Dueling ballot initiatives raise questions about the future of recreational marijuana in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Two opposing ballot measures could pass in Colorado Springs. One would prohibit local sales, question 2D and the other question 300 would allow them.

Some city officials say there may never be recreational marijuana in Colorado Springs if both ballot measures are approved.

“They have shown exactly what they think about recreational marijuana in the city of Colorado Springs,” said Lynette Crow-Iverson, president of the Colorado Springs City Council Pro Team.

So far, 53% of voters say “yes” to ballot question 2D. It would amend the Colorado Springs charter to ban retail marijuana sales in the city. Ballot No. 300 would allow existing medical marijuana license holders to apply to sell marijuana for retail or recreational use. It also passed with 65% of the vote.

According to city officials, two dee question replaces three hundred because 2D represents a charter change. City officials said, among other things:

“If any provision of Ballot Question 300 is in direct conflict with Bylaw §15-130, that provision cannot be implemented. The City will review the wording of the ballot question to determine whether any provisions need to be implemented.”

Crow-Iverson says she is confident the initiative is too inconsistent with the charter amendment she introduced to become law.

“It didn't happen two years ago if you remember, citizens are still talking and saying the same thing and that put an end to the whole thing,” Crow-Iverson said.

Proponents of Prop 300 are also optimistic. A speaker tells us in part:

“We know local governments will defer to voters’ clearly expressed intent to approve recreational marijuana, and we look forward to working with city leaders in the coming months to create a responsible regulatory framework.”

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