Doxey’s Apple Shed Cafe in Penrose, shuttered for nearly a decade, may reopen as a medical marijuana grow where THC-infused edibles are made.
Thressor LLC proposes to grow pot, extract oil from the weed and use it to infuse foods, owner Chris Haight said. The operation will have about 5,700 square feet of indoor grow space and a 300-square-foot infusing laboratory.
Haight said no part of the business will be outside of the building, which is known for the giant rocking chair in the parking lot.
The Fremont County Planning Commission on Tuesday voted 4-3 to move Thressor’s permit request on to the county commissioners for consideration.
More than 40 people attended Tuesday’s meeting, six of whom spoke against granting the Special Review Use Permit, and two who were in support.
“This is not a licensing issue relative to marijuana,” said Commissioner Dennis Wied, who voted for the permit. “What we are looking at is evaluating strictly a manufacturing application suitable for this piece of property.”
Much of the discussion centered around security, water use and safety. Penrose Fire Chief Calvin Sundermann was especially concerned about the oil extraction process, which involves volatile butane.
Haight said the company will use a state-approved machine to extract the THC oil and he will keep no more than 30 pounds of butane on site.
Haight said people who testified against his operation, “had valid concerns. I will try my best to comply with all of them if I can.
“I think the Apple Shed is a very historic place,” he said, “and I intend to keep the legacy going one way or another.”
