Colorado was the first state to legalize adult-use cannabis in the U.S. However, some localities in the high desert state still do not allow dispensary operations. Colorado Springs, a hub for military branches like the Air Force and Space Force, has never turned medical cannabis dispensary operations over into adult use. Advocates continuously try to change that.

The town is faced with repealing that choice this election cycle as voters ponder opposing cannabis legalization initiatives.

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Colorado Springs and recreational cannabis

Activists submitted thousands more than the required signatures to get a citizen-backed initiative on the November ballot. If approved, a city ordinance would allow current medical dispensaries to turn over into recreational shops. There would be a cap on additional retail stores. Tax dollars from the endeavor would be slated for public health, safety, and mental health services.

The Colorado Springs charter dictates that all citizen-backed initiatives that collect enough verified signatures go to the city council. City council members can vote for the question to go to voters or enact it into law right there. The policy resolution was discussed at the Tuesday, August 27th meeting, where council members were clear on their stances.

Within a few minutes, the city council motioned to let the initiative go to the ballot. Council President pro tem Lynette Crow-Iverson interjected before the matter went to a vote, sharing on the record that she would vote “no” on recreational cannabis come November. Council president Randy Helms, who filed the first motion, agreed, chiming in that he would also vote against the citizen-backed initiative.

“Until the state regulates how much THC can be administered in products, I can not support recreational marijuana,” Crow-Iverson said to GreenState. “I really am concerned about the development of children’s brains.”

Those who spoke on the topic continued clarifying that they lacked the power to shoot it down altogether–or else they would.

Councilmember Mike O’Malley voted no, which was ceremonial, as a no vote could not block the question from the ballot. He told GreenState that he does not believe that cannabis businesses align with key town partnerships.

“Colorado Springs is a national security community, and this does not support the greater mission we have to the Department of Defense,” O’Malley said.

Voters who feel the same will have the opportunity to double down on their no vote with a “yes” for an opposing charter amendment. The amendment would add the prohibition of adult-use cannabis establishments to the town charter. If voters approve both, the charter change would trump the passage of a citizen-backed initiative.

Strong opposition years in the making

This is not the first election cycle that Colorado Springs is voting on recreational cannabis sales. The city voted 54 percent against Ballot Question 300 in 2022, which sought to turn medical dispensaries into recreational. Issue 301 was presented alongside the question. It would direct taxes to public safety and mental health programs if Question 300 passed and was approved by 52 percent of voters.

Those who have opposed the change worry that cannabis use could cause harm, as Crow-Iverson mentioned. There is also concern that recreational shops may mess with their second-place win for the most desirable city. Officials argue against incoming taxes from the change, citing that the town is not hurting for tax dollars.

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Cannabis advocates in Colorado Springs continue pushing for a cannabis landscape that resembles the rest of the state. The 2024 measures combine Ballot Question 300 and Issue 301 into one initiative, possibly hoping to capitalize on the voter approval of the latter.

Reform would be a triumph for local medical cannabis dispensaries and, ultimately, all 114 Colorado Springs operators. The Herb Shoppe general manager, Joe Metzger, told KRDO that they turn up to 10 customers away daily.

“Hundreds of thousands of dollars is what we are turning away daily. And for every medical shop in Colorado Springs,” Metzler said. “We’re hoping that this year, we’re going to see a change.”

The 2024 push for legalization differs from its predecessor by packaging public safety, mental health services, and PTSD treatment into the policy. Perhaps this will give it enough gusto for recreational shops to make it past the finish line this year. If the attitudes of city council members reflect that of their constituents, it is surely an uphill battle for weed.