Second & final recreational pot shop opens in Manitou Springs

Dozens of customers have already bought their recreational marijuana from El Paso County’s second shop that opened its doors Wednesday morning.

“We’re really excited we just opened the doors, served our first few customers we were happy to see people at the door before it even opened,” said Caitlin Murphy, the director of marketing for Emerald Fields.

Murphy says the company is trying to change and improve the entire experience of buying marijuana.

“There’s a lot of odes to Colorado in the store. We utilize the burn wood from Waldo and Black Forest fires. There’s also a lot of pine beetle kill, so those are great tributes to Colorado,” said Murphy.

“I like how everything is out in the open, you can see what your buying and examine it through the magnifying glass,” said Jennifer Davis, one of the first customers.

Manitou Springs City Council legalized retail sales in January of last year. The first shop, Maggie’s Farm, opened in July.

City code allows two recreation pot shops within the city, so this is the second and final shop allowed in the city.

But some worry that two shops is one too many.

We spoke with a local business owner who is right across the street – smack in the middle of Maggie’s Farm and Emerald Fields.

“My opinion has changed for sure, because I was completely against before. But now, no weird people, no crime and business is much better than before. I’m not against anymore,” said Bozena Bogusz owner of Park Row Lodge.

The marketing director of Emerald Fields says no one has contacted the store with concerns just yet.

Owners say they’re open to answering questions about the shop and responsible use of marijuana.