Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Our spring member drive has ended, but it's not too late to give. You have the power to help fund the essential journalism that keeps us all informed. Help us close the gap on our spring fundraising goal! GIVE NOW

UHP: No Extra Troopers With Colorado's New Marijuana Laws

Utah Department of Public Safety

One of the biggest stories of the new year is Colorado's shift in marijuana policy. Residents in the Centennial State can now legally purchase marijuana, and the federal government has said it will not interfere.

Utah shares a long border with Colorado but authorities here say the new laws won't change enforcement practices. Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Rob Nixon says there's no discussion about adding extra troopers near the border. He says it'll be business as usual.

"The Troopers are out working the roads just like normal," he said. "For a long time we've known that large amounts of narcotics come into the state and though the state via our freeway system. So we've been vigilant about it in the past and plan on just continue working as we have in the past."

In Colorado, non residents can purchase marijuana. But Nixon reminds Utah residents that laws here haven't changed when it comes to use or possession of the drug.

If you come back and you're driving your vehicle impaired - even if you don't bring the marijuana back into the state of Utah - and you're stopped for any traffic reason or you're involved in a crash, it will be investigated just like a DUI, and if you're found to be impaired you'll be arrested.

Visitors to Denver's pot shops have been arriving from around the country with some shoppers flying across the globe to take part in the opening days of business.