On the Horizon
In mid-March, the Colorado Senate passed Senate Bill 184, a statewide social cannabis consumption measure that advocates have long supported. This measure will allow for social cannabis consumption at clubs where patrons would be permitted to bring their own cannabis, as long as the club in question does not serve alcohol, and has fewer than three employees. The bill bars establishments from serving and selling food, with minor exceptions.
While this looks very positive, there are still a few hurdles in the way. The bill may not allow inside smoking, as Gov. John Hickenlooper has hinted that he will choose to veto the measure if the text allows for indoor cannabis smoking. However, many are in favor of the measure because they feel that illegal public cannabis consumption and the number of unlawful cannabis clubs will both decrease if social use is permitted.
Even some of the more conservative legislators are in favor of the measure due to their desire to eradicate illegal cannabis clubs. Republican Sen. Bob Gardner, who supported and sponsored the bill, was quoted as saying that cannabis clubs are currently so private that they are like a living room, insinuating that they perpetuate the black market atmosphere of illegal cannabis.
“In time, as with anything, we will see a normalcy surrounding public consumption and the place where one can socialize with their peers while consuming cannabis.”
In light of the positive view many Coloradans have of this bill, advocates are advising that the best thing cannabis consumers can do is to make a good name for themselves and their industry.
“In time, as with anything, we will see a normalcy surrounding public consumption and the place where one can socialize with their peers while consuming cannabis,” explained Kathryn Awada, CEO and Founder of 5700 Consulting. Until that happens, cannabis consumers are urged by Awada to prove through mature behavior that the industry and all those involved are capable of complying with the laws and that the risk of fire is minimal, at best.
SB-184 is predicted to be signed by Governor Hickenlooper if the legislators agree to an indoor smoking ban that excludes smoking and encourages edible consumption and vaporizing.
“When [Colorado Amendment] 64 passed, the adult use cannabis market was described as trying to be regulated like alcohol, I never expected that we would be fighting for on-site consumption [of cannabis] . . . ,” Awada said. “People who prefer cannabis [over alcohol] should be able to socialize over a [medicinal dried] herb.”
No other legal cannabis state has regulated social consumption in clubs so far. A passed social use bill would be groundbreaking for the United States and would help set the standard for other legal states to follow suit, and allow cannabis consumers a safe option for consuming legal cannabis socially, which is helpful in keeping cannabis out of public areas and away from minors.
Colorado’s social consumption bill awaits a vote by the House, though it is clear that there may be a number of amendments to come before hitting the governor’s desk.
