Colorado may become the first state where citizens can puff cannabis in public as Denver officials last month accepted an application from a coffee shop that plans to allow so-called “social marijuana use.” Should such push through, it would be the first of its kind in the U.S.
State law bans public consumption of marijuana- including inside parks or even bringing one’s own pot-infused granola bar to a restaurant for dessert. Residents are restricted to doing their thing with cannabis only to their homes. Tourists are also not allowed from using marijuana in rental cars or hotel rooms, facing in the process a buy-it-don’t-use-it paradox.
In the country, cities in the eight states that have legalized pot are debating whether customers should be allowed to smoke pot outside of private residences or clubs.
In Massachusetts, the state’s Cannabis Control Commission approved in December a policy that permits pot cafes- establishments where people can freely buy and use marijuana in public. Legal sales, however, won’t take effect there until July.
Legal sales started last summer in Nevada, and Las Vegas officials are considering an ordinance that would allow for marijuana-friendly lounges.
Several cities in California, including West Hollywood and Oakland, have also said they are interested in permitting “ cannabis social spaces.”
In 2016, voters in Denver heavily favored passing an ordinance allowing cafes and restaurants to seek permits so customers can have the liberty to use pot on site. According to the said measure called Initiative 300, once a permit has been issued, patrons can enjoy weed indoors, “as long as they don’t smoke it.” Smoking it outside is okay, however. Businesses also cannot sell alcohol within 1,000 feet of schools, drug treatment centers or child-care facilities.
No applications have been passed for cafe pots because of the said tough restrictions. Risa Tsalyuk became the first business owner to apply for a permit for a cafe pot. Denver officials said they are expecting more similar applications in the coming months.
In her soon-to-open Coffee Joint, Tsalyuk will allow patrons to consume pot edibles and use marijuana vape pens. Tsalyuk said she wants to provide a nice social experience to people who want to use pot.
Source:
www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-denver-public-use-marijuana-20180107-story.html
