COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — In his monthly address to the city on Thursday, Mayor Yemi Mobolade discussed his concerns about the recent legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado Springs. The mayor’s comments come after a judge ruled that the city could not place a ballot measure on the April ballot to repeal the voter-approved decision to allow retail marijuana sales within the city.
Mobolade, who has been vocal about his reservations regarding marijuana legalization, emphasized the potential risks associated with increased access to marijuana. He expressed concerns that it could become a gateway drug, especially with reports of marijuana making its way into middle schools. “Some of it is personal; my kid is about to go to middle school, and I’m already hearing that it’s made its way to middle school,” Mobolade said, adding that he believes this presents a serious risk to the community.
Despite his personal concerns, Mobolade acknowledged the outcome of the November vote, respecting the democratic process even if the result was not in line with his views. “I love democracy, I love that there is a process. It’s not the process that I want,” he said.
The legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado Springs is expected to generate an estimated $2 million in tax revenue in the first year. Mayor Mobolade has stated his intention to use this revenue to fund public safety efforts in the city. This proposal comes amid ongoing debates about the broader impact of marijuana legalization on the community.
Industry representatives have responded to the mayor’s concerns, emphasizing the safety measures in place at dispensaries and the positive benefits of legalization. Renze Waddington, involved in a lawsuit against the city over the attempted ballot measure, pointed out that dispensaries follow strict regulations and employ best practices to ensure safety. “Our dispensaries have multiple layers of safety redundancies both through regulations and best practices that we employ daily,” Waddington stated.
Tom Scudder, president of the Colorado Springs Cannabis Association, also weighed in on the matter, countering the mayor’s concerns with data from scientific studies. “The great news is that the research has concluded very clearly that legalization actually decreases access for our children,” Scudder said. He added that many of the mayor’s concerns have been disproven by data and research, and he remains optimistic about the role that the legal cannabis industry can play in the city’s future.
Scudder expressed a willingness to collaborate with the mayor’s office on a plan to use the revenue generated from marijuana sales for public safety initiatives. “We’re proud to have created the ability for the city to fund these efforts,” he added.
As the city moves forward with the implementation of marijuana sales, the conversation between local officials, residents, and industry stakeholders will likely continue to evolve. The question remains whether the concerns about public safety and youth access will be addressed effectively, and how the city will balance its desire for additional funding with the potential risks of increased marijuana access.
