Gov. Hickenlooper calls statewide vote to legalize marijuana ‘reckless’
In Denver on Monday, Governor John Hickenlooper, a staunch opponent of Amendment 64 in 2012, was asked about Colorado’s landmark decision to become the first state in the nation to legalize recreational marijuana.
“For us to do that without having all the data, there is not enough data, I’m not going to say it was reckless because I’ll get quoted all over the place, but if it was up to me, I wouldn’t have done it,” Hickenlooper said. “I opposed it from the beginning. Oh, what the hell, I’ll say it was reckless.”
While the incumbent Democrat’s response drew laughter from the audience and the moderator, both sides of the marijuana debate said the governor’s answer is purely political.
“He’s up for re-election and he’s looking for some votes,” Colorado Springs City Council President Keith King said Tuesday afternoon. “He’s probably trying to find the middle ground and he’s realizing this isn’t the middle ground, where we are in Colorado right now.”
Mark Slaugh heavily backed the legalization of recreational marijuana He believes the governor should be proud to lead a state that made history on the divisive issue.
“He just needs to own up to what his policies have actually created and not just capitalize on fear-mongering to gain votes,” Slaugh said. “The voters need a representative who’s going to represent this issue sensibly, intelligently and responsibly to the rest of the world. It’s not just Colorado here; the entire world is watching what we do.”
Former GOP congressman Bob Beauprez challenges Hickenlooper in next month’s election. His campaign said in a statement to KRDO:
“To raise money from the industry then throw them under the bus is classic Hickpocrisy. He can’t have his Cheetos and eat them too. Bob did not support Amendment 64, but recognizes it is now part of the state’s constitution and as governor would regulate the industry appropriately.”
The governor released a statement to NewsChannel 13 in an attempt to clarify his remarks:
“Context is everything. I was asked if I thought it was reckless to legalize marijuana in Colorado – perhaps risky is a better word. While I believe it was risky for Colorado to be the first state to step away from a failed federal policy given all of the unanswered legal questions and implications, the adoption of Amendment 64 by Colorado voters sent a clear message to the federal government that marijuana should be legal and regulated. Is it risky now? It is certainly less so.”
The governor said state leaders remain committed to carrying out the will of the voters.
