Assignment:
What is the origin of Colorado’s cannabis? We will attempt to answer this question with informal data collection.
Start by Googling “colorado cannabis supply” (or similar). A few stories suggest some of the supply comes from outside Colorado while other stories suggest Colorado growers (or buyers) are exporting to other states. Which is it? Is there any evidence of illegal activity?
Next, search for a cannabis retail store in Colorado. Spread out, so we get a random sample representing the entire state (not just Denver). Call the store, with a list of prepared questions. Identify yourself as a student in a "drugs and crime" class, find out who you are talking with (no name needed, just their role), and ask questions about the following.
- Our primary question is about the origin of Colorado's cannabis. You have reviewed stories raising concerns, and others saying there are no problems, so our goal is to get a non-biased picture of what is really happening.
- What else can you learn? Create a list of questions prior to the call. We will not all ask the same questions but if we include most of the following we will have a reasonably good sample.
- What is the source of the cannabis sold in the store? What percentage is grown by the retailer? Are they buying product from any other sources? If so, describe. Do they grow more than they can sell, and if so, what happens to the excess?
- Do growers allow tours of their growing facility? Are they growing in soil or hydroponically? Organic cannabis?
- Do they advertise? How, and have these advertising efforts been effective? Who do these ads target?
- Have state or local regulations placed any restrictions on marketing, store location, etc?
- The dispensary’s typical clientele (age, gender, residency, etc.)?
- Medical sales, or purely recreational? Percentage of each? What sort of medical problems?
- Popularity of edibles?
- What is your favorite part of your job?
Describe your data collection process, including a description of the dispensary, who you spoke with (generally, try to provide some demographic info), and answers to your questions.
Your answer must be in 750 words, typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font (size 12), one-inch margins on all sides, APA format.