Chris Walsh: Stranger in a Strange Land – Returning to Denver After Two Years Away

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Two years ago, I left Denver for the skyscrapers, congestion and kimchi of South Korea. Not so much on that last one (I’m not exactly thrilled by the idea of spicy fermented cabbage), but the hustle and bustle of the city and the idea of moving to a foreign land proved too tempting to resist.

I came back to Denver in March, and my how the times have changed. Drive past a strip mall, walk to the local corner store or go out to grab a cup of coffee and you’re virtually guaranteed to stumble across a storefront featuring a sign with a heavy dose of green – and I’m not referring to Starbucks.

Medical marijuana is big business here – as it is (or is becoming) in 14 other states that have legalized it. Oh yeah, it’s also surprisingly legal in the District of Columbia – you know, the nation’s capital and all.

At times, I feel like a stranger in my hometown, as it’s changed so drastically in this regard. It’s a fascinating development – one that has occurred at break-neck speed. And the landscape continues to change every day. In just the past week, for instance, the industry has taken a serious hit (excuse the pun) from government raids and crackdowns.

With that said, I look forward to exploring this complex and exciting industry. My goal is to keep you abreast of trends and developments in the industry as well as provide you with analysis and insight to help you run your dispensary more effectively.

Chris Walsh is the editor of Medical Marijuana Business Daily