Marijuana production comes down to a question of the availability of industrial zoning. Denver is the poster child, but other cities are seeing similar trends.
"As one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012, Colorado has become a laboratory for the regulation and licensing of the cannabis industry," according to an article by Charlotte West. "Due to industrial zoning requirements, most of Denver's grow operations have been concentrated in low-income, predominantly minority neighborhoods."
The result of this consolidation of marijuana uses in low-income, minority neighborhoods hasn't been a spike in crime, as many legalization opponents feared. Rather, the effect has been a spike in commercial rents.
The phenomenon has not been limited to Colorado. From California to Maine, the marijuana industry has fueled a boom in the commercial real estate market. Property owners have been able to charge above-market rates for tenants operating in a grey area between state and federal law. As a result, property values—and property taxes—in surrounding areas have soared.
The article includes more details about the neighborhoods in Denver where these effects are most pronounced. West also describes the industrial zoning that enables the trend. Reports of marijuana business locating in Denver's minority neighborhoods date back to 2016, much sooner after legalization became law.
FULL STORY: POT WAREHOUSES IN DENVER ARE BOOMING—AT THE DETRIMENT OF LOW-INCOME NEIGHBORHOODS
Industrial Zoning a Foothold for Amazon Distribution Centers in San Francisco
Locals aren't happy about Amazon's numerous new distribution facilities in San Francisco, but all of the new facilities are all perfectly legal under the city's zoning code—much more legal than housing, for example.
Nation's First Social Marijuana Use Permitted
It's 4:20 somewhere, and that somewhere is Denver.
Marijuana Manufacturing Sets Up Shop in Denver's Communities of Color
Advocates are concerned that too many of Denver's new retail marijuana business are locating in neighborhoods with mostly minority and low-income residents.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
DOT Officially Cancels California High-Speed Rail Funding
The Trump administration has repeatedly taken aim at the LA-to-Bay Area rail project, blaming Democratic leaders for cost overruns and delays.
Legislators Push Back Against ‘Rent-Setting’ Software
In the last six months, lawmakers in more than two dozen cities and states have made strides to stop landlords from using anti-competitive rental software to determine how much to charge for rent. Shelterforce looks at the wins and losses so far.
DOT Awards 77% of BUILD Grants to Road Projects
Trump’s DOT is directing 87 percent of total grant dollars to states that backed the President in the last election.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie