Kate Panetta of Natural Remedies removes medical marijuana from a jar for a customer at the Denver dispensary in August 2013. (Hyoung Chang, Denver Post file)

Kansas AG puts out statewide call for info on Colorado marijuana

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is gathering data from local law enforcement agencies in an effort to measure the impact of Colorado-purchased marijuana on the state.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports that Schmidt has sent more than 500 survey forms requesting information to county and district attorneys, as well as police departments. He said he would make the survey results public when they are compiled later this year.

“There are numerous and persistent anecdotal accounts of marijuana acquired in Colorado and illegally transported into Kansas causing harm here,” Schmidt said. “But because of technology limits, the confirming data is elusive. Since Colorado’s experiment with legalization is affecting Kansas, we need to know more about what is actually happening here so policymakers can make informed decisions.”

Kansas law still prohibits the possession or distribution of marijuana.

In 2012, Colorado voters approved legalizing the sale and possession of small amounts of marijuana for recreational use.

Although it remains an illegal substance under federal law, Schmidt’s office notes federal law enforcement agencies have elected not to fully enforce those laws in states like Colorado.

However, Schmidt said federal enforcement remains a possibility if marijuana from states like Colorado is transported into surrounding states and causes harm.

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Information from: Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World