By Steve Elliott
Hemp News
Tourists are responsible for up to 90 percent of recreational marijuana sales in some Colorado ski resort towns, according to a new analysis from the state. Those visitors are infusing tens of millions of dollars into the Mile High marijuana economy.
The study was prepared for state marijuana regulators by the Marijuana Policy Group, which is a collaboration between private consultants and the University of Colorado-Boulder Business Research Division, reports Trever Hughes at USA Today. It says that about 9 percent of Colorado residents are using cannabis at least once per month.
According to the study, which was released on Wednesday, 22 percent of users consume about 70 percent of the marijuana sold in Colorado. The study defines a "heavy marijuana user" as someone consuming a gram or more a day at least 21 days monthly.
Colorado residents will consume about 121.4 metric tons of weed each year, while tourists will buy nearly 9 metric tons, according to the study. Earlier this year, state tax officials estimated the market at just 91 metric tons, and a separate study released last year estimated it at just 64 metric tons.