New Castle passes ban on pot shops

Even with the passage of Amendment 64, many cities and towns are putting the brakes on any pot shops opening and now another town here on the Western Slope has joined that trend.

Although recreational pot use is now legal, many questions still remain for state lawmakers who are working out the details of regulation.

In the meantime, the town council of New Castle has decided to temporarily put a stop to all pot shops. The council approved a moratorium on all business applications for recreational marijuana until October.

A resident we spoke to says she supports the decision of the moratorium but likes the idea that pot shops could help boost the economy.

“It'll be just like taxing alcohol and cigarettes and we can use that tax money for other educational programs and for the libraries” said Helena Al-Kubaisi.

A state task force is currently working on proposed new statutes that will govern the production, sale and use of pot. Its results should be available by July.

New Castle has now joined a list of communities across Colorado that have imposed a moratorium on pot shops including Montrose and Fruita. Other Western Slope cities are also considering similar measures.