New Denver Cannabis Legislation Would Extend Social Equity Delivery Exclusivity, Lower Fees

While Colorado is approaching the 10-year mark for legal cannabis, the industry is ever-evolving and continuously changing. Last week, the Office of Marijuana Policy held a check-in meeting at the Department of Excise and Licenses, sharing a number of important updates for Denver’s cannabis industry.

According to a press release from the City and County of Denver, the Department of Excise and Licenses announced it is working on a new piece of cannabis equity legislation for city council’s consideration, aimed at helping the city and county to achieve more equitable industry access.

Council Bill 21-0216 was passed last year and asserts that only social equity transporter licensees can deliver cannabis to consumers’ homes on behalf of dispensaries. Stores cannot conduct their own deliveries until July 1, 2024, meaning that social equity transporter businesses will have the exclusive ability to deliver cannabis for three years.

Though, the department has monitored the program and listened to community feedback, ultimately recognizing that very few stores are working with transporter businesses to conduct delivery. Fees for delivery permits and transporter licenses also appear to be a barrier for new and existing cannabis businesses.

The new proposal looks to address these challenges. If passed, the bill would replace the three-year exclusivity period with permanent exclusivity for transporters to conduct deliveries on behalf of Denver stores. The bill would also significantly reduce fees for transporter and delivery permits.

Specifically, the annual license fee for a medical cannabis transporter license is currently $1,500 and would be reduced to $200. The annual license fee for a retail cannabis transporter license is currently $2,500 and would be reduced to $200.

“This is part of a concentrated effort by the City and County of Denver to bring equitable access to the industry, so more people can benefit economically from this billion dollar industry, especially those negatively impacted by marijuana prohibition,” says Eric Escudero, director of communications for the Department of Excise and Licenses.