Pueblo County Commissioner Candidate Paula McPheeters’ Anti‐Marijuana Stance Sparks Debate Amid 2024 Election

  As the 2024 election cycle heats up, Pueblo County Commissioner candidate Paula McPheeters has emerged as a vocal opponent of the county’s thriving marijuana industry. McPheeters has taken a firm anti-marijuana stance, citing concerns about public health, safety, and community values. Her position has sparked heated discussions, particularly in a county where cannabis has become a significant economic driver.

McPheeters’ Anti-Marijuana Campaign

  McPheeters, who is running on a platform centered around public safety and conservative values, has repeatedly spoken out against the legalization of recreational marijuana. In public forums and campaign events, she has expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of widespread cannabis use, including impaired driving and the possible normalization of marijuana among youth. While McPheeters’ stance resonates with some voters, it has also ignited pushback from proponents of the marijuana industry, who argue that the benefits of legal cannabis far outweigh the drawbacks.

Medical Cannabis: A Lifeline for Many

  One key argument against McPheeters’ anti-marijuana stance is the role medical cannabis plays in improving the quality of life for many patients. Medical cannabis has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD. For some patients, it is a safer and more effective alternative to opioid painkillers.

  Medical marijuana patients and advocates argue that restricting access to cannabis could harm those who rely on it for relief. In Pueblo County, medical cannabis not only supports patients but also helps sustain an industry that has become a pilar of the local economy.

Pueblo County Commissioner Candidate Daneya Esgar

  As a progressive voice in the community, Esgar has advocated for responsible cannabis regulation while acknowledging the economic and health benefits the industry brings to the county. NuVue Pharma views Esgar as a candidate who understands the importance of balancing public safety with the growth of the local cannabis sector. The company believes Esgar’s approach would continue to foster job creation, boost tax revenue, and support medical cannabis patients in the region, aligning with NuVue’s commitment to serving the medical and recreational cannabis community responsibly.

Economic Impact: Jobs and Revenue

  The cannabis industry has proven to be a robust economic driver in the City of Pueblo and greater Pueblo County. Legal cannabis businesses have created jobs for residents, from dispensary workers and cultivators to marketing and distribution roles. According to county reports, the cannabis sector supports hundreds of local jobs, contributing to the employment rate in a region that has historically faced economic challenges.

  Furthermore, cannabis sales generate significant tax revenue for the City of Pueblo and Pueblo County which has benefited with millions of dollars in taxes on marijuana sales and excise taxes. Funds are being used to support infrastructure improvements, public services, educational programs, and more. For many voters, the economic benefits of the cannabis industry are too significant to ignore.

NuVue Pharma’s Commitment to Pueblo

  One of the most prominent players in Pueblo’s cannabis industry is NuVue Pharma, a vertically integrated cannabis company that holds medical and recreational grow licenses, manufactured infused product licenses, and dispensary licenses within the City of Pueblo, Pueblo County, and across the state. With the full support of its owner, Dr. Malik Hasan, NuVue Pharma has been committed to supporting both the City of Pueblo and Pueblo County.

  Dr. Hasan, a retired neurologist, has been a vocal advocate for the benefits of medical cannabis and has worked to ensure that NuVue operates as a responsible business partner within the community. Dr. Hasan has partnered with CSU Pueblo in founding the Cannabis Institute of Research, and was instrumental in obtaining a DEA Schedule 1 Research license, allowing the partnership to continue to advance the research being conducted on the efficacy of cannabis in treating pain. A cause close to his heart, as he sees how the opioid epidemic has plagued the country, as well as Pueblo County.

  The company has been involved in philanthropic efforts, such as supporting local schools, food banks, and healthcare initiatives. Dr. Hasan’s vision for NuVue Pharma goes beyond the dispensary; he sees the business as part of a broader effort to improve public health and economic vitality in the region. NuVue Pharma is focused on the long‐term well‐being of Pueblo’s residents.

  “We are deeply invested in this community and have been for many years,” said NuVue Pharma’s COO, Katharine Avery. “Our goal is to continue to provide safe and effective products to those who need them while also contributing to the overall prosperity of the City of Pueblo and Pueblo County.”

A Divisive Issue

  McPheeters’ anti-marijuana stance has clearly divided voters in the county. While some appreciate her emphasis on public safety and concern for the potential risks of cannabis, others believe her position ignores the significant benefits the industry brings to the area.

   In contrast, Pueblo County Commissioner incumbent candidate Daneya Esgar recognizes how the City of Pueblo and greater Pueblo County can continue to benefit alongside a prosperous cannabis industry while ensuring there is an appropriate focus on public trust and safety. 

  As Election Day approaches, the debate over marijuana is likely to remain a key issue for Pueblo voters. With the future of the cannabis industry and the local economy at stake, residents will have to weigh the pros and cons of McPheeters’ position in what promises to be a closely watched race.

  The 2024 election will not only determine the future leadership of Pueblo County but could also shape the direction of its marijuana policies for years to come.

 For more information please visit https://www.puebloworkingfamilies.org/marijuana