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How does recreational marijuana affect tourism?

Posted at 10:06 PM, Nov 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-02 01:06:55-04

In the next part of 13 Action News series of reports on marijuana, what sorts of people does recreational marijuana attract to Colorado or potentially Nevada?

More police are patrolling in Denver and private security guards were hired with the influx of tourists visiting Colorado after the state legalized recreational marijuana.

Attorney Rachel O'Bryan cites a report from Denver's Downtown Convention and Visitors Bureau indicating marijuana consumption, panhandling and safety concerns are the top complaints from meeting planners across the country.

RELATED: Following the money after Colorado legalized recreational marijuana

But on the plus side, pot tourists are helping the marijuana business surge.

However, where can the tourists smoke? Most hotels don't allow it and openly smoking marijuana is not allowed -- although many still do so.

There is now a push to allow bars to designate areas for open marijuana smoking. That also leads to another concern about drivers being intoxicated on alcohol and marijuana.

However, the data is limited and inconclusive on the impact of recreational marijuana on DUIs in Colorado.