Pubdate: Sat, 28 Dec 2013
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA)
Copyright: 2013 The Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/365

DENVER ISSUES POT SALES LICENSES

Retail Sales Can Begin Wednesday for the Drug's Recreational Use

DENVER (AP) - The first batch of Denver businesses approved to sell 
recreational marijuana got their licenses Friday, the owners mugging 
for pictures and saying they never thought they'd see the day when 
they'd get a permit to sell pot.

Applause broke out and cameras whirred when the first license was 
issued from the city's Department of Excise and Licenses. The city 
awarded 14 licenses for retail shops, 17 licenses for pot growers and 
three licenses for makers of cannabis-infused products, such as brownies.

"I think it's about time that adults can imbibe in marijuana," said 
Donald Andrews of one of the eight shops, LoDo Wellness Center in 
downtown Denver.

The licensed sellers went through a state and local licensing process 
that included public hearings to ask neighbors about shop locations. 
Owners also underwent more than a dozen fire and building inspections 
for each shop.

"It's been a grueling process, but we're finally here," said Justin 
Jones, owner of Dank Colorado, a retail shop.

Recreational pot for adults older than 21 has been legal in Colorado 
for more than a year, but retail sales of the drug aren't allowed 
until 8 a.m. Wednesday. Washington state, the only other state to 
allow recreational pot use by adults, plans to have stores open by late spring.

Denver is one of 19 municipalities and seven counties in Colorado 
that will allow retail sales of recreational pot.

Only existing medical marijuana businesses are now allowed to make 
the transition to recreational sales.

Still unclear is what Wednesday morning will look like. Some pot shop 
owners are planning to impose purchasing caps and other limits to try 
to avoid a run on weed.

"We're hoping next week will be a fun-filled experience but a 
responsible one," said Elan Nelson of Medicine Man, a licensed shop 
and growing center in northeast Denver.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom