Reader: There's Still Shame Associated With Smoking Pot, Even in Colorado

A new Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment survey found that 13.6 percent of Coloradans eighteen and up currently use marijuana. This number is almost double the percentage of current users found in a 2013 poll conducted nationally by Gallup. But not many folks who weighed in on the...

By Michael Roberts

June 18, 2015

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

A new Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment survey found that 13.6 percent of Coloradans eighteen and up currently use marijuana.

This number is almost double the percentage of current users found in a 2013 poll conducted nationally by Gallup.

But not many folks who weighed in on the post felt the figure was exaggerated. Indeed, plenty who commented feel it may actually be lower than the actual total.

Why? This reader has a theory.

Mike Skeel writes:

13% of adults admit to it, you mean. There is so much shame attached to using marijuana, even in Colorado, that people are afraid to admit it. It's more socially acceptable to drink a 6 pack or two a day than it is to be a casual marijuana user.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts. For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

Become A Member

BEFORE YOU GO...
Can you help us continue to share our stories? Since the beginning, Westword has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver — and we'd like to keep it that way. Our members allow us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

Follow:

Facebook: 111180895657427

Twitter: @mikerobertscolo