Reader: Only Problem With Colorado Pot Laws Is How They've Driven Rent Higher

Readers responded in a wide variety of ways to a post in which Donald Trump said there are big problems with Colorado's marijuana laws. Some disputed this claim. Others branded him a moron in general. But there were a number of tangents, including something we've been hearing a lot lately...

By Michael Roberts

August 6, 2015

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Readers responded in a wide variety of ways to a post in which Donald Trump said there are big problems with Colorado's marijuana laws.

Some disputed this claim.

Others branded him a moron in general.

But there were a number of tangents, including something we've been hearing a lot lately — the theory that rent and housing prices are sky-high in Denver and beyond right now because so much of the inventory has been obtained by growing cannabis businesses.

Here's that post

Marc Wilcox writes:

The only problem with it is the housing and rental market driving through the roof. Other than that, Colorado and Washington have been proving that legalization recreationally is something that can work in all states and would cut down a great deal of the drug trade. Which means the DEA can focus on the drugs that actually do harm to people.

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.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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