Marijuana Special Event & Hotel Delivery
The bill will have a direct impact on the local marijuana economy by broadening the scope of where marijuana can be delivered and sold. It introduces a registration system for hotels that allow marijuana delivery and sets the framework for special event permits that can be issued to those holding various types of marijuana licenses, including social equity licenses. The new regulations will help streamline the process for marijuana businesses and promote the use of licensed venues within Denver, potentially increasing compliance with state laws and promoting public safety.
House Bill 1331 aims to expand the venues where marijuana can be legally sold and delivered in Colorado, particularly to hotels located in the city and county of Denver. The bill permits holders of social equity licenses to deliver regulated marijuana to registered hotels, provided that the hotels are authorized to accept such deliveries and that the deliveries adhere to existing marijuana laws. The aim is to create more opportunities for social equity license holders, who are often those impacted by previous marijuana enforcement policies, to participate in the growing marijuana market in a legitimate and regulated manner.
Notably, the implementation of this bill is likely to spark discussions surrounding public safety and community welfare. The bill includes provisions that allow local authorities to deny special event permits if it is deemed that the event could be harmful to public welfare. Moreover, the limitation that special events can only be conducted in authorized hotels and the requirement for public notice aims to ensure community involvement in the decision-making process related to marijuana events, which may alleviate some community concerns over the regulation of marijuana activities in hospitality settings.