  51  19  34  ‐33%  Mineral   Moffat  Montezuma  Montrose  ‐‐        2012  425  2013  283  2014  289  % change  2012‐2014  ‐32%  0  0  0  ‐‐  799  168  152  ‐81%  291  23  46 ‐84%  327  123  112  ‐66%  180  67  119 ‐34%  Otero  22  3  6  ‐73%  118  16  32  ‐73%  Ouray  0  0  4  ‐‐  0  0  85  ‐‐  Park  9  1  4  ‐56%  56  6  24  ‐57%  Phillips  2  1  0  ‐100%    46  23  0 ‐100%  41  0  57  41%    729  262  308 ‐58%  14  12  14  ‐5%  382  59  265 ‐31%  7  0  10  43%  Prowers  Pitkin  90  32  38  ‐58%  Pueblo  23  19  22  ‐4%  Rio Blanco  26  4  18  ‐31%  Rio Grande  28  5  2  ‐93%  Routt  92  36  60  ‐35%  Saguache  11  0  2  San Juan  0  1  0  San Miguel   0  0  0  ‐‐  Sedgwick  1  3  1  0%  Summit  63  5  5  ‐92%  Teller  56  45  28  ‐50%  236  43  17  ‐93%  397  154  251 ‐37%  ‐82%  174  0  32  ‐82%  ‐‐  0  146  0  ‐‐  20  2  1  ‐95%  503  340  330  ‐34%  Yuma  2  4  0  b 1,261  272  322  Washington  Weld  Other           0  0  0  ‐‐  42  128  43  1%  224  17  17  ‐92%  240  193  118 ‐51%  423  42  21  ‐95%  191  126  119 ‐37%  ‐100%  20  40  0  ‐100%  ‐74%  ‐‐  ‐‐  ‐‐  ‐‐    a  Denver’s reported marijuana arrest data for 2012 and 2013 was incomplete due to separate jail arrest and citation systems.  Cite and release data were not reported to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation until July 2013. Additionally, the 2014 arrest  data reported by Denver includes a non‐criminal civil citation, which lead to an over‐reporting of marijuana arrests for that  year. See Appendix K, Table 16 for internal data provided by the Denver Police Department's Data Analysis Unit. b  “Other” applies to arrests by agencies that are not in a fixed county, such as the Colorado State Patrol.  Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, National Incident‐Based Crime Reporting System data.  95    Appendix C, Table 2. Number of marijuana arrests, by agency, 2012–2014  Agency  Total  % change  2012‐2014  ‐46%  2013  6,502  2014  7,004  683  263  160  ‐77%  Adams State College  0  7  12  ‐‐  Aims Community College PD  2  0  0  ‐100%  Alamosa County SO  2  0  0  ‐100%  Arapahoe Community College  1  1  1  0%  Arapahoe County SO  77  39  50  ‐35%  Archuleta County SO  1  0  0  ‐100%  Adams County SO  482  235  263  ‐45%  Aspen PD  7  0  10  43%  Ault PD  2  0  4  100%  Auraria PD  5  0  0  ‐100%  Aurora PD  725  394  512  ‐29%  60  7  22  ‐63%  Baca County SO  4  3  0  ‐100%  Basalt PD  7  4  1  ‐86%  Arvada PD  Avon PD  Bent County SO  0  1  0  ‐‐  Berthoud PD  4  5  0  ‐100%  67  0  1  ‐99%  135  75  72  ‐47%  Black Hawk PD  Boulder PD  Breckenridge PD  1  0  4  300%  Brighton PD  200  122  163  ‐19%  Broomfield PD  297  131  132  ‐56%  10  2  0  ‐100%  Brush PD  Buena Vista PD  1  2  2  100%  Burlington PD  8  6  1  ‐88%  Campo PD  13  4  0  ‐100%  Canon City PD  20  7  4  ‐80%  Carbondale PD  0  1  0  ‐‐  Castle Rock PD  112  63  38  ‐66%  Centennial PD  78  32  34  ‐56%  4  0  1  ‐75%  Center PD  0  4  2  ‐‐  19  3  3  ‐84%  Cherry Hills Village PD  0  4  0  ‐‐  Cheyenne County SO  2  1  0  ‐100%  Clear Creek County SO  Central City PD  Chaffee County SO  31  4  5  ‐84%  Colorado Mental Health Institute‐Pueblo  0  0  1  ‐‐  Colorado School of Mines PD  7  6  7  0%  426  247  321  ‐25%  1,261  271  322  ‐74%  Colorado Springs PD  Colorado State Patrol       2012  12,894    96  Appendix C, Table 2. Number of marijuana arrests, by agency, 2012–2014  84  53  41  % change  2012‐2014  ‐51%  Commerce City PD  188  148  94 ‐50%  Conejos County SO  2  0  0  ‐100%  Cortez PD  8  1  1 ‐88%  Agency  Colorado State University‐Fort Collins  2012  2013    2014 0  0  1  ‐‐  87  21  18 ‐79%  Crested Butte PD  2  4  5  150%  Cripple Creek PD  14  7  5 ‐64%  Costilla County SO  Craig PD  Custer County SO  1  1  2  100%  Dacono PD  4  0  1 ‐75%  De Beque PD  0  5  0  ‐‐  Del Norte PD  9  0  0 ‐100%  0  2  0  ‐‐  Delta PD  14  10  4 ‐71%  Denver PDa  --  --  Delta County SO  Division of Gaming Investigation  0  1  836  0  --  ‐‐  Dolores County SO  0  1  1  ‐‐  Douglas County SO  229  162  121 ‐47%  Durango PD  22  9  7  ‐68%  Eagle County SO  79  52  31 ‐61%  Eagle PD  17  3  7  ‐59%  Eaton PD  2  5  0 ‐100%  Edgewater PD  6  5  0  ‐100%  152  114  105 ‐31%  El Paso County SO  Elbert County SO  8  2  1  ‐88%  Elizabeth PD  9  17  16  78%  Empire PD  2  2  0  ‐100%  250  94  94 ‐62%  Englewood PD  Erie PD  26  22  43  65%  Estes Park PD  18  2  1 ‐94%  Evans PD  58  33  28  ‐52%  Federal Heights PD  78  14  4 ‐95%  Firestone PD  7  15  8  14%  Florence PD  11  3  0 ‐100%  285  180  201  ‐29%  33  42  68  106%  Fort Collins PD  Fort Lewis College PD  Fort Lupton PD  47  3  10  ‐79%  Fort Morgan PD  34  17  27 ‐21%  152  90  71  ‐53%  1  0  0 ‐100%  17  8  16  ‐6%  Fountain PD  Fowler PD  Frederick PD  97    Appendix C, Table 2. Number of marijuana arrests, by agency, 2012–2014  7  1  1  % change  2012‐2014  ‐86%  Frisco PD  15  0  0  ‐100%  Fruita PD  26  41  37  42%  1  1  3  200%  Agency  Fremont County SO  2012  Garden City PD     2014  0  9  2  ‐‐  14  8  0  ‐100%  Georgetown PD  0  1  0  ‐‐  Gilpin County SO  31  3  1  ‐97%  Garfield (Rifle Co. Court)  Garfield County SO  3  2  0  ‐100%  136  51  55  ‐60%  Golden PD  78  41  50  ‐36%  Granby PD  14  2  4  ‐71%  Glendale PD  Glenwood Springs PD  Grand Junction PD  500  308  309  ‐38%  Greeley PD  249  176  141  ‐43%  Greenwood Village PD  131  49  30  ‐77%  32  24  16  ‐50%  Gunnison PD  Gunnison County SO  0  1  2  ‐‐  Haxtun PD  0  0  4  ‐‐  Holyoke PD  2  1  0  ‐100%  Hotchkiss PD  1  1  4  300%  Hudson PD  2  0  4  100%  Huerfano County SO  1  0  1  0%  11  0  1  ‐91%  421  214  203  ‐52%  Idaho Springs PD  Jefferson County SO  Johnstown PD  9  1  0  ‐100%  Keenesburg PD  0  1  0  ‐‐  Kersey PD  0  6  2  ‐‐  Kiowa County SO  1  3  0  ‐100%  Kit Carson County SO  11  8  3  ‐73%  La Junta PD  20  3  6  ‐70%  0  2  7  ‐‐  125  26  36  ‐71%  La Plata County SO  Lafayette PD  Lake County SO  10  0  1  ‐90%  Lakeside PD  13  0  1  ‐92%  379  224  331  ‐13%  71  27  28  ‐61%  223  66  65  ‐71%  4  0  0  ‐100%  17  3  2  ‐88%  1  0  0  ‐100%  167  62  65  ‐61%  Lakewood PD  Lamar PD  Larimer County SO  LaSalle PD  Leadville PD  Lincoln County SO  Littleton PD    2013    98    Appendix C, Table 2. Number of marijuana arrests, by agency, 2012–2014  0  2  1  % change  2012‐2014  ‐‐  Logan County SO  37  2  12  ‐68%  Lone Tree PD  91  13  5  ‐95%  Longmont PD  74  49  73  ‐1%  Agency  Lochbuie PD  2012     2014  Louisville PD  0  1  10  ‐‐  Loveland PD  285  162  147  ‐48%  66  43  68  3%  3  8  12  300%  Manitou Springs PD  Mead PD  4  0  1  ‐75%  103  64  73  ‐29%  Milliken PD  0  3  10  ‐‐  Minturn PD  1  0  0  ‐100%  Moffat County SO  18  1  2  ‐89%  Monte