Other/Miscellaneous Request Template (Appointments; ROW; Code Changes; Zoning Action, etc.)
Date Submitted: 2-22-21
Requesting Agency: Excise and Licenses
Division:
Subject Matter Expert Name:
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Name: Molly Duplechian Abbey Borchers |
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Email: Molly.Duplechian@denvergov.org Abbey.Borchers@denvergov.org |
Item Title & Description:
(Do not delete the following instructions)
These appear on the Council meeting agenda. Initially, the requesting agency will enter a 2-3 sentence description. Upon bill filling, the City Attorney’s Office should enter the title above the description (the title should be in bold font).
Both the title and description must be entered between the red “title” and “body” below. Do not at any time delete the red “title” or “body” markers from this template.
title
A bill for an ordinance relocating Denver’s medical marijuana code into Chapter 6 and combining it with Denver’s retail marijuana code, renaming Chapter 6 to Alcohol Beverages and Cannabis, providing for additional local license types authorized by state law, and making conforming amendments to the Code pursuant to state law.
Amends various sections of the Denver Revised Municipal Code by relocating Denver’s medical marijuana code into Chapter 6 and combining it with Denver’s retail marijuana code, renaming Chapter 6 to Alcohol Beverages and Cannabis, providing for additional local license types authorized by state law, including delivery, and making conforming amendments to the Code pursuant to state law. The Committee approved filing this item at its meeting on 3-16-21.
body
Affected Council District(s) or citywide? Citywide
Executive Summary with Rationale and Impact:
Detailed description of the item and why we are doing it. This can be a separate attachment.
This ordinance repeals and replaces Chapter 6, Article V - Denver Marijuana Code and relocates Denver’s medical marijuana code into Chapter 6. The ordinance reimagines Denver’s marijuana code using an equity lens. It includes updates to align with changes made in the 2019 sunset review of the state’s marijuana code while maintaining strong protections for youth. The ordinance authorizes the issuance of delivery permits for delivery of medical and retail marijuana to private residences in alignment with the state’s marijuana delivery framework created by the state legislature in 2019. Most notably, the ordinance enacts a social equity program for marijuana licensing. It removes the numerical cap on marijuana store and cultivation locations, instead requiring that until July 1, 2027, applicants must meet the state’s definition of a social equity applicant in order to qualify for a license for a retail marijuana store, retail marijuana cultivation, retail or medical marijuana products manufacturer, or retail or medical marijuana transporter license. Until July 1, 2024, only transporters that qualify as social equity applicants may conduct deliveries on behalf of stores. Social equity applicants also qualify for waived application fees and reduced license fees. Finally, the ordinance requires the Department of Excise and Licenses to report to City Council in writing by July 1, 2023 on the operation of the marijuana delivery program and by July 1, 2026 on the exclusive issuance of licenses to social equity applicants.
Address/Location (if applicable):
Legal Description (if applicable):
Denver Revised Municipal Code (D.R.M.C.) Citation (if applicable):
Draft Bill Attached?