The state may have tourists to thank for the uptick in profit. According to the Colorado Department of Revenue, 44 percent of marijuana purchased in metro areas and 90 percent purchased in more rural mountain towns was bought by visitors to the state. From weed-themed campsites to 4/20 festivals, businesses are hoping to cash in on increased tourism to the state, though it’s unclear yet just how much the business may have grown since legalization.
The most significant concern came from wine and liquor company Brown-Forman Corporation, owner of Jack Daniels and Southern Comfort, which named widespread legalization of marijuana as something to watch in a recent annual report to investors.
Over the past decade or so, Colorado has also become known as a hub for craft beer. As of 2013, the state had 151 craft breweries, third only to California and Washington. And though some companies have expressed anxiety about alcohol sales, many beer vendors don’t seem to be worried.
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