If you talked to Michigan residents 10 years ago, the idea of legalizing recreational marijuana was a divisive topic. For some, it was a pipe dream, no pun intended — but people on the other side of the issue saw it as a nightmare. The logistics of implementing rules for legalized pot.

It’s been nearly 5 years since cannabis use was legalized in Michigan, and, in Marquette County at least, not much has changed in terms of law enforcement.

The industry here is very tightly regulated, and has had several positive impacts right here at home. Jobs have been created, buildings that might otherwise have been abandoned have become retail stores, and law enforcement, no doubt, can focus its efforts on crimes other than marijuana possession.

Before marijuana was legalized, Marquette County Sheriff Greg Zyburt said he was one of the people “who thought the sky was going to fall in,” if the law was passed.

But not much has changed, according to Zyburt and other local police.

If anything, local officials say drugged driving arrests have likely increased over the past several years, but that can’t be directly connected to the legalization of recreational marijuana.

And, law enforcement has been able to adapt and improve training so that officers can more easily recognize drugged driving.

“Before we were always focused on alcohol. There were a lot more drugged drivers at the time than we were aware of. I think the advanced training has made the arrest rate for impaired driving under drugs higher,” said Marquette County Sheriff’s Office Captain Lowell Larson told the Mining Journal.

While we do not advocate drug use of any kind, we are happy to see that the first few years of legalized recreational marijuana in Michigan has had very little negative impact on Marquette County at least from a law enforcement perspective.

In that regard, it seems the situation is well under control.

It would be interesting to explore the longterm impacts on individuals who use marijuana regularly.

Until then, it seems as though — like alcohol — recreational marijuana should be used with caution. We appreciate the members of law enforcement for stepping up their efforts to keep everyone safe.