Anti-retail pot supporters gather in Pueblo

Two Pueblo City Council members held a meeting on Wednesday night to gather people who are opposed to retail marijuana sales in city limits.

District 2 RepresentativeEva Montoya and Representative at large Chris Nicoll hosted the meeting atthe Robert Hoag Rawlings Public Library.

Montoya and Nicoll have been outspoken opponents of retail marijuana sales in the city of Pueblo. Pueblo City Council is expected to vote on an ordinance in May that would allow retail pot if it passed.

Nicoll said the goal of Wednesday’s meeting was to gather people together and talk to them about actions they can take as citizens to address retail pot in Pueblo.

“People want to be heard and express their views and someone is listening and that’s where councilwoman Montoya and I came together to present that opportunity,” said Nicoll. “It doesn’t always end with City Council, the city charter also allows citizens to address these issues.”

Two doctors attended the meeting and spoke out against marijuana. They have concerns about sales in the city after seeing the impact it’s already had on their patients.

“The numbers of my pregnant woman showing up in my office that are currently using marijuana and continuing to use marijuana during pregnancy is very concerning,” said Dr. Michael Growney.

“I think there is no way that any tax revenue that we might have as a result of the taxation would even begin to cover the costs of social services needed for marijuana,” said Dr. James Roukema.

Marijuana advocates also attended the meeting. Several stood up to voice their support about retail pot sales.

“We are using our taxpayer money to fight something that, it’s going to be legal. Everyone knows that. The problem is, how is it going to be legal? Just try to come out on the good side of it,” said Vernon Thorn.

City Council is expected to vote May 11.