Reader: Predictions of Colorado going to hell if pot legalization passed have all been wrong

We're still collecting comments on our interview with a spokesman of Mayor Michael Hancock denying that Denver is dragging its feet on the pot sales launch. The following reader cites a 2012 Hancock quote predicting huge problems if Amendment 64 passed before adding a zinger of his own...

By Michael Roberts

December 18, 2013

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We're still collecting comments on our interview with a spokesman of Mayor Michael Hancock denying that Denver is dragging its feet on the pot sales launch. The following reader cites a 2012 Hancock quote predicting huge problems if Amendment 64 passed before adding a zinger of his own.

stuka1 writes:

HanKook: "We don't want to be the first state in this nation that legalizes marijuana. I believe we will lose our attractiveness to companies, employers who want to come to our state. Tourism is the number-one industry for the City of Denver, number two in the state of Colorado, and I believe that sector will be disproportionately harmed with the perception that Denver is the marijuana capital."

And none of this FUD ever came to pass. Who'da thunkit?

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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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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