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Pats fans hitting up Denver pot shops before big game
By: Chris Cassidy

http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2014/01/pats_fans_hitting_up_denver_pot_shops_before_big_game

New England Patriots fans are already in a Mile High state of mind for this weekend’s AFC Championship showdown with the Broncos, seizing on the opportunity to score some pot from Denver marijuana shops just days after Colorado legalized weed for recreational use.

“We had 45 people from Massachusetts today — I’d say at least 80 percent of them are here for the game,” said Justin Staley, an owner of Mile High Medical Cannabis, a pot shop across the street from Sports Authority Field at Mile High. “We saw 250 to 300 San Diego Chargers fans last weekend. I know for a fact we’re going to see well over 300 Boston fans. You guys follow your team.”

Because identification is required, Staley could spot Bay Staters hitting town early looking for a Rocky Mountain high.

Colorado became the first state in the nation to legalize recreational marijuana sales on Jan. 1.

Pot prices at Mile High Medical range from $12 for a gram of its “black label” to $50 for an eighth of its “connoisseur label” — but that doesn’t include a whopping 22 percent “grass tax.”

Staley said most out-of-state tourists, including football fans, have been buying a joint or two — though they can legally buy up to a quarter ounce at a time.

Staley figured the state’s new pot laws might also help ease tension between Denver and New England fans in the days leading up to the epic Tom Brady/Peyton Manning QB clash Sunday afternoon.

“I think the cannabis will help keep things under control and keep things happy and calm,” Staley told the Herald yesterday.

Even though the Broncos have a no-pot policy both inside the stadium and at parking lots, plenty of fans were photographed sparking up during last Sunday’s Broncos-Chargers tilt, according to numerous reports.

Massachusetts State Police said they don’t plan any extra enforcement at Logan International Airport to try to catch Pats fans bringing back souvenirs of weed.

“I suspect that to most Patriots fans making the trip, Mile High is only the name of the Broncos’ former stadium, and not a state of consciousness to shoot for,” said state police spokesman David Procopio. “We don’t see it being a huge problem. But just in case anyone is thinking about it, travelers should be aware that we are vigilant every day for any type of contraband. Anyone who buys marijuana in Colorado is advised to leave it there when they fly back.”

Pot is still banned at Denver International Airport, but a Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman said in a statement to the Herald its policy is to refer drug finds during screenings to law enforcement.

“TSA’s focus is on terrorism and security threats to the aircraft and its passengers,” the agency said.

Under Colorado law, pot tourists can only purchase up to a quarter-ounce of the drug. You also need to be 21 years old and show identification — but your name won’t be recorded. Most pot dispensaries prefer cash, because of sticky banking regulations.

It’s also illegal to smoke in public places, including pot shops, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, parks, Sports Authority Field and even outdoor balconies. Best bets are private residences and certain hotels.

Weed’s OK in the car, as long as you’re transporting and not consuming or under the influence of the drug.

And, don’t stray over the state line. Cops in neighboring states frown upon the free use of weed.

http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2014/01/pats_fans_hitting_up_denver_pot_shops_before_big_game