A group of Massachusetts state senators is taking a trip to Colorado to learn about the state’s experiences with legalizing recreational marijuana.
The senators from Massachusetts are looking for a more hands-on approach to learning about how recreational weed works.
“We have recognized all along that the best way to learn about the impact of legalizing marijuana is to spend time on the ground in the state that has the most experience with it, and that is Colorado,” said Sen. Jason Lewis, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Marijuana.
Colorado legalized weed for recreational use in 2012. Since then, the state has seen a windfall of revenue from taxation, with marijuana businesses garnering more than $50 million in profits in 2014 alone.
The Associated Press reports the committee was formed at the beginning of 2015 to examine the issue of marijuana legalization, which could potentially appear on the ballot in Massachusetts in the 2016 election.
Since its inception, the Committee expanded its membership and currently includes ten senators.
Lewis’s website states the four-day research trip will focus on questions for Colorado regulators, such as the process in which marijuana product is tracked from seed to sale, how law enforcement officers manage drugged-driving traffic stops and other policy questions.
A draft itinerary for the four-day trip starting Monday includes meetings and discussions with Colorado state regulators, legislators, and law enforcement officials.
So far, the agenda does not appear to include any formal stops at cannabis dispensaries or storefronts, but it seems likely that the Massachusetts state senators will want to examine the consumer side of recreational marijuana, as well.
“Expanding the committee membership and spending time on the ground in Colorado will enable us to strengthen and further refine our analysis and recommendations,” Lewis said.
Along with Colorado, recreational use of marijuana is currently legal in Washington, Alaska, and Oregon.
