Pubdate: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 Source: Colorado Springs Independent (CO) Column: Cannabiz Copyright: 2014 Colorado Springs Independent Contact: http://www.csindy.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1536 Author: Bryce Crawford AVENUE HOTEL IS 'CANNABIS-FRIENDLY,' MAGGIE'S FARM OPENS IN MANITOU SPRINGS, AND MORE Bud and breakfast With the opening of Maggie's Farm on the eastern edge of town (see below for more on that) the marijuana menace has officially spread to Manitou Springs. And quietly, it's claimed another victim: The Avenue Hotel Bed & Breakfast (711 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, avenuehotelbandb.com), whose co-owner, Gwenn David, 60, says in an interview that toking travelers are welcome. "Well, basically, [it's] not a whole lot different than what we've done since Amendment 64 passed," she says over the phone. "We are just cannabis-friendly." David, who owns the business with at-large City Councilor Randy Hodges (who has voted in support of marijuana in Manitou), says she's not trying to "cash in," because she doesn't think there's much to cash in on. "I think in some respects it may [help], a little bit, but I don't think it's going to be a huge catalyst," she says, noting business is up 10 percent as compared to the last couple years, though numbers still haven't reached pre-flood-and-fire levels. "But basically, more than anything, it's just that we are cannabis-friendly. ... You can't smoke in the park, you can't smoke on the street, you can't smoke in your car, so if [hotel guests are] down visiting our area, there has to be some of the places that do allow and provide a comfortable environment for you to enjoy your product." Though no smoking is allowed inside the 128-year-old Victorian, nor even candles, there are multiple patios, not to mention a screened-off "Cannabis Corner," that partakers may find useful. And if you're worried about wading through traffic from Maggie's Farm, well, "I've driven by the store a couple times - their parking lot's full - but I've driven by without having to, like, stop for backed-up traffic or anything like that," David says. Maggie's Farm works Speaking of Maggie's Farm (141 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, maggiesfarmmarijuana.com), the local chain successfully opened its fifth location this past Thursday, around 4:20 p.m., to the delighted applause of between 50 and 75 lined-up patrons. The first RMJ sale in county history went to City Councilor Kevin "Sarge" Mac Donald, a medical-marijuana patient who bought an eighth of Jesus OG for $54 plus tax. (This is roughly double MMJ prices.) The store stocks around 40 different strains, plus edibles and accessories; hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. Eat this, not that In light of negative press, new rules being considered by a state work-group may impose stricter regulations on edibles. Infused products may still contain 100 milligrams of THC, but must be broken into 10-milligram-sized chunks, the Denver Post reports, and child-proof packaging must come from the manufacturer, not be added later by the retailer. More public meetings will come before possible Nov. 1 implementation; see tiny.cc/41z2jx for more. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom