Marijuana
Colorado Amendment #64 was voted on November 16th, 2012 and passed by a little over 9% of the vote.
It allowed Colorado citizens over the age of 21 to posses, grow, gift, sell, and smoke marijuana, with rules and guidelines similar to alcohol in regards to being under the influence in public or while operating motor vehicles.
The law officially took effect January 1st, 2014, when cannabis shops statewide opened for business. Since then, there has a been a very slow, but emerging number of citizens who have begun to experiment with cannabis use.
Researchers have shown a small spike in the number of DUI (Driving Under the Influence of a controlled substance) arrests, while pro-marijuana advocates are quick to point out an equally small drop in the number of violent crimes. (Armed robbery, home invasions, assaults, murders)
Researchers have shown a small spike in the number of DUI (Driving Under the Influence of a controlled substance) arrests, while pro-marijuana advocates are quick to point out an equally small drop in the number of violent crimes. (Armed robbery, home invasions, assaults, murders)
Universities and professional independent researchers alike have flocked to Colorado to gather data concerning marijuana use, in order to answer a number of various questions regarding substance abuse, regular consumption, and future drug experimentation with other substances.
Possession and consumption of cannabis still remains illegal under federal law, but due to vague laws regarding federal vs. state law, the U.S. government has been slow to react. It is widely known by even the most common citizen, thanks to undaunted journalist in the state, that the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) offices in the state have been appropriated more funding than usual, and are receiving an influx of officers while the government plans its next move.
Gun Laws
Starting on April 20th, 1999 with the shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO, the state of Colorado has seen at least one major shooting each year.While these usually take place at a school, they have not been limited to just places of education. Several have been in crowded malls or major city events with large gatherings. 2009 was the first year to see more than 3 shootings, and each year after that has had at least as many, with 2013 having 4 major shootings.
School, government, and law officials have been battling this problem in a variety of ways, mental healthcare reform, increased school security, awareness & counseling programs, and attempts at tightening gun control laws. The NRA (National Rifle Association) has been at the forefront of battling against gun laws. After the November 2013 shooting at Fort Collins High School which left 24 high school students dead at the hands of Evan Matthers & Christopher Rivers, not even the entire lobby of pro-gun advocates could stand against the tide of public opinion. The Colorado state senate passed enough gun control laws that have made the sale of firearms all but impossible to public citizens. Concealed carries cannot be come by without an active job in law enforcement or military service.
In public gatherings or any sort of academic setting from day-cares to college universities, even mentioning a firearm in any context is as taboo as saying the word "bomb" at an airport. All public education buildings now have anywhere from 2-6 law enforcement officials on site, depending on the size of the school, some working in an off-duty capacity. Furthermore, there is not a single school within Colorado that does not have metal detectors and teachers or law enforcement officials standing by with wand-scanners at the front gates.
Private educators have begun hiring private companies to provide the same level of security.
Whether or not these added security precautions will have an impact can only be told with time.
Gun Laws
Starting on April 20th, 1999 with the shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO, the state of Colorado has seen at least one major shooting each year.While these usually take place at a school, they have not been limited to just places of education. Several have been in crowded malls or major city events with large gatherings. 2009 was the first year to see more than 3 shootings, and each year after that has had at least as many, with 2013 having 4 major shootings.
School, government, and law officials have been battling this problem in a variety of ways, mental healthcare reform, increased school security, awareness & counseling programs, and attempts at tightening gun control laws. The NRA (National Rifle Association) has been at the forefront of battling against gun laws. After the November 2013 shooting at Fort Collins High School which left 24 high school students dead at the hands of Evan Matthers & Christopher Rivers, not even the entire lobby of pro-gun advocates could stand against the tide of public opinion. The Colorado state senate passed enough gun control laws that have made the sale of firearms all but impossible to public citizens. Concealed carries cannot be come by without an active job in law enforcement or military service.
In public gatherings or any sort of academic setting from day-cares to college universities, even mentioning a firearm in any context is as taboo as saying the word "bomb" at an airport. All public education buildings now have anywhere from 2-6 law enforcement officials on site, depending on the size of the school, some working in an off-duty capacity. Furthermore, there is not a single school within Colorado that does not have metal detectors and teachers or law enforcement officials standing by with wand-scanners at the front gates.
Private educators have begun hiring private companies to provide the same level of security.
Whether or not these added security precautions will have an impact can only be told with time.
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