Pueblo West could tax recreational marijuana growers

Recreational marijuana growers could be charged a tax in Pueblo West. The district is considering putting a tax on the growers who send recreational marijuana to businesses and other grows.

Pueblo West wants to leave it up to the voters in November. If approved, the district could put upwards of a 5 percent excise tax on the growers who transport recreational marijuana.

The money would go toward the district’s general fund, which could help improve roads, build a new fire station or other projects.

“What opportunities does Pueblo West have to raise money for the government? Limited, only the property tax, we don’t have any other source of revenue,” Pueblo West Metro District Board Member Lew Quigley said.

Marisol Therapeutics manager Lauren Emory said this tax is one too many.

“It’s obviously going to eventually raise the prices, not just for the marijuana itself, but for the products that come through, prices to the recreational users and possibly opening back up the black market again,” she said.

A public meeting regarding the excise tax will be happening at the Pueblo West Administrative Building on Tuesday starting at 6 p.m.