Vista PD  19  3  2  ‐89%  Montezuma County SO  66  5  11  ‐83%  Montrose County SO  25  12  11  ‐56%  Montrose PD  108  38  35  ‐68%  Monument PD  17  5  1  ‐94%  Morgan County SO  7  0  7  0%  Morrison PD  2  0  0  ‐100%  Mountain View PD  1  0  1  0%  Mt Crested Butte PD  3  0  8  167%  214  100  110  ‐49%  1  0  0  ‐100%  Meeker PD  Mesa County SO  Northglenn PD  Otero County SO  0  0  4  ‐‐  16  3  6  ‐63%  Palisade PD  0  0  12  ‐‐  Palmer Lake Marshal  1  0  0  ‐100%  Ouray PD  Pagosa Springs PD  Paonia PD  Parachute PD  Park County SO  Parker PD  0  2  0  ‐‐  13  2  10  ‐23%  9  1  4  ‐56%  96  92  54  ‐44%  5  0  1  ‐80%  Prowers County SO  19  5  10  ‐47%  Pueblo County SO  1  15  16  1500%  22  4  5  ‐77%  Pikes Peak Community College PD  Pueblo PD  Rangely PD  4  3  17  325%  Red Rocks PD  11  0  3  ‐73%  Rio Blanco County SO  18  1  0  ‐100%  Rio Grande County SO  0  2  0  ‐‐  10  0  1  ‐90%  Routt County SO    2013    99  Appendix C, Table 2. Number of marijuana arrests, by agency, 2012–2014  7  0  1 % change  2012‐2014  ‐86%  27  9  12  ‐56%  San Juan County SO  0  1  0  ‐‐  Sedgwick County SO  1  3  1  0%  Agency  Saguache County SO  Salida PD  2012  2013    2014 Severance PD  2  0  1 ‐50%  Sheridan PD  35  22  32  ‐9%  Silt PD  1  0  0 ‐100%  Silverthorne PD  5  0  1  ‐80%  Springfield PD  Steamboat Springs PD  Sterling PD  Summit County SO  0  0  1  ‐‐  82  36  55  ‐33%  4  1  16  300%  42  5  0  ‐100%  19  1  6 ‐68%  433  169  157  ‐64%  Tinmath PD  0  0  1  ‐‐  Trinidad PD  7  5  1  ‐86%  Teller County SO  Thornton PD  University of Colorado‐Anschutz Campus  University of Colorado‐Boulder  University of Colorado‐Colorado Springs  University of Northern Colorado  8  0  0 ‐100%  380  282  162  ‐57%  38  22  31 ‐18%  0  16  16  ‐‐  110  64  35 ‐68%  Walsenburg PD  12  0  3  ‐75%  Washington County SO  20  2  1 ‐95%  Weld County SO  39  21  26  ‐33%  Westminster PD  501  173  159 ‐68%  Wheat Ridge PD  108  63  91  ‐16%  Windsor PD  29  19  4 ‐86%  Woodland Park PD  23  37  17  ‐26%  Yuma County SO  2  0  0 ‐100%  Yuma PD  0  4  0  ‐‐  Vail PD  a  Denver’s reported marijuana arrest data for 2012 and 2013 was incomplete due to separate jail arrest and citation systems.  Cite and release data were not reported to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation until July 2013. Additionally, the 2014 arrest  data reported by Denver include a non‐criminal civil citation, which lead to an over‐reporting of marijuana arrests for that  year. See Appendix K, Table 16 for internal data provided by the Denver Police Department's Data Analysis Unit.  Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, National Incident‐Based Crime Reporting System data.  100  Appendix C, Table 3. Number and rate of juvenile (10–17 years old) marijuana arrests, by county,  2012–2014  Number of arrests  Total  Adams  Arrest rate  2012  2013  % change 2014  2012‐14  3,235  3,125  3,400  624  526  509 % change 2012‐14  2012  2013  2014  +5%  598  571  611  +2%  ‐18%  1137  929  870 ‐23%  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Arapahoe  392  334  392  0%  594  499  576 ‐3%  Archuleta  7  3  3  ‐57%  643  280  287  ‐55%  Baca  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Alamosa  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Boulder  123  88  117 ‐5%  414  288  376 ‐9%  Broomfield  112  70  81  ‐28%  1642  994  1112  ‐32%  20  7  9 ‐55%  1500  525  661 ‐56%  Cheyenne  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Clear Creek  9  3  1 ‐89%  1329  449  146 ‐89%  Conejos  1  0  0  ‐100%  98  0  0  ‐100%  Costilla  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Crowley  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Custer  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  4  7  6  50%  135  242  210  56%  --  --  646  --  Bent  Chaffee  Delta  a Denver   --  --  364  --  Dolores  0  1  0  ‐‐  0  518  0  ‐‐  Douglas  200  181  114 ‐43%  480  418  254 ‐47%  38  33  22  ‐42%  720  602  392  ‐46%  269  286  267 ‐1%  362  381  352 ‐3%  Elbert  7  16  15  114%  238  556  531  124%  Fremont  6  6  1 ‐83%  158  163  28 ‐83%  Garfield  41  47  42  2%  626  706  619  ‐1%  5  0  0 ‐100%  1190  0  0 ‐100%  Eagle  El Paso  Gilpin  Grand  3  2  4  33%  232  154  298  28%  Gunnison  0  3  5  ‐‐  0  227  365  ‐‐  Hinsdale  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Huerfano  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  599  551  614  3%  1089  1003  1111  2%  Kiowa  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Kit Carson  4  1  3 ‐25%  525  135  418 ‐20%  12  4  8  ‐33%  258  84  164  ‐36%  2  0  1 ‐50%  264  0  125 ‐53%  182  224  208  14%  623  754  681  9%  Las Animas  5  1  0 ‐100%  371  80  0 ‐100%  Lincoln  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Jackson  Jefferson  La Plata  Lake  Larimer  101  Appendix C, Table 3. Number and rate of juvenile (10–17 years old) marijuana arrests, by county,  2012–2014  Number of arrests  Arrest rate  % change 2014  2012‐14  2012  2013  Logan  4  2  15  Mesa  150  203  209  % change 2012‐14  2012  2013  2014  275%  205  104  779  280%  39%  1007  1366  1403  39%  Mineral  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Moffat  22  13  4 ‐82%  1397  815  251 ‐82%  Montezuma  18  1  8  ‐56%  675  37  296  ‐56%  Montrose  45  27  23 ‐49%  961  580  493 ‐49%  Morgan  23  13  27  17%  676  382  799  18%  Otero  3  1  0 ‐100%  151  50  0 ‐100%  Ouray  0  0  2  ‐‐  0  0  482  ‐‐  Park  0  0  2  ‐‐  0  0  145  ‐‐  Phillips  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Pitkin  2  0  4  100%  144  0  272  90%  Prowers  18  11  18  0%  1250  771  1261  1%  Pueblo  1  1  5  400%  6  6  28  400%  Rio Blanco  2  0  4  100%  273  0  567  108%  Rio Grande  11  0  1 ‐91%  853  0  76 ‐91%  Routt  18  9  19  6%  810  397  818  1%  4  0  1 ‐75%  667  0  162 ‐76%  San Juan  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  San Miguel  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Sedgwick  0  3  0  ‐‐  0  1485  0  ‐‐  Summit  9  2  1 ‐89%  451  96  46 ‐90%  11  27  11  0%  472  1201  500  6%  0  1  1  ‐‐  0  203  199  ‐‐  Weld  143  187  214  50%  458  583  646  41%  Yuma  0  4  0  ‐‐  0  368  0  ‐‐  Saguache  Teller  Washington  a Denver’s reported marijuana arrest data for 2012 and 2013 was incomplete due to separate jail arrest and citation systems.  Cite and release data were not reported to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation until July 2013. Additionally, the 2014 arrest  data reported by Denver include a non‐criminal civil citation, which lead to an over‐reporting of marijuana arrests for that  year. See Appendix K, Table 16 for internal data provided by the Denver Police Department's Data Analysis Unit. Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, National Incident‐Based Crime Reporting System data.  102    Appendix C, Table 4. Number and rate of marijuana arrests, by type of arrest, age,  race/ethnicity, and gender, 2012‐2014        Total marijuana arrests     2012  Possession  2013     2014        % change  2012‐2014    Marijuana arrests per 100,000 population  2012  2013              % change  2012‐2014  2014        Age group  10 to 17  2,859  2,731  3,127  9%  522  490  550  5%  18 to 20  3,009  2,008  1,963  ‐35%  1,339  879  856  ‐36%  21 or older  5,502  696  908  ‐83%  148  18  24  ‐84%  White  8,252  3,726  3,872  ‐53%  229  102  105  ‐54%  Hispanic  2,123  1,174  1,370  ‐35%  195  106  121  ‐38%  African‐American  816  451  629  ‐23%  398  229  305  ‐23%  Other  179  84  127  ‐29%  61  26  39  ‐36%  Male  9,227  4,368  4,699  ‐49%  355  166  176  ‐51%  Female  2,143  1,067  1,299  ‐39%  83  41  49  ‐41%                       10 to 17  328  345  218  ‐34%  60  62  38  ‐36%  18 to 20  257  226  233  ‐9%  114  99  102  ‐11%  21 or older  453  155  149  ‐67%  12  4  4  ‐68%  White  778  538  406  ‐48%  22  15  11  ‐49%  Hispanic  181  140  155  ‐14%  17  13  14  ‐18%  African‐American  60  39  30  ‐50%  29  20  15  ‐50%  Other  19  9  9  ‐53%  6  3  3  ‐58%  Male  820  599  463  ‐44%  32  23  17  ‐45%  Female  218  127  137  ‐37%  8  5  5  ‐39%                       10 to 17  41  44  52  27%  7  8  9  22%  18 to 20  69  36  39  ‐43%  31  16  17  ‐45%  191  145  139  ‐27%  5  4  4  ‐30%  170  139  146  ‐14%  5  4  4  ‐16%  Hispanic  64  42  43  ‐33%  6  4  4  ‐36%  African‐American  61  39  37  ‐39%  30  20  18  ‐40%  6  5  4  ‐33%  2  2  1  ‐40%  Race  Gender  Unspecified        Age group  Race  Gender  Sales        Age group  21 or older  Race  White  Other        103  Appendix C, Table 4. Number and rate of marijuana arrests, by type of arrest, age,  race/ethnicity, and gender, 2012‐2014    Total marijuana arrests  2012  2013  2014  % change  2012‐2014 Marijuana arrests per 100,000 population  2012  2013  2014  % change  2012‐2014  Gender  270  205  204  ‐24%  10  8  8 ‐27%  31  20  26  ‐16%  1  1  1 ‐19%  10 to 17  5  4  3  ‐40%  1  1  1 ‐42%  18 to 20  10  6  9  ‐10%  4  3  4 ‐12%  164  101  164  0%  4  3  4 ‐4%  137  70  128 ‐7%  4  2  3 ‐9%  Hispanic  16  15  22  38%  1  1  2  32%  African‐American  21  13  20 ‐5%  10  7  10 ‐5%  5  13  6  20%  2  4  2  8%  151  92  151  0%  6  3  6 ‐3%  28  19  25  ‐11%  1  1  1 ‐13%  10 to 17  2  1  0  ‐100%  0  0  0 ‐100%  18 to 20  2  1  0  ‐100%  1  0  0 ‐100%  21 or older  2  3  0  ‐100%  0  0  0 ‐100%  Male  Female  Production  Age group  21 or older  Race  White  Other  Gender  Male  Female  Smuggling  Age group  Race  White  6  3  0  ‐100%  0  0  0 ‐100%  Hispanic  0  1  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  African‐American  0  1  0  ‐‐  0  1  0  ‐‐  Other  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Male  6  5  0  ‐100%  0  0  0 ‐100%  Female  0  0  0  ‐‐  0  0  0  ‐‐  Gender  Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation. National Incident‐Based Reporting System  data.  104  Appendix C, Table 5. Number of marijuana arrests, by  race/ethnicity and judicial districta, 2012–2014  Race  Judicial  District  2012  2013  % change  2012‐2014  2014  White  1  b 1,288  629  709 --  320  ‐45%  2  --  3  4  1  2 ‐50%  --  4  677  418  431 ‐36%  5  323  115  66 ‐80%  6  60  45  47 ‐22%  7  141  74  64 ‐55%  8  712  353  343 ‐52%  9  151  48  60 ‐60%  10  7  13  11  57%  11  91  25  26 ‐71%  12  38  6  11 ‐71%  13  91  24  43 ‐53%  14  192  51  77 ‐60%  15  67  37  27 ‐60%  16  14  2  1 ‐93%  17  1,562  622  571 ‐63%  18  1,260  649  589 ‐53%  19  369  281  271 ‐27%  20  591  372  283 ‐52%  21  531  337  330 ‐38%  22  43  4  11 ‐74%  Total  8,273  4,271  4,293 ‐48%  1  ‐12%  Hispanic  233  120  204  b 2   --  --  281  3  16  4  2 ‐88%  4  84  48  72 ‐14%  5  77  30  42 ‐45%  --  6  5  4  7  40%  7  41  19  20 ‐51%  8  139  90  85 ‐39%  9  41  26  31 ‐24%  10  14  5  11 ‐21%  11  3  2  0  ‐100%  12  5  4  6  20%  13  38  21  25 ‐34%  14  15  7  7 ‐53%  15  36  4  11 ‐69%  105  Appendix C, Table 5. Number of marijuana arrests, by  race/ethnicity and judicial districta, 2012–2014  Race  Judicial  District  2012  2013  % change  2012‐2014  2014  16  8  1  1 ‐88%  17  894  434  360 ‐60%  18  286  180  202 ‐29%  19  120  49  46 ‐62%  20  85  40  48 ‐44%  21  70  65  84  20%  22  1  0  1  0%  Total  2,260  1,318  1,546 ‐32%  African‐American  59  34  30 ‐49%   b 2   --  --  213  --  3  0  0  1  ‐‐  4  136  91  114 ‐16%  5  3  0  2 ‐33%  6  1  1  0  ‐100%  7  2  0  1 ‐50%  8  39  17  24 ‐38%  9  5  1  2 ‐60%  10  2  1  0  ‐100%  11  1  0  2  100%  12  0  2  0  ‐‐  13  7  1  0  ‐100%  14  0  1  0  ‐‐  15  5  1  1 ‐80%  16  0  0  4  ‐‐  17  100  43  33 ‐67%  18  431  194  235 ‐45%  19  10  8  10  0%  20  28  16  12 ‐57%  21  22  14  17 ‐23%  1  22  0  0  0  ‐‐  Total  906  534  701 ‐23%  1  Asian  17  10  6 ‐65%   b 2   --  --  7  ‐‐  3  0  0  0  ‐‐  4  14  6  5 ‐64%  5  5  0  0  ‐100%  6  0  1  0  ‐‐  7  0  0  0  ‐‐  106  Appendix C, Table 5. Number of marijuana arrests, by  race/ethnicity and judicial districta, 2012–2014  Race  Judicial  District  2012  2013  % change  2012‐2014  2014  8  4  3  1 ‐75%  9  0  0  0  ‐‐  10  0  0  0  ‐‐  11  0  0  0  ‐‐  12  0  0  0  ‐‐  13  0  0  0  ‐‐  14  0  0  0  ‐‐  15  2  0  0  ‐100%  16  0  0  0  ‐‐  17  19  11  4 ‐79%  18  21  20  16 ‐24%  19  1  0  2  100%  20  8  5  7 ‐13%  21  5  0  0  ‐100%  22  0  0  0  ‐‐  Total  96  61  48 ‐50%  1  8  2  1 ‐88%   b 2   --  --  8  --  3  0  0  0  ‐‐  4  2  3  1 ‐50%  5  0  0  0  ‐‐  6  5  6  34  580%  7  1  0  0  ‐100%  8  3  2  1 ‐67%  9  0  0  2  ‐‐  10  0  0  0  ‐‐  11  0  0  0  ‐‐  12  0  0  0  ‐‐  13  0  0  0  ‐‐  14  4  0  0  ‐100%  15  0  0  0  ‐‐  16  0  0  0  ‐‐  17  7  3  1 ‐86%  18  6  2  5 ‐17%  19  1  0  0  ‐100%  20  1  0  0  ‐100%  21  1  0  0  ‐100%  22  30  3  1 ‐97%  Total  70  22  54 ‐23%  Native American  107  Appendix C, Table 5. Number of marijuana arrests, by  race/ethnicity and judicial districta, 2012–2014  Race  Judicial  District  2012  2013  % change  2012‐2014  2014  Pacific Islander  1  0  0  0  ‐‐   b 2   --  --  0  ‐‐  3  0  0  0  ‐‐  4  0  0  0  ‐‐  5  0  0  0  ‐‐  6  0  0  0  ‐‐  7  0  0  0  ‐‐  8  0  1  0  ‐‐  9  0  0  0  ‐‐  10  0  0  0  ‐‐  11  0  0  0  ‐‐  12  0  0  0  ‐‐  13  0  0  0  ‐‐  14  0  0  0  ‐‐  15  0  1  0  ‐‐  16  0  0  0  ‐‐  17  0  0  0  ‐‐  18  0  0  2  ‐‐  19  0  0  0  ‐‐  20  0  0  0  ‐‐  21  0  2  0  ‐‐  22  0  0  0  ‐‐  Total  0  4  2  ‐‐  1  1  0  4  300%   b 2   --  --  7  ‐‐  3  0  0  0  ‐‐  4  0  0  3  ‐‐  5  0  0  