Denver gives out recreational pot sales licenses

The first batch of Denver businesses approved to sell recreational marijuana are getting their licenses.

The city is giving out licenses to the owners of 42 medical marijuana shops and growers Friday.

Denver is one of 19 municipalities and seven counties in Colorado that will allow retail sales of recreational pot to those 21 and older under voter-approved Amendment 64.

Only existing medical marijuana businesses in Denver are now allowed to make the transition to recreational sales. Of the 42 approved so far, eight are retail shops, 30 are growers and four are infused product manufacturers.

The state has approved 348 marijuana business licenses in Colorado.