Aurora has passed final regulations for recreational marijuana, clearing the way for an Oct. 1 opening of retail shops in the city.
“I think the system we’ve put in place is a sound system, and I honestly think it will be a model for future municipalities,” said City Councilman Bob Roth, who headed a committee that studied recreational marijuana regulations in Aurora.
The city will begin accepting applications July 1. Applicants will be judged on a point system, which some have criticized as being too favorable to bigger entrepreneurs. For example, applicants must have at least $400,000 cash in hand or in assets in that amount.
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In all, the number of pot shops will be capped at 24 for now, four in each of the six City Council wards — or sectors — spread throughout the city.
Marijuana shops will have to be at least 1,000 feet from a school and 300 feet from a residences.
A proposed ballot measure that would generate an estimated $2.4 million in taxes was delayed until another meeting.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175, cillescas@denverpost.com or twitter.com/cillescasdp
