Two proposed taxes could affect the marijuana grows in Pueblo County

The marijuana grows in Pueblo County could be facing two tax hikes next year. If both are approved, the money would go toward education and community improvements. Some pot shop owners aren’t happy with the proposed taxes.

Recreational marijuana shops have been raking in millions of dollars since sales became legal last year.

Marisol Therapeutics owner Mike Stetler says it has been a nice run.

“It’s been living up to more than my expectations,” he said.

But two taxes could halt the momentum.

Pueblo County wants the voters to decide in November on whether there should be a five percent tax on the marijuana grows that transport recreational pot. The money from the tax would go toward college scholarships and community projects.

“Part of the promise of decriminalization of marijuana was to fund schools and kids,” County Commissioner Sal Pace said.

That’s not the only proposed tax for voters to decide in November. Pueblo West wants to do the same thing the county is doing, except there would be a three percent tax and the money would go toward improvement projects like building a fire station or fixing roads.

“The board says, ‘since we host the lion’s share of recreational and medicinal marijuana dispensaries that we should perhaps receive some benefit from that.'” Pueblo West Metro Board President Jerry Martin said.

Stetler said the taxes could ruin the sale of recreational marijuana in the county.

“It’s going to go into the black market. They are not going to get taxes at all. It’s going to shut us and the stores down,” he said.

And Stetler hopes the taxes are not implemented since his customers already pay 36 percent in taxes to buy recreational marijuana.

Both proposed taxes do not include medical marijuana.