Colorado Springs has officially embraced recreational cannabis, marking a major shift in local culture and commerce. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changing in the city:

1. Recreational Sales Are Live (April 2025)

After years of medical-only restrictions, recreational cannabis sales began in Colorado Springs on April 15, 2025, following the passage of Ballot Measure 300 in November 2024 

• Initially, 22 storefronts operated under approved licenses, with more applied soon after 

• First-week sales surged: some dispensaries saw up to 450% traffic growth, prompting rapid hiring and extended store hours

2. Economic Boost — and Growing Pains

• Dispensaries like Elevations and Apothecary Farms reported 4–5× increases in customer volume since April

• These stores added 7–10 new staff members each, signaling a strong local hiring boom

• The city anticipated up to $2 million in new tax revenue—funding public safety, homeless services, and parks

3. City Council vs. Mayor: Tax Revenue Battle

Tensions emerged around how to allocate recreational cannabis tax revenue:

• In July 2025, the City Council passed an ordinance redirecting funds through nonprofits for public safety and veteran services—but Mayor Mobolade vetoed it, calling it “misleading” and a threat to public safety budgeting

• Advocates argue it aligns with voter intent; the Council is now pursuing a veto override, spotlighting a local governance tug-of-war

4. Licensing & Regulation Updates

• Recreational licenses are currently limited to existing medical dispensaries, which must adapt inventory systems, POS infrastructure, and staff training 

• No new rec licenses have yet been issued independently—Colorado Springs is proceeding cautiously

• Council also approved new ordinances setting minimum distances between dispensaries and schools/daycares

5. What This Means for Training & Compliance

• As recreational staff counts surge, trained and certified budtenders are in high demand.

• Teams must understand:

  1. 1. Rec sales limits and regulations

     2. ID checks for recreational customers (21+)

     3. Tax collection & fund allocation policies

     4. Emergency protocols for increased customer flow

     5. De-escalation strategies for new or impaired consumers

✅ The Bottom Line

Colorado Springs is now fully open to recreational cannabis—creating opportunities, economic growth, and complex policy discussions.

For dispensaries, staying compliant means investing in training. That's where DABS Training comes in, with state-approved Responsible Vendor Training courses tailored for busy seasonal staff and evolving compliance needs.

Stay informed and compliant as the Springs’ cannabis landscape continues to mature.

👉 Want help training your new team? Explore DABS Training courses