Marijuana moratorium extended in Pueblo

Pueblo residents who are looking to buy recreational marijuana will have to continue to do what they’ve been doing since January 1 st …drive outside of the city.

In a unanimous vote, the Pueblo City Council extended a moratorium on recreational pot stores until November 30 th . The council says they will start accepting applications for marijuana cultivation, testing and manufacturing businesses beginning June 30 th .

Only one resident spoke out against waiting.

“How much money are we passing up by dragging our feet for another 6 or 8 months?” said resident David Lemon.

The City Council also decided to continue a moratorium for the rest of this year for cannabis clubs.

Pueblo Police Chief Luis Velez warned the Council that he is concerned his officers could get a “contact high” if they were to respond to a cannabis club and walked into a smoke filled room.

“I would be concerned that the officers would come out of that club and be under the influence themselves of the marijuana,” Velez said.

He believes the super strong cannabis being grown in Colorado would help contribute to the problem.

“It’s a very potent drug,” Velez said.