A random selection event has been scheduled to issue the first two of 10 cannabis business licenses in Grand Junction.

The event is set for 11 a.m. March 2 at Grand Junction City Hall to determine which two of three applicants will receive licenses.

The applicants all have proposed locations within the Horizon Drive Association Business Improvement District. City code stipulates a separate selection event for applicants with proposed locations within the district.

The city plans to issue 10 licenses for retail and co-located medical cannabis stores in Grand Junction.

The city plans to conduct a subsequent random selection event to award the remaining eight licenses. The event will be scheduled when a court decision is issued on an appeal involving High Colorado, one of the license applicants.

At each event, qualified applicants will be randomly assigned a number. A numbered ball for each applicant will be placed in the selection container.  A municipal judge will randomly select the balls. Those applicants whose numbers are drawn will be issued cannabis business licenses.

Applicants need not be present at the selection events, but will be required to each have submitted $5,000 to secure the cost of a license should their numbers be drawn. The Cannabis Licensing Authority will notify those selected in writing by mail within seven days.

License recipients then will have a year to begin operations. Their licenses will be otherwise forfeited unless a hearing officer grants extensions.

The application process follows Grand Junction voter approval in 2021 of two measures enabling the Grand Junction City Council to establish regulations and tax rates for retail cannabis sales in the city.