Denver opens cannabis consumption to public places

Denver has become the first U.S. city to allow coffee shops and cannabis clubs. On November 8, the city’s residents voted in favor of the social use of cannabis in public places. But since the law on the matter was too restrictive, the city is playing it by ear.

The city is facing a serious problem with’overcrowding of public spaces. Cannabis users in Colorado can smoke at home. However, tourists or people who did not want to smoke at home had nowhere to consume their cannabis.

Since November, Colorado has allowed bars and certain public places to decide whether or not to permit vaporization. This measure received a mixed reception because the many restrictions a law that was clearly rushed through.

A smoke-free coffee shop?

To address this partial failure, Colorado authorities, in collaboration with civic organizations, worked on solutions to allow smokers in appropriate locations. The authorities ultimately permitted cannabis use in certain public places (yoga studios, art galleries, concerts, etc.). Entrepreneurs wishing to open one of these establishments will need to obtain a license costing 2000$ per year. Business owners will generate revenue from the sale of non-alcoholic beverages.

However, there is still one sticking point between consumer groups and local politicians. Consumers will have to bring their own weed and will be able to smoke it in designated areas (outdoors, and likely indoors with the proper permit). Indoor consumption will be permitted in the form of space cake. However, the bar will not be allowed to sell cannabis products. This raises the issue of monitoring customers’ consumption, which the bar owner will not be able to do if he or she does not know the potency or quantity of the products consumed by the customer.

Emmett Reistroffer, an economic consultant in the cannabis industry, said, «There are many places in Denver where you can find neighbors who want this type of facility.»  Whenever an entrepreneur wants to open a coffee shop, they must receive approval from the neighborhood council and be located at a regulatory distance from schools.

For now, this law applies only to Denver. However, there is currently a debate over whether to extend it to the entire state of Colorado.