Public cannabis consumption in Denver moves a step closer

Denver regulators are accepting applications from businesses seeking to become some of the nation’s first to offer legal public marijuana consumption.

Voters approved a ballot measure in November allowing cannabis consumption at certain public businesses in the city. The four-year pilot program was delayed, however, after the state banned marijuana use at places with liquor licenses.

Though the city started accepting applications Thursday, public marijuana consumption isn’t imminent.

The application process is extensive, including inspections by several Denver agencies. City rules require a public hearing within 30 days of an application.

Because of the state’s regulations, public marijuana consumption is essentially limited to places like yoga studios, coffee shops or art galleries, and Denver’s rules require clubs to be a certain distance from schools or playgrounds.

Several states are considering public cannabis consumption, but Denver is the first municipality to move forward with it.

– Associated Press and Marijuana Business Daily