Colorado Springs City Council Considers Putting Recreational Marijuana Vote Back on the Ballot
In a surprise move, the Colorado Springs City Council is considering putting the issue of recreational marijuana sales back on the ballot in April, despite the fact that voters approved the measure in November. The council is citing “confusing” language in the ballot question, which they claim may have misled voters.
The original ballot question, known as Question 300, asked voters whether to allow existing medical marijuana businesses in the city to apply for recreational licenses. The measure passed with 54% of the vote, but the council has since adopted an ordinance that sets a 1-mile buffer zone around schools, day care centers, and treatment facilities, effectively preventing any of the existing medical shops from applying for recreational licenses.
Council members argue that the buffer zone is necessary to protect public safety, but critics say it’s an attempt to undermine the will of the voters. The city will begin accepting applications for recreational marijuana licenses on February 10, but only business owners who already hold a medical marijuana license are eligible to apply.
The move has sparked outrage among supporters of recreational marijuana, who argue that the council is overcomplicating the process and ignoring the will of the voters. “It’s a clear subversion of the will of the voters and there’s a high level of dissonance between the council and what the voters really want in this city,” said Aaron Bluse, owner of Altitude Organic Medicine, which has three medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado Springs.
The city council will vote on whether to put the issue back on the ballot at its next meeting on January 28. If approved, the measure would go to voters in April, when turnout is typically lower than in general elections.
Supporters of recreational marijuana argue that it would bring jobs and revenue to the city, and that the existing medical marijuana businesses are already operating legally. “Recreational sales would bring in more revenue and create more jobs, and it’s already legal in Colorado,” said Kent Jarnig, a combat veteran who uses THC to cope with the effects of war.
The debate comes as marijuana sales and tax dollars continue to fall statewide. In the 2023-24 budget year, the state collected $248 million in sale and excise taxes, down 41% from the 2020-21 budget year.
The city council’s decision to consider putting the issue back on the ballot has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that the council is overstepping its authority.
