Colorado Springs residents are set to vote again on the contentious issue of legalising recreational marijuana sales, just five months after approving it in a historic decision. The April vote will decide whether to repeal Question 300, which was passed last November by 54% of voters. The city council recently approved the initiative for a second vote, citing concerns of “voter confusion” regarding the ballot language.

Question 300 Faces Reversal Amid Mixed Reactions

Question 300, central to the Recreational Marijuana Vote, once approved, would pave the way for recreational cannabis sales in Colorado Springs, with a 5% sales tax allocated to fund public safety, mental health, and PTSD treatment. Despite its narrow victory last November, some council members and residents questioned whether the wording misled voters. Councilmember Dave Donelson expressed doubts, claiming that some constituents misunderstood the ballot’s reference to medical marijuana shops and recreational sales.

Critics argue that overturning November’s result undermines democratic principles. Tom Scudder, president of the Colorado Springs Cannabis Association, lambasted the decision, stating that demanding a revote disrespects the voters’ mandate. Attorney Mark Grueskin also criticised the move, describing the new Recreational Marijuana Vote ballot language as biased and unnecessary.

The Next Step in the Cannabis Sales Decision

The city will respect the November outcome for now and begin processing recreational marijuana licenses on February 10. Recreational sales could potentially commence as early as April 10 if the repeal measure fails. However, should the repeal succeed, Colorado Springs will remain Colorado’s largest city to reject recreational marijuana sales since legalisation in 2014.

The council also amended zoning regulations in early January, reducing the buffer distance between dispensaries and sensitive locations such as schools. This change addressed concerns that prior rules would have excluded Colorado Springs’ existing medical marijuana shops from transitioning to recreational cannabis providers.

Future Implications of the Recreational Marijuana Vote

The upcoming vote highlights the challenges of navigating cannabis regulations in a city holding strong traditional values. While marijuana advocates stand by the results of the November election, the pushback reflects lingering concerns over public health and safety. The debate continues to shape Colorado Springs’ stance on cannabis, presenting a pivotal decision on whether recreational marijuana will have a permanent place in the community.

Source: Colorado Sun