After a fantastic day on the mountain opening weekend at Winter Park Resort, I went to grab a six pack to take home and celebrate the season.

While on the trek back to north bench, I could not help but chuckle at kids running around in a candy store right next door to the liquor store. As I made my way through town I saw the lit up Wine/Candy/Beer sign on the building next to the post office. It maintained my amusement. I kept driving. Liquor store. Brewery. Liquor store. Distillery. Liquor store. Brewery. Brewery. Distillery… I couldn’t keep up with the bars. Down US Highway 40, I continued.

As I drove through Tabernash and passed by IgadI’s dispensary, I thought to myself, “This is much more discreet.”

It is more discreet. That’s because it is part of a strictly regulated industry. There is no marketing on the outside of the building. It is against regulations. There are no kids walking around while their parents peruse the selection. It is prohibited to allow minors entry to the premises.

I am not writing to the Sky-Hi News trying to change anyone’s mind on personal cannabis use. But I do believe legal businesses that adhere to the rules set in place by state and local government should be allowed to operate just like any other business. These companies put our community at no higher risk than the ubiquitous presence of (and access to) alcohol.

If IgadI wants to open a store in a legal place to do business, I see no reason why not.

— Aaron Anderson, Tabernash