Retail Marijuana Ballot Question
Consultation has concluded
City Council approved placing ballot questions on the November 2021 election that would authorize new regulations permitting limited retail sales of marijuana to adults within the parameters of Amendment 64 and to impose an excise tax on the commercial sales.
On August 10th, 2021 City Council considered Council Resolution 2801, referring two questions to Golden voters pertaining to a change in City regulations to permit a limited number of commercial locations to seek licensing for the retail sale of marijuana and also regarding the enactment of a 6% excise tax on such sales. Resolution 2801 and the associated memo are available in the document library section. These questions for Golden voters will appear on the November 2nd, 2021 election ballot mailed to Golden voters by Jefferson County.
As a result of the provisions of Colorado’s Fair Campaign Practices Act, City staff and City Council are prohibited from actions that might encourage voters to vote yes or no on such a question, and are limited on any expenditures regarding the ballot measure. This Guiding Golden website only contains the factual information pertaining to Council’s action on Resolution 2801.
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Do you have feedback for Council on whether you support allowing retail marijuana sales in Golden or ideas on how the revenue would be spent? Provide your thoughts here.
View All Ideasalmost 3 years ago
Setbacks should include non-Golden parks plus rec trails
In addition to City run parks, the 1000ft set back should apply to Jeffco Open Space (e.g. Apex) and recreational trails (e.g. Clear Creek & Hwy 6 bike paths.)
over 2 years ago
Cap the number of dispensaries
Good day, I wanted to throw in my two cents on this possible ballot issue. Let me start by saying that I am a smoker from way back and because of that, I support allowing dispensaries in Golden on a limited basis. We are a small "mountain" town and not putting a limit on the number of dispensaries we allow is out of the question. My personal number would be one for every 4000 residents in Golden proper. Not to include all outlying Golden addresses. Steve Glueck made a valid point in his letter to the council. Grows should be limited and zoned into outlying industrial complexes. This makes good sense. I'm also a fan of limiting potency on the recreational side. As for offset, I see liquor stores pretty much sharing parking lots with daycare facilities. Why should dispensaries be any different? To respond to comments about dispensaries downtown, we have bars, breweries, speakeasies, liquor stores, tattoo parlors, art and music venues, history museums, high end restaurants and greasy spoons. We also somehow allowed Starbucks and Jimmy Johns to inflict their presence on Washington Ave. Why not allow a single permit for downtown? A nice one like the one in downtown Aspen (see photo). Times are indeed changing and we have to move forward with it. I get that there are many people who feel that it sets a bad example. I think that the "Reefer Madness" approach sets a bad example. Marijuana is quickly becoming normalized in society and we should not be trapping Golden in some mid 20th century moral argument that no longer applies. Limit it, regulate it and move Golden into the 21st century.
almost 3 years ago
Broad definition of Health and Preventive Medicine
The possibility of spending money from an excise tax on targeted programs is good. But given that there may be limited targeted impacts from marijuana use (that is already taking place) I would hope that the excise tax use is not limited to, for example, childhood prevention programs. The Covid pandemic revealed plenty of weaknesses in our public health systems. So preventive medicine on a variety of health and mental health issues would be money well spent. Additional school phycologists, loan forgiveness for public sector mental health workers, homelessness navigation, regional investments, not just in Golden. Broadly speaking it is known that almost half of renters in Jeffco are rent burdened. So reducing stress around housing costs would enhance mental well-being. Make the ability to spend money be narrow, around health, but broad enough to not be just about trying to stop people from doing what is a legal activity.
almost 3 years ago
Increase tickets and possible lock up time for public consumption
I am all for marijuana, it's your body and you choice to do with it. However Colorado's strict guidelines are that marijuana is to be consumed at home, not a hotel and not in public. If we allow this we are pretty much agreeing that the creek corridor is alright to smoke pot (heck cigarettes are banned in downtown and I have been told to go ____ myself numerous times when I point that out to visitors). I get it l, the tax revenue would be awesome but such a limited view to go get tax money without looking at the broader impact to the community. So if this were to pass, please consider a minimum of $1k dollar fine for anyone caught smoking it outside a private residence in downtown or along the creek.
almost 3 years ago
On the Excise Tax Rate -
There are other "local" options for purchase and to be competitive I have suggested (via the survey) a 2% Tax Rate which could bring more business into our City.
Who's Listening
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Phone 303-384-8012 Email clorentz@cityofgolden.net