The City and County of Denver acknowledged that Denver's cannabis industry is experiencing its first-ever downturn since recreational marijuana was legalized 11 years ago.
Data from the City and County of Denver shows total medical and retail cannabis sales are down following the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The recreation industry brought in $180 million in the first seven months of 2024.
Eric Escudero, a spokesman for the Denver Department of Goods and Licensing, said he has seen some cannabis businesses consolidate or close operations due to declining sales over the past few years. Ta.
“As legalization has spread across the country, fewer people are coming to Denver to consume or purchase marijuana,” Escudero said. “(Companies) are going to have to adapt.”
Pure Elevations Cannabis Spa and Salon does just that. This is the city's first business to offer both cannabis sales and consumption on-site. It is also the first marijuana consumption spa in state history.
“We're here. We're open. It's been very exciting, but also scary,” owner Rebecca Marroquin said.
Spa patrons can incorporate cannabis into their massages, nails, and hair treatments. Pure Elevations also sells cannabis products, which customers can consume in the outdoor lounge.
“I hurt my neck. All the medications they gave me really hurt me and hurt my body,” Marroquin said. “I know the benefits of marijuana. I know it's helped me. I've seen it help others.”
Marroquin understands that times are tough for the marijuana industry, but believes her unique business model will bring success.
“That's kind of the key for us to create another source of income, another source of income, to bring in people for reasons other than smoking weed, to create a need and a desire to help themselves without drugs. I think so,” she said. .
Pure Elevations is hiring for all types of positions. Please contact the company for further information.
This article was originally published by Amy Wadas of Scripps News Denver.
