DENVER — Denver's marijuana sales tax revenue dropped by more than $11 million in 2023 compared to 2022, according to city data. The industry has seen its struggles — and crime is one of them.
Burglaries have been a steady issue for dispensary owners. Brandon Burnham, the owner of The Herbal Cure, knows that all too well.
"It’s a drag sometimes at night to have to put things away and lock it, but this is a perfect example as to why you do it," Burnham said.
In February, Burnham's business was broken into twice in three days. A group of people drove through The Herbal Cure's fence attempting to break into the business, destroying a portion of a mural on the fence.
On Wednesday, the mural artist was back at The Herbal Cure painting over the damaged areas.
"I don’t think it deserves all this punishment ya know," said Henry Bell, the artist. "While it is fun to get out in the sun and do things you love, it'd be better to make new art."
Surveillance video shows the suspects were able to make it inside the business. They weren't able to take much, but they did smash a fish tank on their way out. Burnham said they caused about $50,000 in damage.
"It definitely felt good that we had everything locked up so they didn’t get anything," Burnham explained. "Just got to keep showing up and doing the best you can and be thankful for your abilities to make it through those hard times."
According to city data, marijuana-related burglaries were at an all-time high in 2020, with 175 burglaries. In 2023, DPD said 114 burglaries were reported.
Burnham stopped counting how many times people have tried to break into his business.
This week, Burnham was able to replace the fish tank thanks to the help of his staff, customers and a marijuana edible company that decided to pitch in.
"We got a lot of love," he stressed. "[It] definitely made it easier to cope with the crazy robbery attempt."
Burnham still hopes people support the local dispensaries. According to the City of Denver, despite the crime rates and drop in tax revenue, the number of licenses issued so far this year compared to last has actually increased about 5%.
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