Colorado
‘There’s a real attack on the industry’: Medical marijuana sales continue to drop in Colorado
Colorado’s Division of Income says medical marijuana gross sales are persevering with to drop.
Specialists are fearful about folks with well being situations getting access to the therapy they want. They are saying sufferers are paying extra in taxes for comparable merchandise at leisure services.
“That is the bottom they have been because the legalization of leisure. I am very fearful,” mentioned Truman Bradley.
Anxious is an understatement for Truman Bradley, govt director of the Marijuana Trade Group, a commerce affiliation in Colorado that gives assist for marijuana-related companies. He believes in secure entry to wash merchandise for all Coloradans and its guests.
In accordance with the Colorado Division of Income, medical marijuana gross sales within the state in June 2022 have been $19.2 million, down from $34.5 million in June 2021 — a 44% drop. Bradley believes the business is struggling for a lot of causes.
“On the medical aspect, some very strict buy limits got here in, you recognize, for prescribed drugs. Sufferers can stand up to a one-month provide. However for medical hashish, their day by day buy limits for folk who’re immunocompromised or disabled, it is a actual drawback,” he mentioned.
Bradley says that is making some sufferers resort to purchasing leisure marijuana, which prices extra as a result of increased tax base and pushes some medical marijuana companies to close their doorways. Buddy Boy dispensaries and Mile Excessive Inexperienced Cross closed their areas over the previous couple of months.
The Metropolis of Denver says it’s seen a decline in folks making use of for a medical marijuana license over the past 5 years, citing comparable causes.
“We predict it may be simply folks don’t need to undergo the effort of getting their medical marijuana card. They’d reasonably simply stroll down the road and go to a leisure dispensary,” mentioned Eric Escudero, spokesman for Denver Excise and Licenses.
Statistics from Denver’s annual marijuana report present town had 731 actively licensed marijuana companies in January 2014. There are at the moment 433 actively licensed marijuana companies as of January 2022.
“I believe what some persons are actually questioning is that if there’s an oversaturation of the marijuana market in Denver. We have now a variety of shops, whether or not or not it’s medical or leisure,” mentioned Escudero.
Bradley says the leisure business can also be taking successful.
“Leisure gross sales are a good portion of the tax income, however leisure gross sales are down 20% as properly. There’s an actual assault on the business,” mentioned Bradley.
Bradley says issues like inflation and rising taxes are contributing to that. He’s hopeful the business will make an upward development earlier than issues worsen.
Denver7 reached out to the Colorado Medical Enforcement Division, which regulates the medical and retail marijuana industries within the state, to see what they must say concerning the decline in medical gross sales and if there’s something that may be finished to cease the decline from occurring. A spokesperson mentioned the division doesn’t have something to contribute at the moment.
Colorado
Colorado woman recovers from unique liver cancer surgery in time for Christmas
It was a very special holiday season for an Aurora resident recovering after a unique surgery. Doctors push the limits to treat patients, especially during this time of year.
It only takes one look around Anna Aist’s house to see Christmas is her favorite holiday.
“I started to buy those many, many years ago,” Aist told CBS Colorado.
Aist’s house was ready ahead of Christmas. From the village, to the nutcrackers lining her kitchen, to the handmade pieces of art from her late husband, who passed away this year.
“He loved woodwork,” Aist explained. “He made all of these. This this whole room is Santa.”
It’s almost a year since, Aist’s husband passed away in January.
“Who would have thought I would have got cancer after that,” Aist said.
At 84 years young, this is a special Christmas for Aist. She’s still recoverin from surgery after being diagnosed with liver cancer earlier in 2024.
“He told everybody I looked spry, and I passed all the tests except for three, and they had to do with my liver,” Aist said.
Dr. Raheel Jajja at HCA HealthONE Presbyterian St. Luke’s tried a unique liver resection surgery.
“He thinks he got it all, and he took out 10% of my liver,” Aist explained.
A had specific instructions on when to have the surgery this year.
“I said, if you’re going to do it, do it soon,” Aist said. “Because I want to be up feeling good for the holidays. That’s one of my favorite things.”
So Aist’s family from all over Colorado will soon be with her to unwrap presents and spend time together. It’s precious time with a patient who has worked hard to make the holiday special.
“And they said they want food, food, food,” Aist said with a positive chuckle.
Colorado
Deion Sanders and Colorado land Texas A&M transfer OL Aki Ogunbiyi
Colorado has landed a significant addition to their offensive line with the transfer of Texas A&M offensive lineman Aki Ogunbiyi. This move signals head coach Deion Sanders’ ongoing commitment to the trenches after a season plagued by pass protection struggles.
Ogunbiyi, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound lineman from Houston, Texas, brings experience and potential to a unit that ranked near the bottom nationally in sacks allowed, giving up 39 in 2024.
Ogunbiyi’s decision to transfer to Colorado comes after four seasons at Texas A&M, where he showcased his talent despite limited playing time. Originally a four-star recruit in the 2020 class, Ogunbiyi was ranked as the No. 9 offensive guard in the nation and the No. 34 player in Texas. His arrival at College Station was met with high expectations, and while he contributed in multiple games, his full potential was never fully realized during his time with the Aggies.
Deion Sanders says he won’t attend the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay
Over the course of his career at Texas A&M, Ogunbiyi accumulated 654 offensive snaps, starting eight games and earning the team’s Offensive Most Improved Player Award. His size, strength, and pedigree as a run blocker align well with the Buffaloes’ urgent need to establish a more formidable offensive line presence. In the 2023 season, Ogunbiyi appeared in three games against McNeese, Missouri, and New Mexico State before entering the transfer portal.
For Colorado, Ogunbiyi’s arrival could provide an immediate boost to their offensive line, a crucial factor as the Buffaloes aim to contend in the Big 12.
With only one year of eligibility remaining, Ogunbiyi is expected to compete for a starting role at either guard position this spring. His experience against SEC competition and accolades as an improved offensive player could make him a pivotal piece in Colorado’s efforts to protect quarterback Shedeur Sanders and strengthen the run game.
As Coach Prime continues to reshape the roster, Ogunbiyi’s transfer underscores the Buffaloes’ focus on enhancing their offensive line – a critical step toward achieving their championship aspirations.
Colorado
Colorado weather: Wintry mix on the way for Christmas
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