Denver is Looking Into Allowing Cannabis Use in Public Areas

The city of Denver is looking to become the first city in the United States to allow public cannabis use in cannabis clubs and other venues that might attract cannabis consumers.

During last November’s election, voters approved a “social Use” initiative. However, one of the flaws in the measure was that it didn’t directly spell out how the cannabis could be consumed. All it  stated was that cannabis could not be smoked inside, and that the same age restrictions applied.

Starting this week, a group of Denver business owners are working with a coalition of city cannabis regulators and opponents of the plant to create recommendations for further regulations of social use.

The Colorado Liquor Control Board has already declared that cannabis use is forbidden in any business that has a liquor license. This eliminates bars, restaurants who serve alcohol and other event spaces. Although no specific deadline has been implemented, supporters of the law hope that the city will begin accepting applications this summer.

According to Emmett Reistroffer, a consultant within the cannabis industry, regulations will eventually require neighborhood approval for any cannabis club or coffee shop. Reistroffer, who ran the “social use” campaign, organized a meeting to educate the public about the matter. She invited potential businesses, and she later remarked that a few dozen showed up.

“There are plenty of places in Denver where you can find neighbors who want this kind of establishment,” said social-use proponent Emmett Reistroffer.

Rachel O’Bryan, a member of the opposition also attended Reistroffer’s meeting and stated her fears that businesses wouldn’t be able to safeguard against patrons driving while intoxicated.

Per the measure, approved businesses would not be permitted to sell cannabis. This means the establishment will not know exactly what their patrons are consuming. Cannabis would also need to be consumed in a non-smoking form like edibles.

“If you are neither serving nor counting the potency of the product, nor counting how much they consume, how are you protecting the public when they leave your property?” said O’Bryan.

A state-wide bill for cannabis clubs is currently being considered in the state Legislature.