A Colorado businessman wants to use a former prison in the small town of Brush to grow and sell marijuana, but first he has to persuade local residents and elected officials.
Nicholas Erker bought the 60,000-square-foot facility, but said the idea came later.
"I never thought I would be sitting here talking to you about a marijuana business, especially in a prison," Erker said.
The prison closed in 2010. Erker bought it in March for $150,000.
Recreational marijuana sales have been legal in Colorado since January, but Brush has a moratorium on pot businesses.
The City Council plans to hold a public forum about the idea Monday night. Following the meeting, they Council may decide to lift the moratorium or put the future of the rule up for vote in November.
Erker is vice president of Erker Grain Co. in nearby Fort Morgan. He estimates a marijuana business could create 31 jobs with a payroll of $1 million.
