Colorado’s fortunes have skyrocketed since recreational marijuana became legal 18 months ago. Some observers have called the boom a “gold rush,” reports the British newspaperThe Guardian. Denver now has four dispensaries for every Starbucks, and the number is growing. Officials have tried to fight Colorado’s reputation as the “pot state” by disallowing marijuana-related souvenirs at airports.
Still, since the legislation was enacted, Denver has become one of the fastest-growing cities in one of the fastest-growing states. Rents and real estate prices have both risen 10 percent in the last year and a half. It’s not just pot-smokers who are moving to the Mile-High City, but also so-called “ganjapreneurs,” who have helped turn marijuana into a $700 million business.