Former Prison Proposed for Pot Growing Business

DENVER (AP) — 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.

The Denver Post reported Saturday Nicholas Erker says the prison's security, utility lines and isolated location would make it ideal for marijuana.

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 vote on extending the moratorium or put it to a public 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.