A national non-profit group is calling for a shutdown of the marijuana industry in Colorado and other states.

According to The Cannabist, the group Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) would like the government to "systematically" shut down the pot industry.

Their report says traffic fatalities linked to marijuana are up in Colorado. It also says the crime rate in Colorado is increasing faster than the rest of the nation, there has been increased problems with pot at school, and more marijuana is getting into neighboring states.

Legalized marijuana definitely has the attention of the federal government, but, somehow it seems unlikely there could be any "back-pedaling" on the issue where marijuana laws are reversed.

Is there a better way to regulate marijuana? Is there a more effective way to monitor and police pot use behind the wheel? Is there a way to keep marijuana off the streets and out of the hands of our kids?

The answer to all of these questions is yes, but the problem is the state hasn't yet figured out how to make those things happen. The other problem is the state may not be looking for those answers.

For those that fear recreational pot may be taken away,  you probably have nothing to worry about. That seems highly unlikely. But we all should hope the state learns how to most effectively manage this lucrative industry before it spirals out of control.

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