Health department launches new marijuana campaign

One year into legal recreational marijuana sales, the state health department is softening its message.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched a “Good to Know” campaign Monday, urging people to get educated on retail marijuana laws. It’s a striking contrast from last year’s campaign, “Don’t Be a Lab Rat,” which featured human-sized rat cages in Denver.

Last year’s message was aimed toward keeping marijuana out of the hands of minors. Katie Davis, of the Pueblo City-County Health Department, said the state’s new message has a broader audience.

“The purpose of the campaign is to make sure everybody understands the laws associated with legalizing retail marijuana,” Davis said.

In the coming weeks, billboards and TV ads will air, reminding people that they can’t smoke marijuana in public. Another points out that marijuana users aren’t allowed to travel with pot outside of the state.

It’s a message that budtender Heather Hadley, of Marisol Therapeutcs in Pueblo West, said she gets asked frequently.

“Almost all of the new customers that come in that have never been to a recreational shop will ask what the rules are. If they can smoke and drive and things like that. And we always urge them and tell them — no, don’t do that,” Hadley said.

More than $2 million from recreational pot sales will be spent on promoting the campaign.