Homeless Flocking to Colorado for Marijuana

Colorado is now facing yet another unintended, and unforseen consequence about legalized pot. Homeless people are flocking to the state to get high. Is this a problem that will begin to show up in our state as well?

According to the Daily Signal online, a new survey and study show a significant increase in the state's homeless population, and the reason they're coming is marijuana.

The Signal and the Associated Press say 500 people living in homeless shelters in Denver were interviewed, and said they recently come to the state because they can legally buy pot with whatever financial resources they can get their hands on.

Denver and Colorado Salvation Army and state social services officials say they've had to hire additional workers to care for these new arrivals. The Salvation Army says it's had to double it's manpower. GOP State Representative Ted Harvey says:

“It’s having an impact on all of our social services across the state and at the municipal level when you have 30 percent increase in homelessness because of legalizing marijuana."

Many in Washington state are watching Colorado closely to see what issues and problems have arisen from the sale of marijuana, because they started selling it at least six months before we did.

Now, critics are wondering if this type of issue will soon spread to our state.