The State of Utah has announced that for the summer 2014 mountain biking season they’ll begin testing riders for marijuana use before allowing them to ride their trails. The news is devastating for neighboring Colorado riders, for whom marijuana use is now legal, but Utah officials say they are within their rights.
“Just because Colorado lets you shred Fruita with a monster grin on doesn’t mean we have to let you dizzy hippies near Moab,” said Fran Seapance, director of lobbyist group Protecting Utah From Freaks, or PUFF. PUFF has a history of urging conservative Utahan politicians to approve anti-marijuana legislation. The group’s website maintains a list of bills it calls “Stuff PUFF passed.”
Under the new legislation, PUFF representatives armed with blood testing kits will be stationed at trailheads of Utah’s much-prized trails, such as Moab and the Park City area. Riders will be asked to submit to blood tests the day before they intend to ride, then check with their local PUFF office to find out if they’re cleared to go ahead.
PUFF says the process is fast and only slightly excruciating, but riders are outraged.
“This is such a bummer,” said Cody Dustin, 24, XC rider and corn chips enthusiast from Boulder, CO. “Utah has some of the best trails in the world, and they are holding them hostage.” Dustin then shook his head, and added, “I’m hungry.”
Though outraged emails from riders like Dustin have poured into PUFF offices as well as state and federal representatives, Seapance says the state of Utah is well within its rights to restrict access.
“If you take the pot, you won’t be riding our trails,” he said. “Unless you’re Willie Nelson or maybe Snoop Lion. Those guys are legends. But we doubt either of them could operate a bike, so whatever.”
8 Comments
Apr 1, 2014
Apr 1, 2014
Apr 1, 2014
Apr 1, 2014
Apr 1, 2014
Also, I'm getting REALLY tired of smelling "it" everywhere on the ski slopes now, despite the fact that it is still illegal to do so there, and probably a little dangerous if you chase your Mary Jane with a couple of shots of Jack too.
I was thinking that it will be interesting to see if attorneys at SkiLaw.com start demanding drug testing or sobriety testing as part of their prosecution/defense in cases involving ski/snowboard collisions.
It would be indefensable if you get high and tag someone WFO on skis and permanently disable them. Think of all the affluent bunny hoppers at resorts like Aspen who'd take a bite out of your paycheck for the rest of your life to teach you a lesson. Or, more likely, the parasitic folks who'd watch you get loaded, and force a collision to fake an injury to prey on you for the same reasons.
Ah, I digress, but food for thought. On the slopes or the trail. Be careful out there!!
Apr 2, 2014
I frequently do a lunch ride on the paved path running through Colorado Springs, starting near my office downtown and extending north through numerous parks and behind Colorado College. It's quite strong along much of my ride.
The privilege has been given--now of only those who wish to partake would do so in a thoughtful, civilized manner.
Apr 1, 2014
Apr 2, 2016