Denver has initiated new restrictions on the opening of cannabis stores and growing facilities in select neighborhoods to prevent oversaturation.
According to Eric Escudero of the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses, the city annually revises the list of restricted neighborhoods to maintain balance and prevent any negative impacts from an excessive concentration of cannabis-related businesses.
Recently, certain areas have been designated where no new licenses for cannabis stores or cultivation will be issued. These include:
- Overland: 13 locations
- Northeast Park Hill: 11 locations
- Baker: 10 locations
- Five Points: 10 locations
- Montbello: 8 locations
- Valverde: 8 locations
For cultivation facilities, the updated restrictions for 2024 are:
- Northeast Park Hill: 28 locations
- Montbello: 24 locations
- Elyria Swansea: 19 locations
- Overland: 16 locations
- College View-South Platte: 13 locations
This measure aims to protect the cultural and historical essence of Denver, ensuring it remains preserved amidst commercial developments.
The Denver Department of Excise and Licenses has declared certain areas off-limits for new cannabis business licenses.
Regulatory Focus on Community and Equity
Darrell Watson, a Denver City Council member, noted that these regulations are crucial for maintaining community standards without stifling the cannabis industry. He emphasized the lack of significant community concerns or crime increases linked to these businesses.
Watson is advocating for enhanced social equity measures within the retail cannabis market, aiming to treat cannabis like any standard product in the marketplace.
Retail marijuana sales have been legal in Denver since January 2014.
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