Pueblo City Council allows home marjiuana grows

Two years after voters passed Amendment 64, Pueblo City Council approved an ordinance that allows people to grow marijuana in their homes. Even though Puebloans have been growing it in their homes for several years, it’s been illegal in the city — up until now.

City council voted 5-2 Monday night to approve the ordinance, but marijuana supporters stopped short of calling the vote a win. Pot proponents said the ordinance places too many restrictions on grows, largely because it bans outdoor grows such as greenhouses.

“The problem with forcing all marijuana cultivation inside is the increasing cost to the person growing it at home, specifically their energy costs. This is the biggest birthday present anyone could ever think of to Black Hills. And they haven’t been that good a child,” said David Lemon.

Under the ordinance, grow operations cannot exceed 100 square feet or be taller than 10 feet. Grow operations must also have a ventilation system that prevents indoor air from being re-circulated.

“If you pass this, it’s going to open up this city to a landslide of lawsuits and recall and impeachment proceedings, which we have been preparing,” said Travis Nelson, president of the Colorado Cannabis Growers Association

In regards to the lawsuit, city attorney Dan Kogovsek said, “Just another day at the office if the city gets sued.”

City council agreed to amend the ordinance, which initially required that patients live with their caregivers.

Council also asked the city staff to bring back a revised ordinance that would allow people to operate greenhouses on their property.

Council members Eva Montoya and Chris Nicoll voted against the ordinance.