Reader: People Moving to Colorado Are Taking Marijuana Jobs From Natives

In a recent post, a transplant to Colorado stressed that he didn't move here because of marijuana. Far from it: He said he doesn't smoke pot, period. Some of those who responded to the item saw the cannabis boom in Colorado as having negative repercussions in terms of overcrowding, traffic,...

By Michael Roberts

June 10, 2016

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In a recent post, a transplant to Colorado stressed that he didn't move here because of marijuana.

Far from it: He said he doesn't smoke pot, period.

Some of those who responded to the item saw the cannabis boom in Colorado as having negative repercussions in terms of overcrowding, traffic, etc.

But this reader sees only positives — except for people from elsewhere stealing marijuana-biz jobs from those who made the industry possible in the first place.

Loren Bagola writes:

Pot taxes created jobs in Colorado, Colorado natives made that possible...not transplants who want to take Colorado jobs, 'cause their states are old and outdated.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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