Gov. John Hickenlooper speaks on behalf of Proposition BB, which would allow the state to retain tax revenue from retail marijuana sales. (Brent Lewis, The Denver Post)
In 2013, politicians duped many voters into supporting Proposition AA, a measure which imposed historically high taxes on retail marijuana. The pro-AA campaign vilified cannabis consumers and misled voters. Conversely, anti-AA consumer advocates predicted AA’s unjust taxes would spawn a gray market in cannabis, and warned that the government was collecting illegally excessive tax revenue.
In 2015, we see AA’s opponents were right. Colorado’s unregulated cannabis market is bigger than ever. And as Proposition BB authors concede, AA collected unlawfully exorbitant taxes.
Under Colorado law, the state cannot keep surplus taxes without voter approval. When BB is defeated, every Colorado taxpayer (not just cannabis consumers) will receive a refund.
Coloradans know best how to spend their own money. Voting down BB will ensure $14.1 million is returned to taxpayers, not given to government coffers. Vote “no” on Proposition BB.
Robert J. Corry Jr., Denver
The writer is chairman of the “No on Prop BB” campaign.
This letter was published in the Oct. 17 edition.As a pediatrician who has dedicated my entire professional life caring for children, including an emphasis on substance abuse prevention, treatment, and child mistreatment, I believe it is critical to pass Proposition BB. Without raising taxes, Proposition BB simply asks voters to retain the $66 million in retail marijuana taxes collected by the state in the first year of marijuana sales.
If BB passes, $40 million will fund school capital construction. Remaining funds will be invested in education campaigns about the risks of substance use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, improving law enforcement capacity, and supporting youth mentoring services — all important programs that respond to community needs related to marijuana legalization.
If BB fails, most funds will go back to the marijuana industry.
I hope you will join me in supporting Proposition BB.
Kathryn Wells, M.D., Denver
This letter was published in the Oct. 17 edition.
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