0  ‐‐  6  1  0  0  ‐100%  7  0  1  4  ‐‐  8  2  2  2  0%  9  0  0  0  ‐‐  10  0  0  0  ‐‐  11  0  0  0  ‐‐  12  0  0  0  ‐‐  13  0  0  0  ‐‐  14  0  1  0  ‐‐  15  0  0  0  ‐‐  Unknown  108  Appendix C, Table 5. Number of marijuana arrests, by  race/ethnicity and judicial districta, 2012–2014  Race  Judicial  District  2012  2013  % change  2012‐2014  2014  16  0  1  0  ‐‐  17  12  7  10 ‐17%  18  9  3  4 ‐56%  19  2  2  1 ‐50%  20  1  0  3  200%  21  0  0  0  ‐‐  22  0  0  0  ‐‐  Total  28  20  38  36%  1  1,606  795  954 ‐41%  --  836  Total   b 2   --  3  20  5  5 ‐75%  4  913  566  626 ‐31%  5  408  145  110 ‐73%  --  6  72  57  88  22%  7  185  94  89 ‐52%  8  899  468  456 ‐49%  9  197  75  95 ‐52%  10  23  19  22 ‐4%  11  95  27  28 ‐71%  12  43  12  17 ‐60%  13  136  46  68 ‐50%  14  211  60  84 ‐60%  15  110  43  39 ‐65%  16  22  4  6 ‐73%  17  2,594  1,120  979 ‐62%  18  2,013  1,048  1,053 ‐48%  19  503  340  330 ‐34%  20  714  433  353 ‐51%  21  629  418  431 ‐31%  22  74  7  13 ‐82%  Total  11,633  6,230  6,682 ‐43%  a  There are some agencies that occupy more than one judicial district. In these cases, an attempt was made to   assign the arrests to the district with the majority of residents for that agency.  b  The City and County of Denver represents the 2nd Judicial District in Colorado. Denver’s reported marijuana arrest data   for 2012 and 2013 was incomplete due to separate jail arrest and citation systems. Cite and release data were not reported   to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation until July 2013. Additionally, the 2014 arrest data reported by Denver include a   non‐criminal civil citation, which lead to an over‐reporting of marijuana arrests for that year. See Appendix K, Table 16 for internal data provided by the Denver Police Department's Data Analysis Unit.  Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, National Incident‐Based Reporting System data.  109 Appendix Offenses by location COLORADO Department of Public Safety CDPS A 110 Appendix D, Table 6. Marijuana offenses, by specific location, 2012–2014 Location Total Abandoned/Condemned Structure 2012 19,363 2013 9,784 2014 10,814 % change 2012-2014 -44% 7 3 3 -57% Air/Bus/Train Terminal 51 66 90 76% Amusement Park 10 5 1 -90% Arena/Stadium/Fairgrounds/Coliseum 22 14 8 -64% 1 - - -100% 12 4 1 -92% 114 30 22 -81% Camp/Campground 6 - 1 -83% Church/Synagogue/Temple (includes other religious buildings) 7 15 12 71% 59 70 63 7% - 7 7 - Auto Dealership New/Used Bank/Savings and Loan (includes other financial institutions) Bar/Night Club Commercial/Office Building Community Center Construction Site Convenience Store Daycare Facility Department/Discount Store Dock/Wharf/Freight/Modal Terminal Drug Store/Doctor s Office/Hospital (includes medical supply building) 8 - 2 -75% 74 47 50 -32% - - 3 - 353 216 249 -29% 6 5 12 100% 30 10 20 -33% Farm Facility - 8 - - Field/Woods 301 226 149 -50% Gambling Facility/Casino/Race Track 17 2 1 -94% Government/Public Building 101 59 49 -51% Grocery/Supermarket 122 54 61 -50% 9,203 3,415 3,304 -64% 241 81 80 -67% Highway/Road/Alley/Street Hotel/Motel (includes other temporary lodgings) 1 - 4 300% Jail/Prison/Penitentiary Industrial Site 70 34 32 -54% Lake/Waterway 14 4 8 -43% Liquor Store 15 1 - -100% 2 - - -100% Other/Unknown 841 352 429 -49% Park/Playground 462 399 625 35% 1,636 744 860 -47% 22 6 1 -95% 2,601 1,057 1,374 -47% Military Installation Parking Lot/Garage Rental Storage Facility (Mini-storage/Self-storage) Residence/Home/Apartment/Condominium/Nursing Home Rest Area 2 1 3 50% Restaurant/Cafeteria 84 28 41 -51% School/College/University 43 - - -100% 111 Appendix D, Table 6. Marijuana offenses, by specific location, 2012–2014 Location School-College/University School-Elementary/Secondary Service/Gas Station Shelter-Mission/Homeless Shopping Mall Specialty Store (Fur, Jewelry, TV, Dress Store) % change 2012-2014 -14% 2012 2013 2014 887 748 762 1,766 1,980 2,363 34% 18 12 16 -11% 1 1 - -100% 49 27 34 -31% 104 53 74 -29% Note: In 2012, elementary/secondary and college/university were combined in one school category. In 2013, elementary/secondary schools were separated from college/university as a school reporting place. Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, National Incident-Based Crime Reporting System data. 112 Appendix E Court filings by age, charge category, judicial district, and charge classification 113 Appendix E, Table 7. Marijuana court filings, by age and charge category, 2006–2015 Age 10-17 Total Possession Possession with intent Distribution Manufacture Public consumption Conspiracy Other Age 18-20 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 1,777 1,539 85 68 14 58 7 6 1,888 1,640 99 60 11 73 5 0 1,676 1,464 93 50 10 56 2 1 1,619 1,373 88 75 8 68 6 1 1,688 1,455 71 55 10 85 9 3 1,583 1,410 42 64 6 54 7 0 1,665 1,484 42 58 2 68 11 0 1,530 1,350 48 56 6 68 2 0 1,180 1,011 40 65 0 61 3 0 519 409 37 36 5 31 1 0 Total 2,702 2,911 2,875 2,859 2,648 2,695 2,599 1,561 1,324 560 Possession 2,387 2,597 2,562 2,521 2,376 2,443 2,403 1,373 1,171 435 Possession with intent 162 152 164 172 119 75 58 49 28 35 Distribution 81 75 68 85 70 53 55 42 42 36 Manufacture 37 49 38 36 19 23 21 8 5 4 Public consumption 14 23 31 36 41 86 56 84 75 41 Conspiracy 8 8 6 7 19 14 3 4 2 8 Other 13 7 6 2 4 1 3 1 1 1 Age 21 or over Total 7,410 7,551 6,883 6,603 6,151 5,983 6,057 988 757 868 Possession 6,347 6,486 5,956 5,694 5,165 5,118 5,226 432 214 223 Possession with intent 452 441 404 389 328 269 229 159 174 243 Distribution 242 241 225 199 225 177 190 185 119 158 Manufacture 272 316 236 239 337 317 291 80 77 93 Public consumption 30 33 19 40 50 73 79 104 149 133 Conspiracy 41 27 26 37 32 25 36 26 24 17 Other 26 7 17 5 14 4 6 2 0 1 Source: Data provided by the Colorado State Judicial Branch. Note: The City/County of Denver does not report misdemeanors or petty offenses to the Colorado State Judicial Branch and are not included in this report. 114 Appendix E, Table 8. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge category, 2006–2015 Judicial district Year Conspiracy Manufac ture Distribu tion Possession with intent 2006 7 36 27 56 1,162 14 4 1,306 2007 1 36 30 43 1,189 4 0 1,303 2008 4 33 29 70 1,192 3 0 1,331 2009 2 38 30 63 1,038 12 1 1,184 2010 5 30 51 66 1,073 13 0 1,238 2011 11 35 50 59 1,082 18 0 1,255 2012 13 19 34 28 988 9 0 1,091 2013 5 19 49 23 332 1 1 430 2014 3 5 35 23 291 11 1 369 2015 0 9 21 29 113 2 0 174 2006 9 36 180 163 497 0 2 887 2007 14 37 108 138 188 0 0 485 2008 9 30 93 126 74 0 0 332 2009 8 18 80 107 47 0 1 261 2010 8 14 67 102 28 0 0 219 2011 2 17 35 68 21 0 0 143 2012 1 20 58 60 22 1 0 162 2013 9 6 44 49 7 1 0 116 2014 12 13 13 57 15 0 0 110 2015 3 6 51 54 6 0 0 120 2006 0 0 1 4 84 0 0 89 2007 0 10 1 3 93 0 0 107 2008 0 3 0 4 73 0 1 81 2009 0 0 1 2 104 0 0 107 2010 0 6 2 0 109 0 0 117 2011 0 2 0 1 117 1 2 123 2012 0 14 0 1 86 6 7 114 2013 0 0 5 3 31 6 1 46 2014 0 1 0 3 13 0 0 17 2015 0 0 8 1 6 2 0 17 2006 1 39 36 87 1,591 13 3 1,770 2007 1 53 43 97 1,709 14 2 1,919 2008 2 37 42 68 1,454 4 9 1,616 2009 4 35 41 54 1,205 6 1 1,346 2010 13 64 33 46 1,153 14 6 1,329 2011 3 73 22 36 954 19 1 1,108 2012 3 61 21 46 882 19 1 1,033 Possession Public consumption Other Total JD 1 JD 2 JD 3 JD 4 115 Appendix E, Table 8. