New pot shops approved for Pueblo County

The Pueblo Liquor and Marijuana licensing board approved three applications Monday which would bring two new pot shops to Pueblo County.

The Pueblo County Courthouse room where the meeting was held was packed with dozens of people expressed their opinions about the applications.

The first application up for discussion was for a new retail pot store and grow facility at 23344 Highway 50 East in Pueblo County. The public hearing portion lasted more than an hour.

Several teachers told the board and the increase in marijuana shops makes the drug easily accessible to their students. They said it sends youth the wrong message.

Others said those who want to buy marijuana already have enough options among existing pot shops and requested the board turn down the application.

Proponents said the business owner ran an extremely strict and professional business. They said security is tight to make sure that marijuana does not get into the wrong hands.

Several people who use marijuana to manage their pain described to the crowd the positive impact the drug has had on their lives.

In the end, the board unanimously approved the application.

Next was an application for a grow facilityat 50100 East State Highway 96 in Boone submitted by Lantz Industries. The board approved the application unanimously.

The last application was for a proposed medical marijuana store and grow site at30899 highway 50 east.

The site has been a point of contention in the area.

Opponents said the building is too close to schools and bus stops. They said they are worried that it would increase crime in the area because the pot shop would draw the wrong crowd. They also expressed concern that people would burglarize homes in the area to get items to sell for quick cash to buy more marijuana.

Proponents said the building chosen for the shop has been an eyesore. They said the new site would improve the building. They also applauded the business owners for meeting with residents in the area and helping address their concerns. They also said while the business will take all necessary precautions to keep marijuana out of the wrong hands, it’s also parents’ responsibility to make sure their children are making the right choices.

In all, 17 people spoke in favor of the application and 17 spoke against it.

The owners said no school buses stop at the proposed site.

In the end, the board unanimously approved of the marijuana store and grow site. Some people in the audience cheered while others stormed out.