With the rise of marijuana commercialization in Colorado, surrounding states are beginning to feel the influx in marijuana trafficking.
Sedgwick, Colorado, a mere 20 minutes from the Nebraska border, serves as the home to a recreational marijuana shop almost solely supported by tourist traffic seeking that Rocky Mountain high. Although owner Michael Kollarits urges consumers, “to be an adult” and not violate neighboring states marijuana laws, many disregard his warning and instead feel compelled to create their own black market in at least 40 other states where Colorado marijuana has been identified. This process, known as smurfing (not unlike the buy-up of pseudoephedrine on Breaking Bad) provides a highly potent product to states already strapped for judicial funds and time that now have to contend with Colorado’s decision and puts their own children at risk for early use.
A day in the Colorado marijuana black market
washingtonpost.com