Denver Denver has started work on the nations first law allowing marijuana clubs and use in public places such as coffee shops or art galleries. But the details about what those pot clubs would look like are very much in the air. Heres what we know, and dont know, about the looming pot clubs headed to Denver:
WHEN WILL THE POT CLUBS OPEN?
Applications are available Friday, but the city has no deadline for issuing the licenses, which will cost $2,000 a year. An informal workgroup made up of police, restaurants, state health authorities and marijuana activists is meeting to suggest regulations for the city licensing authority, but the final call will be made by city regulators.
HOW WILL THE CLUBS WORK?
Thats an open question. A measure approved by voters last year says that clubs couldnt allow anyone under 21, cant sell the marijuana and cant allow it to be smoked inside. That means any clubs or venues allowing marijuana use will be bring-your-own establishments. Critics point out that the businesses will then have no control over what people are consuming, or how much.
WHERE CAN I FIND A POT CLUB?
The city hasnt issued zoning regulations yet. Regulators are debating whether its better to lump the pot shops together in a common area, giving police an easier time patrolling the clubs, or whether its better to require clubs to be dispersed, giving more neighborhoods a place where adults can consume pot legally. The eventual pot clubs will be limited in terms of how they advertise, so tourists will likely have to ask locals
CAN I GET A DRINK WITH MY JOINT?
Nope. Marijuana activists envisioned a system where marijuana could be consumed alongside wine and cocktails at participating bars, but the Colorado Liquor Control Board blocked any pot bars. After the Denver vote, the state liquor regulators approved a rule saying that businesses with a liquor license could not allow marijuana consumption.
DOESNT COLORADO ALREADY HAVE POT CLUBS?
It does. Colorados 2012 law legalizing recreational pot actually didnt ban clubs, leaving the state with a patchwork system of local regulations regarding public marijuana use. A few towns tolerate private members-only clubs, but Denver bans them and has sporadically raided those that popped up. The new Denver ordinance is the first to specifically permit and regulate public marijuana use.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Nation’s First Marijuana Club Law Shrouded In Questions
Author: Kristen Wyatt
Contact: CBS Denver
Photo Credit: CBS
Website: CBS Denver
