Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper called the legalization of marijuana a “reckless” decision, reaffirming his longstanding opposition to the vote that legalized the recreational use and sale of marijuana in 2012.

Hickenlooper, who is seeking re-election in November, initially hesitated to use the word “reckless” for a law that received backing from 55% of the electorate, the Durango Herald reports.

“I’m not saying it was reckless because I get quoted everywhere,” the Democratic incumbent said during a Monday debate with Republican challenger Bob Beauprez. “I opposed it from the very beginning,” he continued. “What the hell. I’ll say it was reckless.”

Hickenlooper has previously warned that the legalization of marijuana could have unintended consequences for public health and has previously vowed in an interview with the Durango Herald‘s editorial board to “regulate the living daylights out of it.”

[Durango Herald]

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