The rules and regulations surrounding Colorado’s recreational cannabis market are being massively tweaked by the Denver City Council. 

Acknowledged as one of the most well-established cannabis markets in the United States, Denver’s legal weed industry is preparing to introduce delivery services and social consumption lounges.

The rules changes for Denver’s adult-use cannabis market were announced on Monday, April 19. A unanimous vote in favor of the amendments led to the approval of what the city described as “hospitality establishments”, inside which consumers can enjoy their bud in a relaxed and safe atmosphere.

Before the rule changes can be implemented for Denver’s recreational cannabis market, Mayor Michael Hancock must first sign off on the rules.

An overview of changes to Denver’s cannabis rules 

Although the cap on new grow facilities and cannabis retail stores will be eliminated, Denver’s updated cannabis rules also state that no new stores will be permitted in the top five busiest neighborhoods.

Moreover, qualified social equity applicants will benefit from exclusivity to apply for new cannabis retail store, transporter, cultivation and manufacturing licenses for a six-year period. 

During the initial three years of Denver’s cannabis delivery program being established, stores are obligated to hold a licensed transporter for delivery purposes. The rules state that transporters delivering cannabis must possess dash cameras and examine customer identification.

Also outlined in the new rules are safe storage requirements for cannabis stores. Specifically, products must be concealed within a safe following the close of business hours. At the current time, Denver has 205 cannabis stores, whereas 920 cannabis slices have been issued statewide to-date.

“We appreciate the City Council demonstrating their commitment to social equity and modernizing Denver’s cannabis rules and regulations with their passage of this historic legislation,” said the Executive Director of the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses, Ashley Kilroy, in a statement.

“Now the even harder work begins as we dedicate our efforts to getting the licenses ready for applicants and begin the outreach necessary to create more equitable access to Denver’s nearly billion dollar cannabis industry.”

Colorado just lost one of its major cannabis lobbyists

The man responsible for leading Colorado’s recreational cannabis movement, Steve Fox, recently passed away at the age of 53. 

Acknowledged as the lead drafter of Colorado Amendment 64, which was approved in 2012 with more than 55 percent of the vote, Fox made U.S. history by pushing for the legal weed industry’s inception.

“We are truly heartbroken to share news of the passing of our partner and dear friend Steve Fox,” reads a statement from the cannabis law group Vicente Sederberg LLP, where Fox assumed a role as a leader since the year 2010.