Karing Kind, a mile north of Boulder, became the first marijuana store to sell recreational marijuana to the general public in Boulder County when it opened around 10:20 a.m. today.
The opening was delayed slightly after owner Dylan Donaldson got stuck in traffic.
Donaldson had an appointment to pick up his state license at 8 a.m. in Denver, but got caught in traffic on U.S. 36.
“Dylan is stuck on 36 on his way to get the license!” Karing Kind’s account tweeted at 7:56 a.m. today.
Donaldson said he had still expected to open the store — 5854 Rawhide Court — by 11 a.m.
By 9 a.m. David Marx of Longmont was the first in line, though high winds occasionally forced him to wait in his truck.
Marx has a medical marijuana card but said he likes Karing Kind’s prices and selection so wanted to check out the retail scene
“I’m anticipating longer lines,” he said. “More of a liquor store atmosphere: in and out.”
Marx said he would see how today went before deciding if he would stick with dispensaries or go with retail.
“It depends on how much business they get,” he said.
Karing Kind employee Jose Alvarado anticipated a large crowd today because the shop will be the first of its kind in the county.
“At first I think it will be a huge rush,” he said. “Then as more places open it will even out.”
Alvarado also holds a medical card, but is curious to see how recreational sales go.
“I’m excited, ” he said.
When it does open, Karing Kind will be the first pot shop in Boulder County to sell recreational marijuana after it became legal in Colorado at the beginning of the year.
It appeared earlier this year that distinction would belong to The Canary’s Song in Nederland, which got its state approval in December and its local license Jan. 21.
However, that store ran into a number of logistical hurdles, including not being able to get product tags from the state, and it’s not clear when it will open. The store’s Facebook page, where owners have said they will announce the opening date, has not been updated.
Terrapin Care Station, at the corner of Canyon Boulevard and Folsom Street, might also open this afternoon. Owner Chris Woods was hesitant to commit on Friday, but said he does expect to be the first marijuana store to open in the city, sometime this week.
Boulder has issued licenses or is prepared to issue a license pending a building inspection to five retail marijuana stores, but even those with a local license are waiting on their state license.
By law, the Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Enforcement Division cannot issue a license any sooner than 45 days from the date of application.
The other businesses that have received or are on track to receive city licenses are Boulder Botanics, 1750 30th St., Boulder Rx, 1146 Pearl St., Fresh Baked, 2539 Pearl St., and The Green Room, 2750 Glenwood Drive.
Those businesses are aiming for mid-March openings.
Contact Camera Staff Writer Mitchell Byars at 303-473-1329, byarsm@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/mitchellbyars.
