Are you thinking of starting a weed smoking club in Denver, otherwise known as a Cannabis Consumption Lounge? Voters approved these lounges way back in November of 2016, and the city has been working out the details ever since. Finally, after a long wait, the city of Denver is now taking applications for the first licensed cannabis consumption lounges in Denver, and starting in September, you can also apply now to host cannabis friendly special events. The application process requires a good amount of paperwork and a fairly hefty fee, but the rules and requirements are pretty straightforward. Here’s what you need to know to apply for a cannabis consumption lounge license in Denver so that you can start your own licensed weed smoking club or obtain a permit for a cannabis consumption special event.
Individuals and businesses who can prove lawful presence within the U.S. are eligible to apply. No licensed marijuana establishments such as dispensaries or grow facilities will be allowed to apply for a cannabis consumption lounge license, and businesses that hold a liquor permit are also restricted from applying. Additionally, owners or managers who have any felony drug convictions within the past 10 years will be denied, unless the conviction is for an offense that would not be considered a felony if it occurred today. For example, a charge for simple marijuana possession won’t likely count you out.
Applying for a cannabis consumption lounge permit in Denver is a multi-stepped process. To start, you fill out the application form and supply all required information and documentation, which should be submitted in person at the Denver Excise and Licenses office. In addition to basic information like the address of the proposed establishment and a zone use permit and floorplan, you will need to submit evidence of support from the neighborhood in which your business will be located. This can take the form of a letter from an eligible neighborhood organization that expresses support and non-opposition to your Denver cannabis consumption lounge. A national criminal history check including fingerprint records is also required. You will also be asked to pay $1000 for the application fee. This is in addition to the fee for the actual license. Should you be approved, the permit fee for a cannabis consumption lounge will run you $1000 each year. Once your application has been submitted, the city will let you know if any further documentation or information is required. If they request additional information, you have only seven days to get it to them before your application is deemed incomplete, and you have to start the whole process all over again. When your application is considered complete, the city will notify other public agencies such as the Department of Environmental Health and the fire department. You must make sure that you have any and all additional permits required by these other city agencies, before your application for a Denver cannabis consumption lounge will be approved. No less than thirty days after your completed application is received, a public hearing will be scheduled to further gauge community support or opposition. If the hearing goes well, the permit is approved upon full payment of the licensing fee.
With applications now open, the race is already on to be the first entrepreneur in Denver to capitalize on cannabis consumption lounges. Jim Norris, owner of Mutiny, is hoping to be one of the first pioneers. Mutiny is a store in south Denver that currently sells books and records, and offers a small coffee lounge that often hosts comedy nights and other social events. A little cannabis consumption to go along with all that sounds like a good fit. Meanwhile, Connor Lux, another Denver entrepreneur, is hoping to host weed-friendly cannabis consumption special events in a co-op workspace just north of downtown Denver. If you want to be one of the first to get in on what is sure to be a hugely successful enterprise, get your applications for your Denver Cannabis Consumption Lounge or Cannabis Consumption special event in as soon as you possibly can!
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