Colorado legislators OK’d a measure that will usher in new cannabis market opportunities by permitting home delivery and edged closer to providing final approval for on-site marijuana consumption – two measures that could boost MJ sales.
The Senate approved the delivery bill by a 20-14 vote Wednesday, then passed the social use bill by a 23-12 margin.
The House previously approved the delivery bill, so that measure now goes to Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, for his signature.
Polis has expressed pro-cannabis sentiments.
The social use measure was amended by the Senate, so it needs to go back to the House for final passage before it heads to the governor’s desk.
Here are some key marijuana business aspects of the bills:
- HB19-1234: Allows licensed firms to deliver medical cannabis to private residences beginning June 2, 2020, and recreational marijuana starting June 2, 2021. Only existing marijuana license holders will be eligible for delivery permits in the first year of the program. Beginning June 2, 2021, third-party transporters may obtain delivery licenses.
- HB19-1230: Allows on-site cannabis consumption – contingent on local authorization – at licensed “marijuana hospitality establishments” such as cannabis cafes, dispensary tasting rooms, marijuana bus tours and designated areas of hotels. The licenses can be issued starting Jan. 1, 2020. In Denver, two cannabis tour operators were issued citations last year, and this bill could help resolve legal uncertainties that have existed around those particular businesses.
