Mayor Michael Hancock of Denver Colorado used to be on the opposite side of cannabis legalization. He said in an interview that back in 2004-2006 he did not support the legalization of cannabis. But after legalization has been successful in Colorado, he supports federal cannabis legalization.
He claims that he has been “converted” talking about how legalization has worked and continues to work in Denver CO.
The mayor goes on to talk about how for the most part they have responsible users and owners of cannabis. It is no surprise that there was a lot to learn starting out, but Colorado has found itself on the right track for legal cannabis use.
When asked about advice he has for other states looking into legalization, he says “take the lessons from Washington and Colorado, do not try and reinvent the wheel.”
He also offers some advice to ensure that starting off new states build an equity program. Figure out how to help women and people of color get involved in the industry. Other obstacles that states’ will face, is removing the barriers like convictions, and small amounts of marijuana charges. Many people have gone to jail for what is now legal today, it is important to work to correct those wrongs.
Federal Cannabis Legalization
During the interview, the mayor is asked about President Biden and his stance on federal cannabis legalization. As it is similar to where the mayor started many years ago. Hancock said, “I would want to take Biden back and show him my experiences”. He went on, “I also come from bad experiences with drug abuse in my family. But times are different today and we are able to look at marijuana much differently than we have in the past.”
In 2021, the reality is that cannabis legalization is moving, and it will move with or without us. It is better to be a leader to help shape the values of the policy. As opposed to standing by and watching it go.
We have watched so far as the cannabis legalization movement has moved across the country organically. The mayor concluded by saying, “Biden is in a good position to lead the country with good common values and sense in the legalization of cannabis nationwide”. Watch the interview starting around six minutes and 30 seconds here.
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