WEST WENDOVER, Nevada — Recreational marijuana sales are proving to be a boost for this casino border town's economy.
Revenues to the city are about $500,000 since December when the city's lone dispensary opened, West Wendover Mayor Daniel Corona confirmed to FOX 13. Deep Roots Harvest also employs about 40 people. Actual sales and spending are believed to be much higher.
It has been some economic good news for a community that has seen hard times lately. When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, casinos closed and the community experienced a significant amount of unemployment. Deep Roots Harvest also had to close under orders from Nevada's governor, but re-opened sooner.
With its proximity to the Wasatch Front, West Wendover has long been a popular weekend destination for Utahns who like to make a run for the border to visit casinos and shop at discount liquor stores (and now visit the dispensary). The town is roughly 5,000 on weekdays, but pre-pandemic saw its population swell to 20,000 on weekends.
Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Utah, but medical cannabis is legal.
Mayor Corona, who is seeking re-election, pushed for West Wendover to allow recreational cannabis sales as a way to diversify the community's economy.
