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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom