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Dear Stoner: Can I take marijuana on the light rail or the bus?
Lemon
Dear Lemon: The Regional Transportation District (RTD) isn’t a federal entity, but it’s overseen by the State of Colorado, operating in eight counties around metro Denver. Luckily for you, Colorado voters also legalized cannabis, giving its citizens the right to possess it on public property — but with airports, national parks and other federal lands banning it, I don’t blame you for being confused. RTD receives nearly $600,000 in funding each month from cannabis tax revenue, though, so it’d be pretty weak to disallow cannabis possession while it’s taking money from the industry. RTD might be slow to arrive at your stop, but it’s not stupid.
Although cannabis consumption is obviously prohibited while using RTD transport, possessing cannabis is legal if you follow the same guidelines as you would when driving with it in your own vehicle. Keep no more than an ounce in a sealed childproof container at all times while on RTD property (including stations) and you’re in the clear. And if you’re trying to eat an edible on the A Line on the way to the airport, scarf it down quickly.
Send questions to marijuana@westword.com.
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