Vote YES on Initiative 300

This election, Denver voters are considering initiative 300 (I-300).

If passed, I-300 will create a carefully-crafted pilot program for permitting social marijuana consumption in private establishments. I-300 addresses the conundrum in Denver, where adults may legally possess marijuana, but there are virtually no venues where they may consume it.

As things stand today, many tourists and residents lack access to legal consumption areas. In allowing adults to consume marijuana in private venues, I-300 will balance the interests of marijuana consumers and non-consumers alike. The permitting of such establishments must align with the needs of surrounding neighborhoods, and should reduce public consumption in parks and on sidewalks.

Adults can legally purchase marijuana at approximately 200 dispensaries in Denver, yet many are not able to consume in their residences because of their landlord, HOA, or public housing authority. Other residents live with family members who shouldn’t be or don’t want to be exposed to it, such as children or grandparents.

Many tourists find themselves in a catch-22, unable to consume where they are staying. As a result of this legal snafu, arrests and citations for public consumption have risen dramatically, particularly for visitors and people of color.

Under I-300, marijuana consumers will be able to congregate in social settings just as adults are allowed to do with alcohol. As a part of this permitting process, neighborhoods are asked to consider if, where, and how such private venues and consumption areas should be implemented.

With oversight from law enforcement, fire and health officials, as well as the Director of Excise and Licenses, all consumption establishments must fulfill robust safety and security requirements and comply with the Clean Indoor Air Act. Permitted private consumptions areas cannot be visible from a public right of way or places where children congregate, and must be at least 1000 feet away from schools.

This is not a marijuana free-for-all. By bringing together neighbors, businesses, civic leaders, and consumers, I-300 represents a smart approach to this issue.

The debate over social consumption in the post-legalization era is actually rooted from the very beginning of the medical marijuana movement in America. Prop 215, the historic law that made California the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1995, was born out of the “San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club”; a gathering place started by Dennis Peron, because he saw a need for AIDS patients to access their medicine.

Fast forward more than 2 decades later, and marijuana has been legalized, yet its use continues to be stigmatized and pushed underground. I-3oo is an important campaign to show the world that adults can and should be able to gather socially with marijuana, just as Dennis Peron proved the case for many sick and dying patients long ago, which some would argue, paved the path for us to be where we are today.

Please vote yes on I-300 to launch this important pilot program that balances the interests of consumers, non-consumers, and the community as a whole.