More than a year after voters lifted a longtime ban, Loveland inched closer to opening its first marijuana stores Tuesday when City Council unanimously approved the first reading of a licensing framework outlining how such businesses will be regulated.

“I’ve had so many of my older neighbors talk to me about how they would really like to see marijuana sales in Loveland, because it helps them with sleep and also pain relief,” said new Ward 2 representative Sarah Rothberg, prior to her affirmative vote on the ordinance. “So I’m really looking forward to it.”

Tuesday’s vote also OK’d an update to Loveland’s licensing rules for alcohol and tobacco, consolidating all three into a new section of the municipal code.

Staff said the changes are intended to streamline enforcement, align local rul

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