During the Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) work session on January 2, 2025, local cannabis industry representatives voiced significant concerns regarding the challenges they face in operating their businesses. The discussions highlighted the financial strain and regulatory hurdles that have left many operators struggling to stay afloat.

One of the key issues raised was the burden of licensing fees and the financial pressures associated with them. Sean Honecker from Yeti Farms emphasized the precarious financial situation many cannabis businesses find themselves in, with some operators unable to meet payroll due to delayed payments from clients. He pointed out that the cannabis industry is heavily regulated, yet operators feel they receive little support from local authorities. Honecker noted that the county's recent enforcement of parking plan regulations had resulted in substantial fines for businesses, further complicating their financial stability.

The meeting also touched on the disparity in treatment between the cannabis industry and other sectors. Honecker questioned why cannabis businesses are subjected to higher taxes and fees compared to liquor stores and other industries. He expressed frustration over the perception that the cannabis industry is treated as a cash cow for the county, while other sectors receive more favorable treatment.

Commissioners acknowledged the challenges presented by the cannabis market, which has become increasingly saturated. They expressed a commitment to work collaboratively with industry representatives to address these concerns. One commissioner admitted to not following up on invitations to visit local cannabis facilities, promising to rectify this oversight in the coming weeks.

The discussions underscored a growing urgency for the county to engage more effectively with the cannabis industry, as many operators fear that without significant changes, a substantial number of businesses may close in the near future. The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing dialogue between the county and cannabis operators to foster a more supportive environment for this vital sector of the local economy.