COLORADO SPRINGS — As Colorado Springs voters weigh in on legalizing recreational marijuana in city limits, local leaders have consistently argued that doing so would jeopardize the city’s vital relationship with the military community.

But those concerns are likely unfounded considering the prevalence and precedence of recreational marijuana and military and defense operations across the country, according to a legal expert.

Brett O’Brien is an attorney and owner of the National Security Law Firm in Washington, D.C. His firm operates throughout the world assisting in security clearance issues along with federal and military administrative law.

“I don’t see how local politics will really have much impact,” O’Brien said in response to city leaders’ claims.

“I don’t think marijuana laws are going to affect the business decisions of both the federal government and private entities,” O’Brien said. “The federal government and private companies want the best talent and they are going to go where the best talent is.”

O’Brien pointed to other areas of the country, including the Denver metropolitan area, where recreational marijuana is already legalized and has not caused an exodus from military installations or defense companies. And other local jurisdictions within El Paso County such as Manitou Springs and Palmer Lake already have recreational dispensaries open.

He also noted how difficult and financially unfeasible it would be for a large company, military post or installation like Fort Carson to move elsewhere in terms of finding land, community support and local talent.

“You can’t just move in, take your place on the map, and suddenly have a large community of doctors with the ability to develop the products you want,” O’Brien said. .

In recent months, local and county leaders have raised concerns about the city’s military relationship in their opposition to Question 300, which would allow the sale of recreational cannabis at businesses with a current medical marijuana license.

“When I ran for City Council and represent District 6 on the east side of the city, I made it very clear that we need people to support our homeland security community,” Councilman Mike O’Malley said during a Sept. 24 conference. September. council meeting. “And that’s exactly what I’ve done. Every flyer I’ve put out for any campaign or anything else said, ‘No to marijuana.'”

Colorado Springs voters can also ban recreational cannabis entirely with Question 2D, which would essentially prevent future citizen efforts from putting recreational marijuana on the ballot.

At the same time, city councilors voted on what they considered an alternative plan should voters approve Question 300. Even if recreational cannabis is legalized, a recent ordinance approved by the Colorado Springs City Council would severely restrict where those stores would be allowed to operate in the city. Critics slammed it, calling it a “de facto ban” against the potential will of voters.

“The presence of recreational marijuana stores could jeopardize the stability of our relationship with the military,” Acting Council President Lynette Crow-Iverson said during an Aug. 13 council meeting. Crow-Iverson sponsored the ordinance restricting geographic recreational cannabis operations.

Similarly, the Colorado Springs Safe Neighborhoods Coalition sent text messages to voters on behalf of Mayor Yemi Mobolade and El Paso County Commissioner Longinos Gonzales.

In a video text message from the coalition, Commissioner Gonzales stated that “recreational marijuana sales would harm our city’s relationship with the military.”

Mayor Mobolade also recently expressed his stance on several issues in this election, including his views on 2D, the prohibition of recreational cannabis.

“Voting yes on 2D will ensure that recreational marijuana cannot be sold in our city limits, ultimately protecting our city’s youth, its relationship with the military, economic vitality and quality of life.” said the mayor.

Gov. Jared Polis, a strong supporter of recreational marijuana, rejected these claims from city leaders, both in terms of damaging military relations and that the availability of marijuana will harm children.

“These claims are not based on evidence and Colorado Springs residents will have the opportunity to make their voices heard in November,” a spokesperson for Governor Polis said. “Colorado has led the way in legalizing cannabis while ensuring the health and safety of Colorado children and increasing public safety, and we are a model for the rest of the country.”

The Department of Defense had no comment and recommended contacting local installations.

The Pentagon’s Department of the Army said it would send a statement and this story will be updated once it is received. The Space Force also said it is working on a statement.

The Air Force Academy said it does not comment on legislative matters.

A Fort Carson official said they do not comment on local politics or ongoing legislation, but added: “Despite the Colorado amendment legalizing recreational marijuana, the use or possession of marijuana in a federal facility is a violation of federal law.”

Brett O’Brien, an attorney with the National Security Law Firm, added that concerns about defenses like Lockheed Martin or government contractors pulling out of the city because of employee concerns about marijuana, especially with security clearances, are also unfounded.

“I think people exaggerate – they make it a much bigger issue than it really is, because at the end of the day, as an employer, you still have the ability to say, ‘I don’t want this.’ Or I want this,’ and that’s totally within your right,” he said. “Even if it’s legal, they can still say ‘it’s not allowed here,’ right? And that is totally reasonable.”

Email senior reporter Brett Forrest at [email protected]. Continue @brettforrestTVin x and Brett Forrest News On Facebook.

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