There are about 700 licenses recreational dispensaries in coloradobut restrictive laws and a lack of proven business models are holding back lounges with cannabiswith only three licensed and operating lounges in the state, all located in Denver, and only a small handful of weed-friendly travel services.

The vast majority of weed-friendly events in Colorado have been private; such events tend to have lower attendance, require invitations or pre-registration, and are often contested by local authorities. Cannabis industry stakeholders, event organizers and pop-up chefs were there call for temporary hospitality permits as a way to support the state’s cannabis culture and help stimulate small businesses, but has struggled to gain traction with lawmakers and licensing officials.

House Bill 26-1117sponsored by state representative Naketa Ricks, proposes a permit system with the Colorado Division of Marijuana Control that would allow event organizers to apply for a cannabis license. The measure was approved by the House Business and Labor Committee on March 5 with amendments that add enforcement and labor regulations, including a requirement that THC warning pamphlets be handed to event attendees upon entry.

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