Denver: first city to allow «social» use of cannabis

Denver approved the implementation of the Proposition 300 which aimed to authorize the «social» consumption of cannabis, including in bars, restaurants and other public places that will accept cannabis use on their premises. The proposal is effective immediately.

Proposition 300 passed with 53,57% votes in its favor, in November 2016. It is in fact a 4-year pilot program which authorizes bar, café and restaurant owners to accept the Bring Your Own Weed (BYOM). Indoor consumption is authorized for edibles and vaporization. Consumption by combustion, on the other hand, must take place outdoors, with the agreement of the neighbor.

Other rules for public use include:

• not for sale in consumer outlets
• no consumption between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• no more than 28g per individual
• only for adults over 21
• consumption areas must be kept 300m away from schools, children's establishments, municipal swimming pools, detox centers, etc.
• they must not be visible to the public
• the pilot program expires on December 31, 2020

Denver is still a long way from having coffeeshops as we know them in Amsterdam. On the other hand, the program is good news for tourists who have been coming to enjoy Colorado's delicacies without really having anywhere to eat them.

Emmett Reistroffer, an economic consultant to the cannabis industry, finds the new rules rather restrictive. The 300m limit on sensitive establishments will restrict the number of places available in downtown Denver.