The decline of Colorado’s cannabis industry, once a trailblazer in legalising recreational marijuana, has sparked significant debate. Sean Azzariti, the first person to legally purchase recreational cannabis in the United States, now expresses doubt about the industry’s trajectory, citing empty storefronts and deteriorating sales as evidence of its challenges. Initially buoyed by a “green rush” of enthusiasm, the sector now grapples with increased competition from other states, federal legal hurdles, and issues arising from overly liberal licensing leading to overproduction. Kevin Sabet, a former White House drug policy adviser, points to societal harms such as a rise in daily cannabis use and traffic incidents linked to the drug. Despite these challenges, figures like Greg Gamet remain optimistic, suggesting that with improved regulation, the industry could recover. The future of cannabis in Colorado remains uncertain, caught between calls for tighter restrictions and ongoing support for federal legalisation.

Source: The Times