Will Denver Okay a Two-Year Moratorium on New Pot Businesses?: Cannabis Events

The Denver City Council could put a hold on new marijuana dispensaries this week as it considers a two-year moratorium on medical marijuana businesses and a two-year extension on dispensary license transitions.

If both are approved when the council's Business Development Committee meets on Tuesday, only medical marijuana dispensaries open since October 2013 and in good standing with the city could apply for a license to sell retail marijuana for the next two years, while new medical marijuana dispensaries would be prohibited for the same amount of time — essentially freezing out any new dispensaries, medical or recreational. 

"We believe that this proposal is in the best interests of all stakeholders as we remain true to creating a responsible industry that is regulated in a manner to protect health, safety and quality of life of our citizens," the bill, proposed by Denver Excise and Licenses and the Office of Marijuana Policy, states.

Despite the officials' claim that putting a hold on new businesses would enhance market longevity, many industry stakeholders and business owners feel the city is creating an unfair advantage for those who got their licenses early.

"A moratorium is not a sign of responsible growth, but a device used to pick winners and losers in our newest industry. By prohibiting new businesses from calling Denver home, not only are we sending the wrong message about cannabis, but we are invoking the image that Denver is not open for business," says Tyler Henson, president of the Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 24, at 10:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers of the City and County Building.

Keep reading for more marijuana events in this week's Cannabis Calendar.

Think you've got the best pot or dabs in Denver? The Cannabis Connoisseur's Coalition is hosting its Danksgiving Pre-Qualifier for the 2016 Connoisseur's Cup on Friday, November 27, at Casselman's Bar. Winners with the best strains and concentrates will be invited to compete in the 2016 Connoisseur's Cup; judges include Devin the Dude and Java Starr of the Coughee Brothaz. The event is open to the public and starts at 2 p.m. Later that day, the CCC is also putting on a meet-and-greet during the judges finals at Casselman's, with Devin the Dude appearing from 4:20 to 7:10 p.m., prior to his concert  at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom. For information on attending, call 970-279-1420. 21+

Local artist Heidi Keyes will teach her 21+ Puff, Pass and Paint class from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, at 2087 South Grant Street. All equipment is included in the $50 fee, and although cannabis consumption (bring your own) is encouraged, it's not required. 

On Sunday, November 29, Green Labs will host Bend & Blaze: A Higher Yoga Experience, from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The free class will pair cannabis and vinyasa yoga to create a tranquilizing practice. Register at the class eventbrite page. 21+

Terrapin Care Station on 33rd Avenue in Aurora offers free tours of its cultivation operation on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Each four-person tour is first come, first served, and lasts about thirty minutes. After a short introductory video, guests will go on a walking tour through the growing facility, where they'll learn how Terrapin pot products are manufactured from seed to sale. For those of you hoping to take a selfie during the tour for your Instagram page, sorry — no photos allowed. Learn more at the Terrapin website. 21+

Know of an event that should be in the Cannabis Calendar? Send it to [email protected].