Denver voters will decide this fall whether to allow businesses such as bars, cafes and even yoga studios to seek permits that would allow their customers to bring and consume cannabis.
Initiative 300 would create a four-year pilot program that seeks to address the concern that residents and tourists have nowhere to legally use pot in public places.
Under the pilot program, businesses would be able to apply permits for bring-your-own marijuana, over-21 consumption areas that are indoors (allowing vaping and edibles, but not smoking) or outdoors (allowing smoking).
Applicants for the permits would need backing from neighborhood groups, such as city-registered neighborhood organizations or Business Improvement Districts. Those groups could set operating conditions in exchange for their support.
The ballot measure is backed by marijuana entrepreneurs and smaller businesses. According to state Rep. Peter Singer, who supports the initiative, it would give police another option besides issuing citations to people who violate prohibitions on public marijuana consumption.
The initiative is opposed by a coalition of groups called Protect Denver’s Atmosphere, which has expressed concern the program would encourage more stoned driving, more mixing of pot with alcohol at bars that seek permits, and more public use of marijuana.
What do you think? Should Denver voters pass Initiative 300? Vote in our poll.