Denver is on the verge of major updates to its adult-use cannabis system including new delivery and retail social equity licenses, and the eventual addition of social consumption options, according to the Denver Post. After years of negotiations, two bills were unanimously approved by the Denver City Council and should receive a final vote just prior to the April 20 holiday.
The first bill allows cannabis delivery and removes the 220-cap on the number of adult-use retail shops in the city, the Post reports. Under the proposals, applicants must meet the state’s newly crafted social equity qualifications, which include living in a “disadvantaged” area, or the applicant or a family member being arrested or having experienced asset forfeiture as a result of a cannabis offense.
The second change introduces social consumption to the “Mile High City” in the form of new consumption clubs, shuttles, and tour buses. However, city spokesperson Eric Escudero said he is not sure when the clubs will be open despite it being a popular issue.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock (D) is expected to sign the updates on 4/20 and Escudero said delivery could be up and running in Denver by the end of the summer.
The new Denver programs come in the wake of Gov. Jared Polis (D) signing a bill in late March to create positions in the Office of Economic Development and International Trade that will support cannabis applicants most affected by the drug war, according to Marijuana Moment. The program will provide start-up funding and technical assistance for social equity applicants.
Prior to signing the bill, the governor said, “Our war on marijuana falls disproportionately on people of color, effectively reducing access to an industry that’s fully legal and regulated in our state.”
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