Denver Just Created a Cannabis Goldmine (And Most Operators Don't Even Know It)

By Gino Rodrigues

A seasoned broker's take on Denver's biggest cannabis opportunity in years

Look, I've been doing cannabis deals for over a decade now, and I've seen my share of "once-in-a-lifetime opportunities." Most of them aren't. But what's happening in Denver right now? This is different, and I need to tell you why.

Last month, Denver dropped a bombshell that most people in our industry are still trying to wrap their heads around. The city just banned new dispensaries from opening in six neighborhoods—including the areas with the heaviest cannabis traffic. While everyone else is busy analyzing what this means, I'm on the phone with my best clients telling them to move. Now.

Here's What Nobody's Talking About

I just spent three weeks reviewing a dispensary deal at 82 South Federal Boulevard that's keeping me up at night. Not because it's risky—because it's so obviously the right move that I'm worried one of my competitors is going to stumble onto it.

This location is trending $500,000 in annual revenue. Not projected, not hoped for—actually doing it. Federal Boulevard sees over 42,000 cars a day, and this spot sits right in the sweet spot where locals and tourists naturally stop. The average household income within a mile is $51,709, which means these aren't bargain hunters—they're customers who value quality and convenience.

But here's the kicker: this dispensary is now in one of those protected zones. No new competition can ever open near this location. Ever. When I explain this to experienced operators, I watch their faces change as they realize what I'm telling them.

The Numbers That Matter

The seller wants $350,000 with $200,000 down and will carry $150,000 for two years. If you've got cash, they'll take $300,000 straight up. I've run these numbers six different ways, and every scenario points to the same conclusion: you're looking at 35% to 50% annual returns, conservatively.

Here's my realistic projection: this operation should hit $600,000 to $650,000 in revenue within the first year under new ownership. I'm not some consultant throwing around fantasy numbers—I'm telling you what I've seen happen when good operators take over established locations with built-in traffic.

Why I'm Pushing This Deal

These restrictions are putting real value back into cannabis dispensary assets for the first time in years creating a Denver cannabis goldmine. We've been in an oversaturated market where store values kept dropping because anyone could open anywhere. Now Denver just flipped the script. Existing dispensaries in protected zones aren't just businesses anymore—they're appreciating assets in a supply-constrained market.

In 15 years of brokering cannabis business sales, I've learned that real opportunities come from recognizing patterns before they become obvious. Right now, we have a perfect storm: regulatory protection creating artificial scarcity, a motivated seller who needs to move quickly, and a market that hasn't fully priced in what these protected positions are actually worth.

Six months from now, when every cannabis operator in Colorado realizes what Denver's restrictions really mean, deals like this won't exist. I've already had three serious inquiries this week, and two of them are my longtime clients who trust my judgment enough to move fast. The location works, the numbers work, and the timing couldn't be better. Whether you're a cultivator looking to go vertical, a manufacturer wanting retail access, or an existing operator ready to expand, this checks every box

Different Ways to Make This Work

I've structured this deal for cash buyers who want maximum control and immediate equity. I've also set it up for growth-focused operators who want to preserve working capital for improvements and expansion. If you don't have the full capital but have operational expertise, I can connect you with financial partners who understand cannabis and want in on protected market positions.

For my cultivator and manufacturer clients, this is especially interesting because you can use your existing cannabis business as leverage in the deal structure. Instead of competing for shelf space, you'd own the shelves.

The Reality Check

I'm not going to sugarcoat this: cannabis retail isn't easy, and buying an existing operation comes with its own challenges. But I'd rather see my clients dealing with known challenges in a protected market than starting from scratch in an oversaturated area where new competitors open every month.

This seller isn't desperate—they're repositioning their portfolio and want a clean, quick transaction with a qualified buyer. The operation has clean books, current licenses, and established systems. You're buying a business, not a project.

My Honest Recommendation

If you've been waiting for the right dispensary opportunity, this is it. The combination of proven revenue, protected market position, and reasonable pricing doesn't come around often in our industry. I've seen too many good operators miss out on deals like this because they wanted to analyze it to death or wait for something even better.

The cannabis industry is maturing fast, and the operators who thrive are going to be those with strategic locations in protected markets. This Federal Boulevard location gives you both, plus immediate cash flow and room for growth.

I've got the full financials, traffic studies, and market analysis ready for serious buyers. If you want to discuss how this fits your expansion plans or investment strategy, call me directly. But don't wait too long—I'm already scheduling showings for next week.

Gino Rodrigues

Acoma Capital Partners, Inc.

Phone : 720-724-4185 

ginorod@acomacapitalpartners.com

I only work with qualified buyers on deals this size. Let's talk about whether this makes sense for your situation.