Colorado Springs’ elected leaders and voters have been wise to reject marijuana, an increasingly unpopular “recreation” option. They did not fall for the false buzz of Big Marijuana, which promised reductions in crime, less illicit drug use and tax manna for the common good.

Consequently, Colorado Springs appears progressive and alive as so many other large cities go to pot with homelessness, crime and open-air drug use.

By rejecting recreational sales, Springs voters put themselves ahead of the curve. Pot is no longer the next big thing. It could become the next bad fad of the past, lingering in the margins with gangsta rap and skinny jeans.

Springs voters most recently said “no” to commercial drug sales in November 2022 by a margin of nearly 60%.

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Since the defeat of the pro-pot measure, at least 18 pot shops have closed in the Springs. More closures are expected. When a failed pot dealer surrenders a license, the license cannot be issued again. This provides a ratchet-down that could permanently reduce brick-and-mortar “medicinal” marijuana sales.

Though closures have come fast in Colorado Springs since the vote, marijuana sales are down across the state.

It remains easy for anyone of any age to acquire pot almost anywhere, with or without recreational brick-and-mortar sales. No one said we could eliminate the scourge of marijuana by rejecting the industry that sells it for “recreation.”

Instead, voters sent a message to the rest of Colorado and the world that says we don’t welcome drugs here. We will not sacrifice that stand in return for tax money. We are not naive.

By consistently rejecting pot, the community has distinguished itself as the cleanest, safest and friendliest of Colorado’s large cities – conducive to bringing up children, running businesses and military operations, or learning and teaching at any of the city’s academic institutions.

Since Colorado Springs chose vitality over the for-profit promotion of psychoactive stupors, the economy and population have grown and attracted investments in entertainment and cultural amenities. The military considers our community a good place to conduct major operations, so much so that President Joe Biden reversed his predecessor’s decision to move Space Command out of the Springs.

Anyone can see the different trajectories of Denver and Colorado Springs. Denver, which has fully embraced recreational marijuana sales as a source of revenue, struggles with rampant homelessness, soaring crime and a drug scene on sidewalks and in parks.

Colorado Springs has seen a reduction in homelessness and countless investments in new businesses, housing, real estate and cultural amenities.

Americans are not stupid. They’re open-minded to new ideas, such as legalizing pot, but are quick to correct course when the stench of ugly trends gets old.

Reasons to reject the drug are mounting, and include: 42.9% of Colorado suicide victims ages 15-19 have THC in their systems; 49% of Colorado’s Hispanic teen suicide victims have THC in their systems; 67% of Colorado’s Black teen suicide victims have THC in their systems; the state has seen a gradual rise in those who test positive for THC at the 5 mg/ml level; crash rates have increased for drivers who tested positive for alcohol and THC.

Going forward, expect more government data on the harms of a decade of recreational pot. Be glad Colorado Springs said “no” and has flourished ever since.

Colorado Springs Gazette Editorial Board