This week, Denver began accepting applications for “social use” clubs, but no one is sure how it will all go. Last year, Denverites voted to approved Initiative 300, which legalized “social cannabis use.” In theory, this means that businesses can apply for a license to allow public consumption. [tweet this]
In reality, how does this go down?
No one is sure. While applications are now being accepted, the regulations around it are prohibitive. Applications are off limits to any place selling liquor or cannabis. Also, these “clubs” can't be near schools, children in playgrounds or sports fields. This means that, according to the regulations, the only eligible places to get the license is the airport and low-income neighborhoods. These are the same areas that have experienced the effects of a disproportionate amount of cannabis grows and dispensaries. To add an additional hurdle, these neighborhood groups must agree to approve of the club’s application.
Is this progress?
Critics have cited the loose distance requirements for places selling liquor (and stupid drunken mobile bike bars) as contentious double-standards. In a recent email to members of the committee who created the rules, Emmett Reistroffer, the Initiative 300 Campaign Manager said the whole thing “is set up to fail.” Supporters claim that Initiative 300 is a step towards national marijuana acceptance. But, what’s the point of being allowed to eat dozens of king-sized Snicker bars, if you can only do it in front of your Tinder date…on your first date…naked.
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