Proposed medical marijuana dispensary raises concern

A proposed medical marijuana shop and grow is causing a stir in eastern Pueblo County.

Jim and Pam Parco applied for a medical marijuana license, as well as licenses for infused product manufacturing and a medical grow. If approved, Mesa Organics would operate at 30899 U.S. Highway 50 East, near Baxter Road.

The owners of Mesa Organics held a public forum Sunday afternoon to answer questions and hear the concerns of people who live around the proposed medical marijuana establishment.

Jim Parco said he wants to put the building, which most recently housed a Mexican restaurant, to good use.

“The place has been in pretty bad disrepair along with the property across the street and for the last 10 years we asked what can we possibly do hoping somebody would buy this property,” he said.

Several neighbors in the St. Charles Mesa area told KRDO NewsChannel 13 that a marijuana business shouldn’t operate near a residential area.

“It would knock our property (values) down. Who would want to buy a house in a pot neighborhood? Who in their right mind would buy a house for $200,000 or $100,000 and have something like this within 1,000 feet of their house?” said Eddie Foreman.

The proposed marijuana dispensary is two miles away from Pueblo County High School, raising concern from the school district.

“It’s just a community with a lot of schools. It’s not a business that would be beneficial to the neighborhood,” said Kathy Harrison, vice principal of Pueblo County High School.

Jim Parco said he wanted to hold a meet-and-greet to address neighbors’ concerns.

“Unfortunately, it’s not required currently under local regulations, but we think it’s important to do. We’re strong believers in transparency,” Parco said.

The Pueblo County Liquor and Marijuana Licensing Board will hold a public hearing on April 13 at 6 p.m. at the Pueblo County Courthouse.