Denver authorizes the first «cannabis cafés» in the U.S.

The city of Denver, Colorado, has become the first in the United States to approve the use of cannabis in public places (bars, restaurants, concert venues, art galleries, yoga classes, etc.). While the city has no shortage of dispensaries and customers, one question remained unanswered: where do we put the cannabis smokers?

Experiment and adapt

After nearly three years of full cannabis legalization, Colorado is adapting its laws year after year to accommodate both non-smokers and cannabis users. For now, the business and public health aspects are working together perfectly. Denver is overwhelmed by the influx of tourists but doesn’t know where to put them. While dispensaries can sell a certain amount of marijuana per day, users must return home to smoke legally. Hotels and hotel rooms are also non-smoking.

Based on this finding, the authorities issued a circular to residents at the same time as the presidential election. The «Neighborhood-Supported-Cannabis-Consumption-Pilot-Program» (NSCCPP) was ultimately approved by a margin of 53 %. The results were so close that the recount lasted all week.

Smokers will be able to consume cannabis in designated areas. For a «weed bar» to be authorized and allowed to serve smokers, it must receive approval from local residents. Customers will have to bring their own cannabis and will be able to consume it on the premises as long as it hasn’t been smoked yet. Outdoor smoking areas may then be set up. We’re still a long way from Amsterdam’s coffeeshops.

The sponsor of the NSCCPP circular, Kayvan S.T. Khalatbari says that this measure could «give cannabis use in the city a social dimension.» «This is a victory for cannabis users who, like alcohol users, just want to have a good time in a social setting.»

However, this authorization has angered «anti-pot» advocates, who are concerned about the combination of alcohol and cannabis. They also point to the negative example that consumption in public places could set for young people. The local government, for its part, prefers to provide designated consumption areas rather than have people consume cannabis on the street.

What will these bars be like?

However, the impact of this change is limited. Here are the key points of this measure.

• Bar patrons will be allowed to use cannabis, even if the bar sells alcoholic beverages. However, smokers will not be allowed to light up a joint right in the middle of the bar. To do so, they will have to go to the patio or the designated area. On the other hand, cannabis in a vaporizer or in edible is allowed inside.
• The consumer must return the marijuana purchased elsewhere that same day. The cannabis café will not be allowed to sell cannabis because regulations prohibit a single establishment from selling both marijuana and alcohol.
• Couples who smoke weed will also be able to vaporize their cannabis during a romantic dinner at a restaurant (or for any other occasion 😉 )

Some restaurants and bars will therefore simply allow cannabis use on their premises. However, the Dutch-style coffee shop system is not permitted. Only the’Alaska now allows cannabis dispensaries to let customers consume their purchases on the premises. This directive will remain in effect until 2020. At that time, political authorities will decide whether it should be amended or repealed.

Théo Caillart