Businesses and law enforcement adjust to new recreational marijuana laws

We are halfway through the first week of new marijuana sales that began January 1st. Voters approved legalizing recreational pot, and industry businesses, along with law enforcement, had a lot to do to prepare for the change.

The first week has been “just hectic, hectic, hectic,” Joshua Lechner, the manager of Capitola Healing Association said.

Lechner and his business are adjusting to the new track and trace system, new warning labels, and child-safety packaging. This is something customers have to get used to, as well

“Some customers may not like the pre-packed stuff, but I think the majority of them like a more professional atmosphere. “

Lechner was also surprised that there were more recreational marijuana customers than medical patients.

“The recreational customer base coming in here is outdoing the medical base,” adding “I didn’t really (expect that).”

These new laws, however, worry local law enforcement. Agencies we spoke with during the days and weeks leading up to the January 1st change say they believe we could see more marijuana impaired drivers.

Through Wednesday afternoon, California Highway Patrol-Santa Cruz says there have been no strictly marijuana DUI arrests.

“It is still early so we are just waiting to see what happens,” Officer Elizabeth Addy, California Highway Patrol said.

CHP received a three-million dollar grant to help officers better detect marijuana impairment. It is a 20 hour class that includes classroom and hands-on training. Officer Elizabeth Addy said tests to determine alcohol related DUIs can be used for marijuana DUIs.

“Every officer in this office has that training. So we are going out to specifically look for those cases out there.”