Colorado Springs, Colo. – The citizen-led Your Choice Colorado Springs campaign has secured the addition of two initiatives to legalize and tax recreational marijuana sales to the November 2022 ballot. If passed by the voters, revenue from recreational sales would go toward improving public safety, expanding mental health services, and supporting PTSD programs for veterans. Colorado Springs has one of the highest veteran populations in the country, with 17% of adult residents identifying as veterans compared to the national average of 7.1%. The campaign now shifts its focus to the general election to make sure registered voters know they have an opportunity to end the prohibition of recreational cannabis sales this November.
“Voters in the city stepped up and demanded their voice be heard with respect to ending the prohibition of recreational cannabis sales in Colorado Springs. Especially in these tough economic times, it is critical to ensure every tax dollar that rightfully belongs to Colorado Springs tax-payers stays in our community working to improve our quality of life,” said Your Choice campaign manager Anthony Carlson. “Our region led the state in suicides last year: 30% of our neighbors who took their life being our region’s veterans. This initiative will provide significant funding to ensure we finally have the resources to take control of this crisis. Millions in revenue – that are desperately needed locally – should not travel out of our city due to the personal politics of a few that hold the power.”
The ballot measures ask residents to legalize retail cannabis sales and impose a 5% sales tax on recreational cannabis, which will bring new tax dollars into Colorado Springs rather than sending residents to nearby municipalities such as Manitou Springs and Denver. No additional cannabis retail stores would be permitted in the city; only existing medical cannabis licenses would be able to add recreational cannabis on the same premise as their medical location. While Colorado Springs has lost an estimated $150 million over the past decade by banning the sale of recreational cannabis, the passage of these measures would bring in roughly $15 million annually to the city.
“This initiative is about practicality. It makes zero sense to continue the prohibition of a product that is 100% legal to possess and consume in our city.” said lead elector and small business owner Karlie Van Arnam. “This campaign isn’t just about revenue. It’s about personal freedom and choice for our residents. It’s about supporting our small businesses and the thousands of people they employ. It’s about expanding mental health access for citizens and ensuring our veterans have access to world-class PTSD programs right here in Colorado Springs. It’s about time this decision is taken out of the hands of a few politicians and given to the people.”
To add these measures to the ballot, the campaign needed to collect 19,245 signatures of Colorado Springs residents by June 20th. The campaign collected over 98,000 signatures.
Those who want to support these measures via grassroots efforts or campaign donations can visit YourChoiceCoS.org to express their interest in volunteering.
