Dispensaries Can Stay Open Later in Denver

Starting today, dispensaries within city limits in Denver, Colorado will be able to stay open until 10 p.m.

According to The Denver Post, both recreational and medical dispensaries will be able to stay open three hours later than the originally ordained closing time of 7 p.m. While many Denver suburbs, such as Edgewater and Glendale, allow dispensaries to stay open later, Denver has 218 stores, making this move forward a big deal for city dwellers.

After months of deliberation and multiple bills being proposed, the Denver City Council finally agreed on the 10 p.m. change. Some of the failed amendments included a plan to keep dispensaries open until midnight, as well as one to force establishments to open at 9 a.m. instead of the current opening time of 8 a.m.

The council passed the newest bill amendment, referred to as 17-0324, with an 11-2 vote on April 24. Most of the councilmembers were supportive of this new change, including Mayor Michael Hancock. “I think it’s a good piece of legislation,” he explained. He felt that the new rule represents a happy medium between what the industry wants and still addresses concerns raised by local citizens.

However, Chris Herndon, one of the councilmembers who voted no, had originally tried to get a later opening time for dispensaries. Two amendments to the bill, one to make businesses with pending disciplinary actions close at 7 p.m., and another to keep recreational or medical dispensaries looking to expand and include both sides from staying open later, both failed.

While this represents a compromise in some respects for the industry, it is certainly a giant step forward for local businesses, and will increase revenue and help give cannabis the boost it needs during uncertain political times. Dispensaries will now be able to serve clients longer, and provide more hours for employees.