Since the legalization of Medical Marijuana ("MMJ") and, most recently, Recreational Marijuana ("RMJ") in Colorado, many question if the State's regulatory policy and practices are effective. As a way to draw a parallel connection to its effectiveness, data was analyzed surrounding the State's economic impact with a nexus from the legalization of RMJ in November 2012. This article will highlight the correlation between Colorado, ranked as having the number one fastest growing economy according to the Business Insider's rating report, and subsequently, the regulation of recreational marijuana. John Hudak, research writer for the Center for Effective Public Management at the Brookings Institution, explains how imperative it is for a successful rollout of any new management policy. Since Colorado is at the forefront of the controversial policy decision to legalize the possession and distribution of recreational marijuana for profit, Hudak notes, the federal government's expectation that "endeavor[s] to authorize medical and recreational marijuana production, distribution, and possession" will "implement strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems." Finally, this paper will utilize established methods to successfully gauge regulatory effectiveness. Considering the conflicting regulations of State and Federal governments, the legalization of RMJ is sparking more concern. The basis of this concern comes into play when the State authorizes the sale of public goods and services; the State secures the generation of finances, quality, and tracking of product sold, and the improvement of effective and safe distribution of the product. Based on these infrastructure models of regulatory effectiveness from previous scholars, this study will outline measurable qualitative data through literature, as well as quantitative data as set forth in various reports.
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