Denver Won't Ease Restrictions for Social Marijuana Uses

"The Denver City Council on Monday rejected a proposal that would have made it easier to open social-use marijuana business," reports Andrew Kenney.

"The change would have reduced the setbacks required for venues where people can use cannabis," according to Kenney. "Currently, the 'social consumption' businesses must be 1,000 feet from schools, day care facilities, addiction treatment facilities and city recreation centers."

But a 500-foot limit was a bridge too far for the City Council, although a majority of councilmembers did approve the change. A supermajority was needed, however, to change a law approved by voters. One councilmember cautioned, however, that the existing setbacks for social marijuana use might overstep the city's legal authority, and could open the door to a lawsuit.