SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC4 News) – Some people are still on a high about Colorado and Washington state legalizing marijuana.
Cheers erupted in Salt Lake at the Democratic Party Headquarters when television screens flashed the announcement Tuesday.
Several Utahns are planning on crossing state lines to get their hands on weed, while others are disappointed with the new laws.
“I think it’s terrible,” Sue Christensen said. “People can go right over there and get it now. I don’t think that’s right.”
Adults 21 and older can legally possess an ounce of weed in Washington and the state will allow licensed marijuana growers, processors and retail stores.
In Colorado, people can have the drug for recreational use. It will also allow people to grow as many as six marijuana plants in private, secure areas.
“I do smoke on occasion,” Wayne Scanlan said. “I probably would move to Colorado!”
A Facebook page dedicated to legalizing the drug in Colorado has over 2 million “Likes.” People have posted many comments talking about taking road trips to either state.
“I don’t think it should be legalized,” Christensen said. “It’s dangerous.”
For people who plan to travel for pot, Utah Highway Patrol will be closely watching. Corporal Todd Johnson said UHP’s drug interdiction teams will monitor U-S 40 and Interstate 70.
“Once they cross into Utah, they’re subject to Utah laws,” Johnson said. “If you’re in possession, it is illegal.”
It may take several months or even a year to find out how much weed will be crossed into Utah or how it will affect our state.
“For me personally, I think it’s used for a lot of good purposes in life,” Scanlan added.
But Christensen still disagreed.
“I think if a doctor prescribes it and that’s what you want to do that’s your choice,” she said. “I don’t think that’s why they did it. They just want everyone to have it.”
