By the Monte Vista Board of Education
In light of the increased attention being given to the possibility of growing or selling cannabis products in the Monte Vista community, we the members of the Monte Vista School Board, feel it imperative that we raise a voice of concern. While we appreciate the recent efforts by the Monte Vista City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission members to create regulations to govern this industry, we are deeply concerned about the well-known negative impacts this industry will have on our youth and young adults.
To understand this impact all that is necessary is to look at what is currently happening in other communities of the San Luis Valley and those adjacent to it. The “lure of easy money” is drawing individuals who, in many instances, bring with them high needs children that are putting tremendous strain on schools, public health, and other social service agencies. All of these public agencies are already operating on thread-bare budgets, opening the doors to grow or retail operations will place unquestionable burdens on these agencies for “economic benefits” that cannot be offset by the meager tax revenues that may be generated.
The economic impact is not our primary concern. Our highest concern is the already increased incidents of student use of marijuana by our youth and even elementary age children. For instance from the 2014-15 to the 2016-17 school years there was a 27 percent increase in the number of secondary school incidents related to marijuana use or possession in the schools. We believe the sale or growth of this product will again increase the easy access to this product and dramatically increase the before, during, and after school use among our children. The marketing of these products has already duped numerous students into believing there is little harm in pot use. The deceptive practice of edible and other smokeless products makes certain that schools will have little ability to detect student inebriation without random drug testing of all students, a cost that we hope not to incur. This type of testing program also leads students to feel a lack of trust toward those who work within the schools. When there is not trust, all relationships fail.
Despite those who claim otherwise, marijuana is a known gateway drug leading youth and young adults to experiment with and often become addicted to more harsh drugs. The sad reality is that Rio Grande County ranks among the top 10 percent of counties in the nation in per capita deaths due to heroin overdoses. According to the Colorado Health Institute, Rio Grande’s rate of more than 20 deaths per 100,000 residents makes it one of only 11 counties in Colorado with death rates this high. With a population of just 11,473 residents the per capita rate is actually closer to 24 deaths. Compare this to the state and national average death rates of 16.3 and 14.7 and you see ample cause for our concern with legalization of marijuana. Many of those who are fortunate enough to actually recover from heroin addiction TESTIFY that they got their start first through marijuana use.
We understand that morality cannot be legislated. So, until such time as the governing bodies provide adequate financial resources to combat the certain ill effects of the recreational cannabis industry, we urge an even higher tax rate on all products potentially sold or grown here.
Furthermore, we implore all thoughtful citizens to consider carefully what challenges you want the youth of tomorrow to really face.

The Monte Vista School Board of Education includes President Dr. Matt Nehring, Vice President David Reschke, Secretary Beverly Martinez, Treasurer Elizabeth Connor, Asst. Secretary/Treasurer Gary Wilkinson