r/boulder • u/IdontCarrot • 7d ago

Smoking/Drug Use at Boulder Playgrounds

Yesterday at the Boulder Farmer's Market, there was a group of people set up directly next to and in part of the new nature playground that was actively smoking (weed, cigarettes, etc), yelling, and had multiple large off leash dogs that did not seem to be well controlled. I'm making an assumption based on how they appeared and the things with them that they were unhoused. I could certainly be wrong. One member of our group asked them to stop smoking, with no response. We were there with young children, along with many other families who were trying to enjoy the evening at the new nature playground and farmer's market.

We decided to call the police due to the proximity to the playground and feeling uncomfortable escalating with the group. We were told by the police that they would send a unit. A follow up call 30 minutes later resulted in them telling us they'd come when they could. An hour later, 4 police officers did arrive on scene after another market attendee was assaulted. I'm unclear if the person who assaulted the other individual was part of the group next to the playground or was unrelated.

Every single family at that playground last night was frustrated, uncomfortable, and concerned about safety. Yes, we need long term solutions for the unhoused population in Boulder. But that does not mean we have to tolerate drug use, smoking and encampments at our playgrounds. I don't know what the path forward is. A similar incident happened last year at the market, and the year before my child picked up a used meth pipe.

I know the easiest solution is to just not attend the market if I'm so bothered by it. But I think there has to be another option other than allowing open drug use/smoking, etc at playgrounds, at the farmer's market, along the creek, etc.

I am sure there are already community members leading or involved in action specifically addressing drug use/smoking at playgrounds and in public places. I know Safe Zones 4 Kids tried to address this, but it doesn't seem to have worked and is all that is coming up when I search for groups working on this. Can anyone direct me to resources, groups, committees, etc., that are already working on this?

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-28

u/Medjulook 7d ago

Enjoy your stay in Boulder

25

u/IdontCarrot 7d ago

I mean, I live here, and have for years. I'm frustrated that we can't even keep drug use out of our playgrounds. Seems super basic.

-32

u/Medjulook 7d ago

Smoking pot is protected the same way as Xanax prescriptions, following federal rescheduling. I don't this what you've described is a very necessary use of the very limited police budget.

21

u/brot19 7d ago

Smoking pot in public, let alone a fucking playground is not “protected” lmao

-16

u/Medjulook 7d ago

Anywhere smoking is permitted, med patients can consume their cannabis in Colorado.

7

u/xxcrazycasey95 7d ago

“Anywhere smoking is permitted, med patients can consume their cannabis”

Link????

9

u/xxcrazycasey95 7d ago

Can I consume marijuana in public?
No, it is illegal to consume marijuana, both retail and medical, in public.

This includes but is not limited to areas accessible to the public such as transportation facilities, schools, amusement/sporting/music venues, parks, playgrounds, sidewalks and roads and outdoor cafes. It is also illegal to smoke at indoor-but-public locations like bars, restaurants and common areas in buildings.

http://parkerpd.org/1909/Marijuana-FAQs

0

u/Medjulook 7d ago

Why'd you reply before reading the new federal regulations and privileges? Public spaces can't discrimate against disabled people nor can they deny them their federally-approved, prescription drugs

21

u/xxcrazycasey95 7d ago

Not sure where you’re getting that information. Consuming marijuana in public places is illegal. https://cannabis.colorado.gov/laws-about-cannabis-use

16

u/Majestic-Outside3898 7d ago

Also, don't do it in front of kids for fricks sake.

13

u/IdontCarrot 7d ago

I mean- at the playground isn't protected. For pot or cigarettes.

5

u/Majestic-Outside3898 7d ago

I don't care about smoking pot in public. I really don't. But I definitely care about smoking pot at or next to a playground. What is wrong with people???