Recreational Pot Shops Allowed To Stay Open Later In Aurora
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - Marijuana in Colorado will soon be changing now that retail pot shops can open for business in Aurora.
The first day marijuana shops could open in Aurora was last Wednesday, but marijuana still can't be sold over the counter in Aurora because none of the shops have opened for business yet.
It's been less than six weeks since 21 business got their licenses to begin selling marijuana in Aurora. Owners say the short turnaround time means opening their doors for business was delayed. But now construction is in full swing.
A retail marijuana store on Del Mar Parkway near East Colfax Avenue will soon be open, and it's something neighboring business owner Gaby Gonzalez is happy about.
"We can bring more business to the shopping center and my business also," said Gonzalez, who owns the Chantal Beauty Salon.
Another cannabis seller is setting up shop on Havana Street, but not everyone is on board.
"I don't think this is a good idea to build it here and open this store because there are a lot of schools here," Aurora resident Maciek Czyzowicz said.
The store he's concerned about meets City of Aurora regulations for proximity to a school.
As fresh bud grows in a state-of-the-art "veg" room, Medicine Man COO Pete Williams is preparing to sell product in Colorado's third largest city.
"One really neat thing about Aurora is they're allowing the stores to stay open until 10 p.m. Denver only allows us to stay open until 7 p.m.," Williams said.
With the longer hours and a prime location, owners in Aurora expect their new stores to bring in $9 million a year. And those businesses won't be the only ones cashing in on the green.
"Eventually I think Denver might get on board and stay open until 10 p.m. so that they can capture those tax dollars themselves," Williams said.
Aurora is accepting applications to license three additional recreational marijuana shops through Oct. 15.
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