Recreational Marijuana Sales Begin in Colorado Springs After Voter Approval

13 April 2025

Recreational marijuana sales are now officially underway in Colorado Springs, following a November 2024 ballot measure that allowed existing medical dispensaries to transition into retail operations. As of April 15, 2025, over 20 marijuana businesses—including Native Roots, NuVue Pharma, and Pure Cannabis—have opened their doors to recreational consumers in the state’s second-largest city. This shift in local marijuana laws comes after years of resistance from city officials, who expressed concerns over public safety and potential impacts on military investment. However, a court ruling earlier this year blocked efforts to reverse the measure, clearing the way for the rollout.

The transition has breathed new life into a struggling medical cannabis sector, with dispensaries reporting long-term declines in patient sales. Businesses like NuVue Pharma say the new retail license was critical to survival. Meanwhile, companies such as Native Roots and Pure Cannabis have added dozens of staff to meet rising demand and ensure smooth operations. The expansion of the cannabis market is expected to boost tax revenue and increase consumer access, though officials remain cautiously optimistic about the long-term effects on public health and the city’s broader reputation.