Sam Cole, CDOT Communications Manager
303.757-9484 (desk) | 303-859-1304 (cell)sam.cole@state.co.us
303.757-9484 (desk) | 303-859-1304 (cell)sam.cole@state.co.us
MEDIA ADVISORY
CDOT aims to nip cannabis-impaired driving in the bud with Valentine’s Day safety bouquets
Agency invites dispensary patrons to help keep their loved ones safe on the road with safety valentines
DENVER — Roses are red, violets are blue… and this Valentine’s Day, CDOT is seeing green as part of a special awareness effort to curb cannabis-impaired driving. In partnership with Lightshade dispensaries, CDOT is feeling the love by giving out safety bouquets featuring artificial marijuana leaves and encouraging dispensary patrons to give a valentine to their loved ones with a reminder to always plan for a sober ride.
WHAT: On Thursday, Feb. 13 and Friday, Feb. 14., CDOT will be giving out safety bouquets and “sweedheart” valentines at Lightshade’s eight metro Denver and Aurora locations while supplies last. Patrons are invited to personalize and share the valentines, which include messages about marijuana-impaired driving safety, with their friends and family.
WHEN: Bouquets and cards will be distributed all day Thursday and Friday, Feb. 13-14. Media opportunity will be Thursday, Feb. 13, from 10 to 11 a.m.
WHERE: Lightshade dispensary locations in Denver and Aurora
VISUALS: Available at Lightshade at 330 S. Dayton St. only:
· Safety bouquets with cannabis-themed foliage
· Safety valentines and patrons personalizing valentines to give to loved ones
· Interview opportunities with:
· Sam Cole, CDOT Communications Manager
· Lisa Gee, Lightshade Director of Marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility
· Lightshade budtender
WHY: Feedback from CDOT’s two-year Cannabis Conversation initiative, which researched cannabis-impaired driving behaviors and perspectives from more than 18,000 Coloradans, found that people who drive under the influence of cannabis said they expect passengers to intervene if they feel unsafe — but passengers said they generally do not speak up even when they are uncomfortable. CDOT’s Valentine’s Day promotion is an effort to empower cannabis consumers to speak up to protect themselves and their loved ones throughout the year.
