Manitou Springs, Co Steers in Recreational Use

 Although months behind other areas of the state, Manitou
Springs in El Paso County Colorado has finally ushered in recreational cannabis
sales.

Manitou is a small, highly vibrant tourist town located so
close to Colorado Springs that their borders appear seamless. The first
recreational dispensary, Maggie’s Farm, opened at the end of July and is
currently the only place closer than Denver or Pueblo to get recreational herb
in El Paso County. Because of their prime real estate and economic model of
supply and demand, it’s safe to say business is booming. “We are prepared to
handle an excited rush of customers…in the months to come,” owner Bill
Conkling told The Gazette when asked
about upcoming business.

In addition, Reserve1, a medicinal dispensary in Colorado
Springs, is looking to open a second location in Manitou to up the sales.

Manitou Springs has long been known an oasis of culture and
excitement in an otherwise conservative part of the state. They host coffin
races every Halloween, a giant party every Day of the Dead, and their downtown
is filled with lively stores celebrating the unique look and feel of the South
West. The town is also situated at the foot of the epic Garden of the Gods and
Pike’s Peak, making it a one-stop shop for all things Colorado. It only seems fitting
that recreational cannabis use is now included.  

However, Manitou and El Paso County aren’t totally out of
the woods yet. The community could still vote against recreational sales in the
upcoming November 4^th election, shutting down Maggie’s Farm and the
plans for Reserve1. This would force El Paso County residents to trek up north
or down south once more if they don’t have a medical card. Let us hope that
three months of great revenue, peaceful business transactions and cooperative customers
will convince Manitou residents that this forward-thinking move should become
permanent.