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge category, 2006–2015 Judicial district Year 2013 Conspiracy 1 Manufac ture 3 Distribu tion 31 Possession with intent 14 Possession 361 Public consumption 22 2014 1 8 18 13 276 2015 2 10 9 12 2006 2 5 4 2007 2 17 2008 1 2009 2010 Other Total 0 432 107 0 423 102 44 0 179 18 529 2 2 562 17 20 552 2 2 612 6 9 5 558 0 0 579 1 4 18 15 453 2 0 493 2 12 12 10 422 4 0 462 2011 1 4 12 12 382 11 0 422 2012 0 15 14 4 560 9 0 602 2013 2 1 13 15 125 19 0 175 2014 1 10 6 2 103 21 0 143 2015 2 7 9 6 51 14 0 89 2006 0 3 8 6 150 0 0 167 2007 0 6 5 4 150 6 0 171 2008 1 3 3 8 114 1 0 130 2009 1 1 3 6 102 2 1 116 2010 1 4 3 3 104 1 1 117 2011 1 0 0 2 150 0 0 153 2012 0 1 8 5 83 2 0 99 2013 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 16 2014 0 0 1 0 10 0 0 11 2015 0 0 4 1 4 4 0 13 2006 1 16 12 5 271 1 0 306 2007 1 10 1 6 321 1 1 341 2008 1 8 2 10 277 6 0 304 2009 5 10 6 4 248 8 0 281 2010 1 8 4 11 266 11 0 301 2011 0 5 2 3 265 8 0 283 2012 0 4 3 3 232 1 0 243 2013 1 3 4 0 85 10 0 103 2014 0 3 5 0 56 13 0 77 2015 0 5 2 3 23 5 0 38 2006 0 36 10 24 804 19 1 894 2007 3 44 25 30 811 33 2 948 2008 0 32 17 33 809 25 5 921 2009 0 21 27 27 699 29 0 803 JD 5 JD 6 JD 7 JD 8 116 Appendix E, Table 8. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge category, 2006–2015 Judicial district Year 2010 Conspiracy 1 Manufac ture 36 Distribu tion 13 Possession with intent 35 Possession 802 Public consumption 21 2011 2 26 20 23 907 2012 3 20 4 29 2013 6 11 17 2014 0 3 17 2015 2 7 11 2006 2 3 2007 0 4 2008 0 2009 Other Total 4 912 19 0 997 953 35 1 1,045 11 348 60 0 453 10 271 46 0 347 21 109 36 0 186 2 19 296 5 0 327 3 9 258 1 0 275 6 2 11 244 0 0 263 1 4 6 9 284 2 0 306 2010 4 1 10 8 226 0 1 250 2011 0 8 10 8 210 5 0 241 2012 0 2 10 6 257 10 0 285 2013 0 0 7 8 81 1 0 97 2014 0 0 9 1 68 10 0 88 2015 0 0 8 3 24 4 0 39 2006 0 7 2 26 219 1 0 255 2007 0 5 4 26 236 2 0 273 2008 4 7 2 18 200 1 0 232 2009 0 4 2 26 249 1 0 282 2010 0 8 10 4 224 2 0 248 2011 1 8 7 1 185 1 0 203 2012 1 5 15 5 162 3 0 191 2013 0 7 3 4 52 2 1 69 2014 0 1 3 8 40 1 0 53 2015 1 1 14 21 43 4 0 84 2006 0 8 3 5 278 6 0 300 2007 1 15 9 9 306 5 0 345 2008 2 10 3 7 305 0 1 328 2009 0 8 6 12 271 6 0 303 2010 0 3 3 3 172 1 0 182 2011 0 8 8 4 163 5 0 188 2012 1 5 4 2 192 6 0 210 2013 0 1 2 0 55 5 0 63 2014 1 0 3 4 56 4 0 68 2015 0 10 3 2 13 1 0 29 2006 2 4 11 2 192 0 0 211 JD 9 JD 10 JD 11 JD 12 117 Appendix E, Table 8. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge category, 2006–2015 Judicial district Year 2007 Conspiracy 1 Manufac ture 7 Distribu tion 13 Possession with intent 11 Possession 205 Public consumption 6 2008 1 1 19 2 193 2009 2 8 10 5 2010 0 0 2 2011 2 2 5 2012 1 1 2013 0 2014 2015 Other Total 0 243 3 0 219 279 1 1 306 1 176 1 0 180 1 122 2 0 134 1 2 104 0 0 109 2 0 1 21 0 0 24 0 0 2 6 26 0 0 34 1 0 9 1 28 2 0 41 2006 0 1 3 17 234 4 0 259 2007 0 3 10 24 304 5 1 347 2008 1 3 2 4 232 1 1 244 2009 3 1 3 18 255 1 0 281 2010 1 2 3 20 205 2 0 233 2011 1 2 2 22 175 6 0 208 2012 0 3 0 10 187 2 0 202 2013 0 0 2 15 60 0 0 77 2014 1 0 4 4 57 2 0 68 2015 0 3 7 8 46 1 0 65 2006 7 3 2 4 343 0 0 359 2007 0 2 5 6 256 3 1 273 2008 1 5 8 6 247 7 0 274 2009 2 12 9 13 296 0 2 334 2010 0 3 6 5 281 2 0 297 2011 0 4 4 7 290 2 0 307 2012 0 5 5 3 299 2 0 314 2013 0 3 2 5 83 4 0 97 2014 1 0 4 3 33 1 0 42 2015 0 3 4 2 8 5 0 22 2006 0 0 1 0 42 0 0 43 2007 0 0 0 0 49 0 0 49 2008 0 0 3 5 81 0 0 89 2009 0 2 1 7 95 0 0 105 2010 0 2 3 5 72 0 1 83 2011 0 3 0 7 53 0 0 63 2012 0 0 0 3 83 0 0 86 2013 2 0 6 8 17 0 0 33 2014 0 2 4 1 16 0 0 23 JD 13 JD 14 JD 15 118 Appendix E, Table 8. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge category, 2006–2015 Judicial district Year 2015 Conspiracy 0 Manufac ture 0 Distribu tion 6 Possession with intent 4 Possession 5 Public consumption 0 2006 6 2 2 7 54 0 2007 0 4 4 2 65 1 0 76 2008 0 2 8 2 49 0 0 61 2009 0 1 0 4 67 1 0 73 2010 0 0 0 2 42 0 0 44 2011 0 1 1 1 55 0 0 58 2012 0 1 1 0 62 0 0 64 2013 0 0 0 0 11 2 0 13 2014 0 0 1 0 10 0 0 11 2015 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 7 2006 1 31 24 79 718 3 0 856 2007 9 35 22 91 818 6 0 981 2008 0 24 14 65 843 6 1 953 2009 8 31 20 62 855 3 0 979 2010 10 87 26 71 912 0 0 1,106 2011 6 88 36 45 997 5 0 1,177 2012 7 99 32 39 1,081 2 0 1,260 2013 0 11 25 29 312 6 0 383 2014 3 11 23 18 211 13 0 279 2015 2 3 10 23 125 18 0 181 2006 7 30 23 96 990 19 31 1,196 2007 1 30 32 100 1,149 8 4 1,324 2008 1 22 19 126 1,029 17 4 1,218 2009 8 45 42 98 1,016 23 1 1,233 2010 7 59 37 56 907 37 7 1,110 2011 6 33 25 29 958 46 2 1,099 2012 15 15 37 39 992 39 0 1,137 2013 3 11 35 26 474 17 0 566 2014 4 18 19 36 351 27 0 455 2015 9 19 23 52 157 13 0 273 2006 3 9 6 23 415 6 0 462 2007 1 15 8 16 485 10 0 535 2008 5 6 23 15 479 10 1 539 2009 2 6 23 32 517 16 0 596 2010 3 9 18 26 500 14 0 570 2011 2 3 11 14 466 4 0 500 Other Total 0 15 JD 16 71 JD 17 JD 18 JD 19 119 Appendix E, Table 8. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge category, 2006–2015 Judicial district Year 2012 Conspiracy 3 Manufac ture 8 Distribu tion 14 Possession with intent 14 Possession 471 Public consumption 4 2013 0 7 9 18 302 2014 1 1 14 18 2015 0 5 7 2006 6 40 2007 4 2008 2009 Other Total 0 514 6 0 342 245 8 0 287 32 101 8 0 153 31 33 647 3 2 762 29 30 33 682 6 1 785 1 41 35 41 792 6 1 917 3 23 21 51 838 12 0 948 2010 4 9 35 17 760 17 0 842 2011 3 11 23 14 861 55 0 967 2012 2 8 19 12 859 49 0 949 2013 3 1 20 7 213 83 0 327 2014 1 0 33 8 80 11 0 133 2015 2 3 13 10 46 16 2 92 2006 1 11 2 24 690 2 0 730 2007 0 12 3 22 832 16 0 885 2008 0 4 7 31 689 16 0 747 2009 0 11 6 32 642 18 0 709 2010 0 8 11 27 514 36 1 597 2011 5 13 20 30 485 6 0 559 2012 0 8 24 18 465 5 0 520 2013 0 7 12 20 153 11 0 203 2014 0 6 11 24 151 13 0 205 2015 2 11 15 26 47 27 0 128 2006 1 3 1 4 78 4 0 91 2007 1 2 4 2 82 0 0 91 2008 0 2 4 4 72 0 0 82 2009 0 1 4 2 45 1 0 53 2010 0 1 1 1 62 0 0 65 2011 0 0 1 0 86 1 0 88 2012 0 0 0 0 110 0 0 110 2013 0 2 0 0 21 1 0 24 2014 0 0 1 3 21 0 0 25 JD 20 JD 21 JD 22 2015 0 0 1 3 5 0 0 9 Source: Data provided by the Colorado State Judicial Branch. Note: The City/County of Denver does not report misdemeanors or petty offenses to the Colorado State Judicial Branch and are not included in this report. 120 Appendix E, Table 9. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge classification, 2006–2015 Judicial district Petty offense Year Felony Misdemeanor Total 2006 142 146 1018 1,306 2007 126 106 1071 1,303 2008 150 86 1095 1,331 2009 153 75 956 1,184 2010 168 47 1023 1,238 2011 158 47 1050 1,255 2012 101 95 932 1,091 2013 93 86 282 430 2014 49 80 261 369 2015 42 37 95 174 2006 418 463 6 887 2007 314 156 15 485 2008 272 50 11 332 2009 220 39 2 261 2010 198 18 3 219 2011 125 15 3 143 2012 146 15 7 162 2013 135 6 5 116 2014 105 14 1 110 2015 110 8 2 120 2006 8 1 80 89 2007 14 7 86 107 2008 8 4 69 81 2009 3 12 92 107 2010 10 7 100 117 2011 2 6 115 123 2012 16 12 87 114 2013 5 8 34 46 2014 3 3 11 17 2015 9 4 4 17 2006 183 95 1490 1,770 2007 212 97 1608 1,919 2008 166 99 1351 1,616 2009 149 49 1146 1,346 2010 157 75 1095 1,329 2011 125 55 926 1,108 JD 1 JD 2 JD 3 JD 4 121 Appendix E, Table 9. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge classification, 2006–2015 Judicial district Year 2012 Felony 127 Misdemeanor 67 Petty offense 866 Total 1,033 2013 57 73 362 432 2014 37 73 344 423 2015 28 39 112 179 2006 34 58 470 562 2007 69 43 500 612 2008 28 47 504 579 2009 47 38 408 493 2010 47 36 379 462 2011 34 24 364 422 2012 34 56 520 602 2013 31 34 114 175 2014 14 60 77 143 2015 19 33 37 89 2006 21 8 138 167 2007 18 7 146 171 2008 18 5 107 130 2009 13 7 96 116 2010 12 14 91 117 2011 3 12 138 153 2012 15 40 76 99 2013 2 16 14 16 2014 1 11 9 11 2015 4 1 8 13 2006 43 8 256 306 2007 23 27 291 341 2008 26 6 272 304 2009 26 12 243 281 2010 30 12 259 301 2011 9 22 252 283 2012 8 29 213 243 2013 8 12 84 103 2014 7 10 62 77 2015 9 5 24 38 2006 78 52 764 894 2007 114 74 761 948 JD 5 JD 6 JD 7 JD 8 122 Appendix E, Table 9. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge classification, 2006–2015 Judicial district Year 2008 Felony 90 Misdemeanor 77 Petty offense 754 2009 81 15 707 803 2010 91 37 784 912 2011 77 36 884 997 2012 59 71 952 1,045 2013 46 47 380 453 2014 13 57 291 347 2015 33 30 123 186 2006 31 10 286 327 2007 19 19 237 275 2008 20 13 230 263 2009 25 15 266 306 2010 33 8 208 250 2011 23 17 201 241 2012 19 20 250 285 2013 13 7 79 97 2014 4 11 74 88 2015 9 8 22 39 2006 47 56 152 255 2007 37 41 195 273 2008 32 37 163 232 2009 32 45 205 282 2010 22 58 168 248 2011 13 13 177 203 2012 26 15 153 191 2013 12 12 51 69 2014 10 11 35 53 2015 16 28 40 84 2006 28 12 260 300 2007 42 14 288 345 2008 40 6 282 328 2009 31 10 260 303 2010 12 7 163 182 2011 20 9 159 188 2012 13 14 189 210 2013 2 3 58 63 2014 7 8 56 68 Total 921 JD 9 JD 10 JD 11 123 Appendix E, Table 9. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge classification, 2006–2015 Judicial district Year 2015 Felony 15 Misdemeanor 3 Petty offense 11 2006 26 38 147 211 2007 32 49 161 243 2008 27 45 147 219 2009 28 42 235 306 2010 3 35 142 180 2011 8 21 105 134 2012 8 33 86 109 2013 0 22 12 24 2014 6 13 21 34 2015 8 8 25 41 2006 27 38 194 259 2007 41 24 282 347 2008 18 24 202 244 2009 27 32 222 281 2010 30 40 163 233 2011 35 31 142 208 2012 32 40 151 202 2013 19 31 35 77 2014 8 23 38 68 2015 17 21 27 65 2006 19 29 311 359 2007 15 19 239 273 2008 20 17 237 274 2009 43 11 280 334 2010 20 10 267 297 2011 12 24 271 307 2012 14 22 287 314 2013 9 24 69 97 2014 4 14 31 42 2015 7 2 13 22 2006 2 1 40 43 2007 0 6 43 49 2008 11 5 73 89 2009 10 6 89 105 2010 10 5 68 83 Total 29 JD 12 JD 13 JD 14 JD 15 124 Appendix E, Table 9. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge classification, 2006–2015 Judicial district Year 2011 Felony 7 Misdemeanor 3 Petty offense 53 2012 3 21 80 86 2013 17 8 13 33 2014 5 6 13 23 2015 9 1 5 15 2006 17 9 45 71 2007 10 9 57 76 2008 12 3 46 61 2009 5 7 61 73 2010 3 2 39 44 2011 2 3 53 58 2012 2 9 61 64 2013 0 3 11 13 2014 1 0 10 11 2015 2 3 2 7 2006 147 50 660 856 2007 167 77 737 981 2008 117 54 782 953 2009 135 60 784 979 2010 202 63 841 1,106 2011 165 99 913 1,177 2012 183 85 1020 1,260 2013 63 97 272 383 2014 33 71 184 279 2015 28 46 107 181 2006 161 212 823 1,196 2007 184 205 934 1,324 2008 181 158 879 1,218 2009 199 136 897 1,233 2010 164 102 844 1,110 2011 95 70 934 1,099 2012 112 121 958 1,137 2013 80 98 432 566 2014 75 85 332 455 2015 94 48 131 273 2006 46 28 388 462 Total 63 JD 16 JD 17 JD 18 JD 19 125 Appendix E, Table 9. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge classification, 2006–2015 Judicial district Year 2007 Felony 42 Misdemeanor 25 Petty offense 468 2008 53 17 469 539 2009 68 18 510 596 2010 61 16 493 570 2011 33 17 450 500 2012 44 50 447 514 2013 41 38 280 342 2014 31 52 213 287 2015 42 22 89 153 2006 119 46 597 762 2007 107 29 649 785 2008 134 20 763 917 2009 122 27 799 948 2010 74 30 738 842 2011 52 63 851 967 2012 41 73 839 949 2013 36 27 273 327 2014 22 45 72 133 2015 23 28 41 92 2006 46 17 667 730 2007 45 35 805 885 2008 49 30 668 747 2009 59 12 638 709 2010 54 21 522 597 2011 65 26 468 559 2012 52 28 447 520 2013 40 13 154 203 2014 34 23 151 205 2015 42 28 58 128 2006 10 7 74 91 2007 10 3 78 91 2008 10 1 71 82 2009 7 0 46 53 2010 3 3 59 65 2011 2 2 85 88 2012 0 10 107 110 2013 2 7 22 24 Total 535 JD 20 JD 21 JD 22 126 Appendix E, Table 9. Marijuana court filings, by judicial district and charge classification, 2006–2015 Judicial district Year 2014 Felony 2 Misdemeanor 6 Petty offense 18 Total 25 2015 0 6 3 9 Source: Data provided by the Colorado State Judicial Branch. Note: The City/County of Denver does not report misdemeanors or petty offenses to the Colorado State Judicial Branch and are not included in this report. 127 Appendix School discipline trends COLORADO Department of Public Safety COPS A 128 Appendix F, Table 10. Disciplinary incidents for drugs in Colorado schools, 2004–2015 School year Pupil count Drug suspensions Drug expulsions Drug referrals to Law Enforcement Drug suspension rate Drug expulsion rate Drug referrals to LE rate 2004-2005 766,657 3,394 590 2,317 443 77 302 2005-2006 780,708 3,409 579 1,996 437 74 256 2006-2007 794,026 3,287 546 1,940 414 69 244 2007-2008 802,639 3,212 567 1,923 400 71 240 2008-2009 818,443 3,202 534 1,898 391 65 232 2009-2010 832,368 4,212 753 2,192 506 90 263 2010-2011 843,316 4,650 767 2,255 551 91 267 2011-2012 854,265 4,561 718 1,951 534 84 228 2012-2013 863,561 4,319 614 1,921 500 71 222 2013-2014 876,999 4,714 535 1,823 538 61 208 2014-2015 889,006 4,529 446 1,160 509 50 130 Note: These are disciplinary incidents for all drugs and are not limited to marijuana. Rates are calculated per 100,000 students and it is possible for one student to have multiple disciplinary incidents in one school year. There was an effort to reduce expulsions and suspensions in Colorado schools from 2011-12 onward and this should be kept in mind when interpreting these results. Source: Colorado Department of Education, Colorado Education Statistics, URL: http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdereval, Retrieved 12/14/2015. 129 Appendix F, Table 11. Disciplinary incident rates for drugs in Colorado, by school racial and poverty characteristics, 2004–2015 20042005 20052006 20062007 20072008 20082009 20092010 20102011 20112012 20122013 20132014 20142015 Drug expulsion rate Percent minority 0-25% 52 53 66 45 70 74 51 41 45 43 51 26-50% 77 91 94 72 45 60 72 92 97 63 70 51-75% 69 34 72 78 81 64 63 105 89 91 52 76-100% 43 52 44 33 34 36 54 56 43 28 31 Percent receiving free/reduced lunch 0-25% 51 60 69 77 80 57 72 35 44 24 33 26-50% 78 59 60 73 48 64 97 90 59 83 54 51-75% 70 66 76 52 64 112 78 100 83 70 96 76-100% 36 56 21 32 32 40 28 41 39 35 28 0-25% 205 218 315 267 244 231 229 284 303 190 313 26-50% 403 286 397 381 278 232 268 386 474 382 460 51-75% 506 528 679 526 577 595 489 681 653 710 651 76-100% 667 445 715 559 520 526 426 609 680 801 658 263 248 296 315 326 362 362 419 266 180 302 26-50% 279 320 317 251 280 336 512 444 380 399 459 51-75% 653 431 439 485 371 632 571 588 513 692 713 76-100% 406 350 423 335 281 443 471 478 467 616 506 Drug suspension rate Percent minority Percent receiving free/reduced lunch 0-25% Note: These are disciplinary incidents for all drugs and is not limited to marijuana. Rates are calculated per 100,000 students and it is possible for one student to have multiple disciplinary incidents in one school year. There was an effort to reduce expulsions and suspensions in Colorado schools from 2011-12 onward and this should be kept in mind when interpreting these results. Source: Colorado Department of Education, Colorado Education Statistics, URL: http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdereval, Retrieved 12/14/2015. Appendix Recent marijuana use, by region, grade level, and adult status COLORADO Department of Public Safety 130 131 Appendix G, Table 12. Past 30-day marijuana use, by school level or age, 2013/2014 Middle school High school Adult 19.7 13.6 Region Counties Colorado All Region 1 Logan, Morgan, Philips, Sedgwick, Washington, Yuma 5.8 11.4 7.9 Region 2 Larimer 4.1 16.9 13.7 Region 3 Douglas 1.3 13.2 10.0 Region 4 El Paso 2.5 14.8 12.0 Region 5 Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson, Lincoln 4.6 9.4 1.4 Region 6 Baca, Bent, Crowley, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, Prowers 12.3 17.6 5.9 Region 7 Pueblo 22.8 32.1 12.7 Region 8 Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, Saguache 8.2 23.1 14.4 Region 9 Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan 10.0 24.6 14.2 Region 10 Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel 5.0 26.7 13.5 Region 11 Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt 2.1 14.3 11.0 Region 12 Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Pitkin, Summit 4.8 19.7 15.6 Region 13 Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake 10.0 22.9 9.6 Region 14 Adams 6.4 22.8 11.2 Region 15 Arapahoe 7.1 20.6 14.9 Region 16 Boulder, Broomfield 4.0 20.3 18.9 Region 17 Clear Creek, Gilpin, Park, Teller 5.7 25.1 11.4 Region 18 Weld 4.0 18.6 12.1 Region 19 Mesa 5.5 17.2 5.4 Region 20 Denver 19.2 26.6 18.5 Region 21 Jefferson NA NA 14.8 5.1 Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor and Surveillance Survey; Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 2013 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey. Appendix Marijuana business licenses, by license type, city, and county COLORADO Department of Public Safety 132 133 Appendix H, Table 13. Licensees, by type of license and city, December 2015 City Total Alamosa Alma Antonito Aspen Aurora Avon Avondale Bailey Basalt Berthoud Beulah Black Hawk Bond Boone Boulder Breckenridge Buena Vista Canon City Carbondale Cascade Center Central City Colorado City Colorado Springs Commerce City Como Cortez Craig Crested Butte De Beque Denver Dillon Divide Downieville Dumont Durango Eagle Edgewater Edwards Empire Englewood Evergreen Fairplay Federal Heights Florence Medical center 508 2 1 Medical cultivation 736 4 1 Medical product manufacturer 197 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 Retail store 408 Retail cultivation 512 1 2 7 22 4 1 3 1 1 2 14 17 4 2 1 2 5 8 3 1 1 2 1 15 1 1 1 4 149 3 1 2 3 208 383 1 1 1 5 1 5 2 1 4 1 1 1 5 1 35 1 1 1 5 95 2 1 1 2 2 1 6 Total licenses 2521 2 4 2 18 42 12 6 11 5 3 2 5 1 8 131 9 3 2 21 2 2 6 3 301 2 1 2 4 3 157 3 2 2 211 1 1 8 1 6 1 1 1 2 6 1 2 48 10 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 11 2 32 1 2 2 117 Testing lab 2 2 1 8 38 2 3 15 1 1 2 1 1 9 3 6 4 2 Retail product manufacturer 160 1 1 3 4 1 14 1 10 5 1102 3 2 4 9 26 4 11 5 5 6 2 6 1 6 134 Appendix H, Table 13. Licensees, by type of license and city, December 2015 City Florissant Fort Collins Fort Garland Fort Morgan Fraser Frisco Garden City Georgetown Glendale Glenwood Golden Grand Lake Gunnison Gypsum Hartsel Henderson Hesperus Idaho Springs Jefferson Lafayette Lake George Lakewood Leadville Littleton Log Lane Longmont Louisville Lyons Mancos Manitou Moffat Montrose Mountain View Nederland New Castle Northglenn Oak Creek Ophir Pagosa Springs Palisade Palmer Lake Parachute Penrose Pueblo Pueblo West Ridgway Medical center 14 1 Medical cultivation 2 16 1 Medical product manufacturer 3 Retail store Retail cultivation Retail product manufacturer 10 2 11 3 1 1 1 3 1 3 4 1 5 1 1 3 2 3 4 1 5 6 3 6 1 1 4 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 2 1 1 1 1 3 1 5 1 2 12 5 4 2 3 1 2 1 1 3 2 1 1 2 1 5 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 6 1 5 1 3 5 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 4 11 20 13 3 1 2 3 1 4 2 1 5 1 2 5 3 2 1 1 6 10 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 2 13 11 1 1 1 1 1 10 10 3 1 45 15 4 13 12 1 Testing lab Total licenses 2 57 4 1 3 6 19 4 8 17 1 3 10 1 4 2 2 13 1 15 1 17 8 5 14 6 3 5 5 2 4 7 2 8 1 14 14 2 9 2 3 5 14 107 71 13 135 Appendix H, Table 13. Licensees, by type of license and city, December 2015 City Rifle Rye Saguache Salida San Acacio San Luis San Pablo Sedgwick Silt Silver Plume Silverthorne Silverton Snowmass Steamboat Medical center 5 Medical cultivation 6 1 1 Medical product manufacturer Retail store 1 3 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 1 3 4 9 1 4 4 2 2 2 2 3 1 4 11 1 Retail cultivation 5 5 2 5 1 2 2 1 1 3 1 8 1 5 7 3 1 5 Retail product manufacturer Testing lab 1 1 2 2 2 4 Tabernash Telluride Trinidad Walsenburg Watkins Wheat Ridge 4 3 3 4 3 Woodland Park 1 Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Marijuana Enforcement Division. URL: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enforcement/med-licensed-facilities. Retrieved 12/4/2015 2 Total licenses 16 5 3 11 1 7 2 4 2 1 4 6 1 27 8 20 32 4 1 22 1 136 Appendix H, Table 14. Licensees, by type of license and county, December 2015 Medical center Medical cultivation 2 Medical product manufacturer 2 Retail store 5 Retail cultivation 9 Retail product manufacturer 10 County Adams 6 Alamosa 2 Arapahoe 11 3 7 5 Archuleta 2 2 2 Boulder 23 37 15 46 17 Chaffee 1 3 1 5 1 Clear Creek 5 5 4 10 4 Conejos Costilla 2 3 5 Denver 208 383 95 211 48 Eagle 5 3 7 2 El Paso 118 151 36 1 Fremont 4 17 1 Garfield 10 12 2 16 5 Gilpin 2 2 Grand 2 1 2 1 2 Gunnison 2 6 2 Huerfano 3 Jefferson 23 9 4 5 4 La Plata 5 5 1 7 2 Lake 5 Larimer 16 17 3 11 3 Las Animas 4 4 2 7 4 Mesa 1 1 2 Moffat 1 Montezuma 4 4 1 3 Montrose 2 2 3 Morgan 2 3 1 4 2 Ouray 1 3 1 4 1 Park 3 3 13 3 Pitkin 5 2 2 3 4 Pueblo 24 33 16 83 26 Routt 3 11 4 13 6 Saguache 1 5 2 San Juan 3 1 San Miguel 3 4 3 5 3 Sedgwick 1 1 1 Summit 3 2 4 2 Teller 1 4 Weld 3 5 1 4 2 Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Marijuana Enforcement Division. URL: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enforcement/med-licensed-facilities. Retrieved 12/4/2015 23 3 30 3 8 2 4 157 6 2 17 7 6 10 1 10 8 3 10 11 3 7 3 3 6 8 20 4 1 2 4 1 11 4 Testing lab 1 1 10 1 2 2 Total licenses 35 2 49 9 169 14 36 2 14 1112 23 308 22 63 11 14 20 4 57 30 8 60 32 7 1 19 7 15 13 28 24 202 41 9 6 22 4 22 5 19 Appendix I Marijuana licensees in Denver A 0 Department of Public Safety 137 138 Appendix I, Figure 1. Marijuana retail stores and medical dispensaries in Denver, 2016 Source: Denver Post ; URL: http://extras.denverpost.com/maps/news/marijuana/licensed-facilities/ . Copyright © 2016 The Denver Post. Used with permission. 139 Appendix I, Figure 2. Marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, and testing facilities in Denver, 2016 Source: Denver Post; URL: http://extras.denverpost.com/maps/news/marijuana/licensed-facilities/. Copyright © 2016 The Denver Post. Used with permission. Appendix] Medical marijuana registry cardholders, by county COLORADO Department of Public Safety 140 141 Appendix J, Table 15. Medical marijuana cardholders, by county, November 2015 # of % of # of % of County Patients Patients County Patients Patients Adams 7,792 7.1% Kit Carson 54 <1% Alamosa 255 <1% La Plata 1,680 1.5% Arapahoe 10,630 9.7% Lake 177 <1% Archuleta 584 <1% Larimer 5,349 4.9% Baca 30 <1% Las Animas 338 <1% Bent 70 <1% Lincoln 53 <1% Boulder 8,092 7.4% Logan 219 <1% Broomfield 1,093 <1% Mesa 1,851 1.7% Chaffee 389 <1% Mineral 20 <1% Cheyenne 22 <1% Moffat 210 <1% Clear Creek 340 <1% Montezuma 691 <1% Conejos 77 <1% Montrose 641 <1% Costilla 173 <1% Morgan 219 <1% Crowley 88 <1% Otero 257 <1% Custer 111 <1% Ouray 153 <1% Delta 527 <1% Park 713 <1% Denver 16,604 15.1% Phillips 42 <1% Dolores 50 <1% Pitkin 443 <1% Douglas 3,390 3.1% Prowers 120 <1% Eagle 1,227 1.1% Pueblo 3,672 3.3% El Paso 18,944 17.2% Rio Blanco 60 <1% Elbert 290 <1% Rio Grande 177 <1% Fremont 1,159 1.1% Routt 868 <1% Garfield 1,104 1.0% Saguache 174 <1% Gilpin 273 <1% San Juan 13 <1% Grand 374 <1% San Miguel 267 <1% Gunnison 262 <1% Sedgwick 78 <1% Hinsdale 10 <1% Summit 1,003 <1% Huerfano 223 <1% Teller 908 <1% Jackson 22 <1% Washington 56 <1% Jefferson 11,895 10.8% Weld 3,224 2.9% Kiowa 10 <1% Yuma 79 <1% Source: Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Medical marijuana statistics and data, URL: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/medical-marijuanastatistics-and-data. 142 Appendix Marijuana revenue collection and expenditure flowchart COLORADO Department of Public Safety State Share (85%) of 10% Retail Sales Tax 2.9% Sales Tax on Medical Marijuana 2.9 % Sales Tax on Medical Marijuana (pass-through) Department of Transportation Department of Public Safety Department of Public Health and Environment Department of Local Affairs Attorney General's Office Judicial Department Department of Human Services Local Share of 10% Special Sales Tax The special sales tax will be reduced to 8% beginning July 1, 2017 (15% of gross tax collected, proportionate to local sales) General Fund 10% Special Sales Tax on Retail Marijuana Department of Health Care Policy and Financing Governor's Office Department of Education Department of Agriculture Appropriated to Various State Agencies Marijuana Tax Cash Fund 2.9% Sales Tax on Retail Marijuana 2.9 % Sales Tax on Retail Marijuana Source: Alice Wheet, Colorado Office of State Planning and Budgeting Public School Fund (K-12 Education) (12.5% of which is credited to the Charter School Facilities Assistance Subaccount) B.E.S.T. Public School Capital Construction Assistance Fund 15% Excise Tax on Retail Marijuana Enforcement Youth Prevention Licensing Substance Abuse Treatment Regulatory Oversight Compliance Department of Revenue Regulation Marijuana Cash Fund Medical and Retail Marijuana Business Fees Public Safety Health Research Department of Public Health and Environment Patient Registry & Oversight Medical Marijuana Program Cash Fund Medical Marijuana Patient Fees How is Marijuana Revenue Collected and Spent in the State of Colorado? 143 Appendix Denver Police Department Marijuana Arrest Data from Internal Analysis COLORADO Department of Public Safety 144 145  Appendix L, Table 16. Marijuana arrests in Denver, 2012‐2014a  Total  Age group  Juvenile  Adult  Race/ethnicity  White  Hispanic  African‐American  Other  2012  1,572  2013  868  2014  395 % change  2012‐2014  ‐75%  378  1,194  368  500  116 279 ‐69%  ‐77%  816  263  467  26  387  252  209  19  179 107 97 12 ‐78%  ‐59%  ‐79%  ‐54%  a  Denver’s officially reported marijuana arrest data for 2012 and 2013 was incomplete due to  separate jail arrest and citation systems. Cite and release data were not reported to the Colorado  Bureau of Investigation until July 2013. Additionally, the 2014 arrest data reported by Denver  include a non‐criminal civil citation, which lead to an over‐reporting of marijuana arrests for that  year. The Denver Police Department does not believe that the official data they reported to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is an accurate reflection of their internal data.The data in this  table come from an internal analysis conducted by the Denver Police Department’s Data Analysis  Unit.  These data do not reflect the official State data and any questions about the methodology for  gathering and presenting these data should be addressed to the Denver Police Department's  Data Analysis Unit.  Source: Denver Police Department (2016).