Last updated : November 11, 2024
Recreational marijuana became legal in Colorado in January 2014. It’s been over five years now and other than being able to purchase the drug without fear of retaliation, there is not a whole lot of change. Even after voters approved a social use law back in November 2016 by a 54% margin, changes that the city council wisely made to the proposal put the brakes on using the drug in public.
The Denver Initiative 300 (2016) allowed business owners within the city’s neighborhoods to obtain licenses to allow consumers over the age of 21 to have a place to socialize and bring their own marijuana on the premises for consumption. The establishments would not sell marijuana.
There was a built-in stipulation that these businesses must be no less than 1,000 feet from schools.
Voters agreed, but…
Having these establishments a reasonable distance from our children’s schools was a good idea, but city officials weren’t so sure that was enough of a boundary.
They gathered at a council meeting to discuss the matter and derived a new plan. The city’s children aren’t always in school. So, they took measures to keep them safe while off school premises as well.
No license would be granted for a social use establishment within 1,000 feet of daycares or city-run recreational centers either. Then, the council took it a step further. They also decided shielding recovering addicts was necessary. The council banned any social use businesses from opening within 1000 feet of a rehabilitation center, as well.
Can Denver roll with the changes?
As it turns out, there aren’t a whole lot of areas in Denver that can fit that bill.
There are approximately 20 miles of available space for social use establishments scattered throughout Denver. However, the number of available buildings in residential neighborhoods is limited. This, due to the fact that a large part of the area that best meets the criteria for opening a social use establishment is in the industrial section of town.
Scratch the dream of some Denver residents to take a stroll to their local neighborhood hang out to kick it with their buds.
These residents and future social use business owners of Denver weren’t ready to give up on the original I-300 without a fight. They contacted their city council members to voice their opinions.
Advocates for a change think the limits placed on self-use establishments regarding locations are unfair. They are in Denver’s industrial district which isn’t following the initial guidelines to establish neighborhood hangouts. They say these requirements make it next to impossible for a social use establishment to succeed. They are upset that the council took it upon themselves to put stipulations on these up and coming businesses.
Councilwoman Kendra Black was listening. “There are many people whom we have heard from who want to open a business but cannot find a location,” she told the Denver Post.
On Monday, April 15th, the council re-addressed the issue. Councilwoman Black introduced a measure that would ease the boundary lines that limit would-be business owners. The pros and cons discussed ran the gamut during the hours-long debate at that meeting.
Those opposed to changing things include Colorado Children’s Campaign and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Ashley Kilroy, executive director of excise and licenses for the city, brought their views to the table via an email she received.
According to city personnel, Denver’s mayor, Michael Hancock, is not in favor of the change either. However, his constituents are speaking.
Many feel that providing a place for social use will keep our children away from marijuana. Instead of taking it to the streets, this idea takes smoking inside a building where children are not allowed.
It might be up in smoke
The Denver city council initially voted 9-2 to amend their previous decision to extend the boundary limits. They relaxed the 1,000-foot boundary. Social use businesses must be located 500 feet from daycares, city-run rec centers, and drug rehab facilities.
The original 1,000-foot boundary would remain intact regarding Denver schools.
The change only added 2 square miles to the accessible area, but advocates believed it was enough to make the difference. The lounges could not sell alcohol. The proposed business must get approval from both a public hearing and local neighborhood organizations before receiving a city license.
However, during a second and final vote on the matter at the April 21st meeting, the council, fortunately, did not pass the measure.
The final vote on the amendment had seven supporters, over 50%. However, because they were seeking to change a voter-approved law, a supermajority of 9 votes was necessary to pass.
Some council members stated their reasoning behind the vote was to take a “wait and see” approach. They want to see how state legislature handles casual use. State lawmakers are looking at deregulating marijuana from a tourist standpoint. Marijuana lounges, tour buses, and areas for approved smoking in hotels are options that are on the table statewide.
Councilwoman Black, on the other hand, stated her surprise that the council was unable to reach a compromise through her proposed amendment.
High hopes
Currently, there are only two social use businesses in Denver. The Coffee Joint and Vape and Play lack universal appeal, however. They are situated in a less than desirable location. Tourists wander in the doors to try out their new found freedom to purchase pot without fear or paranoia, but locals don’t come often.
Marijuana users remain hopeful that the idea of neighborhood hangouts for social use grows in popularity. However, those with an opposing view, continue to voice their concerns.
Marijuana legalization brings many unanswered questions and does raise concerns, both, in the workplace and away from it.
Users are known for their mellow, laid back nature, but their decision-making process can be impaired. They can be uncoordinated and lethargic. Someone in this state of mind can be a danger to themselves and others in certain situations.
City and state governments have decisions to make regarding legislation. It’s a learning process for all concerned, but we will stay the course and get things figured out.
Our children are depending on us to get it right.
