Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper talks about his goals in the upcoming legislative session during a press briefing in his office on Dec. 19. (Karl Gehring,The Denver Post)

Colorado governor, Denver mayor quietly note marijuana launching

Colorado’s governor and Denver’s mayor did not appear at any of the events marking the day that recreational marijuana went on sale in the state, but both issued statements Wednesday evening.

“One year ago Colorado voters launched us on a unique social experiment, the legalization of marijuana,” Gov. John Hickenlooper said in a statement. “We have taken up the challenge to create a regulatory structure consistent with the guidance we have received from the U.S. Department of Justice.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Michael B. Hancock noted the successful and relatively uneventful launch.

“I am proud of Denver’s responsible and balanced implementation of Amendment 64. Over the past year, our city agencies have worked hard to collaborate with our partners and listen to so many in our community to establish thoughtful regulations. We also focused on educating residents and visitors of those laws. We saw the fruits of that labor today.” Hancock said in his statement.

“I want to thank the businesses and consumers alike for acting responsibly and with great accountability today. Denver is a progressive city, a vibrant city, and it’s incumbent on all of us to continue getting this right.”

This story was first published on DenverPost.com