Colorado's legalization of limited possession of marijuana — if voters approve it this November — would bring the attention of the nation to the state, both sides of the issue agreed Wednesday.
Where they disagreed, though, is whether that attention would be a good thing.
In a debate co-hosted by The Denver Post and 9News, Amendment 64 opponent Happy Haynes said the measure would attract illegal-drug dealers, hurt Colorado's brand among businesses and bring in unwanted marijuana tourists. Proponent Betty Aldworth saw it differently, saying there is no evidence the measure would harm the state's business climate and that any marijuana-motivated visitors would be welcome.
"Those are tourism dollars, are they not?" Aldworth asked.
Haynes said the state should be more discriminating.
"The idea that any dollars that we get are OK, I'm not in favor of swelling our state coffers ... with money because people are getting high," she said.
Amendment 64 would make legal possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for adults 21 and older and also allow adults to grow up to six marijuana plants in their home. But it would also allow for specially licensed marijuana stores, which could sell to anyone 21 and older who presents "government-issued identification to determine the consumer's age."
Haynes said those types of regulations would draw not only tourists, but black-market dealers looking to operate under the cover of the state's marijuana laws.
"Colorado will just become a magnet for pot dealers," she said.
Haynes said businesses would be reluctant to move to the state if it is known for marijuana.
Aldworth, though, said regulation would make it easier to identify those acting illegally. And she disputed suggestions that Colorado's image would suffer if voters pass Amendment 64.
"The notion that Colorado's brand would be negatively impacted by Amendment 64 is not supported by any careful analysis," she said. "It's 'Reefer Madness' scare tactics."
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