The cannabis industry is undergoing a metamorphosis. From the days of a few lone dispensaries opening, we’re entering a new era for the industry, marked by expansion and diversification. Nothing exemplifies this trend more than the announcement that businesses are being granted cannabis hospitality licenses in Denver.
It’s a major turning point for the industry. Below we’ll be exploring what this landmark decision means for the cannabis business owners and how to apply for a cannabis hospitality license.
Apply for a cannabis banking account or cannabis business loan with Safe Harbor Financial!
Cannabis hospitality license applications were accepted starting in November 2021. After the initial applications were processed, the first licenses were granted in March 2022. Perhaps the most notable business granted a license was Tetra Lounge, located in downtown Denver.
Owner Dewayne Benjamin, speaking to Westword, stressed the importance of a legal place to consume cannabis.
“We’re already one of the biggest tourist attractions for the cannabis industry in Colorado, and we want to use Tetra as a social place and a spot for education for the state.”
It’s a view shared throughout the cannabis industry. Previously, The Coffee Joint was the only operator permitted for on-site consumption, so long as it occurred outside. However, after reworking the city’s rules, the new cannabis hospitality licenses allow for more liberal use of cannabis on business premises.
Not everyone will be able to apply for a cannabis hospitality license at first, however.
“For the first six years of the program, only people designated as social equity applicants are authorized for a hospitality establishment”, explained Eric Escudero, the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses’ Communications Director. “We want to achieve the full promise of legalization, and that in our mind is making sure there’s equitable access so more people can benefit economically – not just those who have financial advantage or advantage of connections.”
With more business owners applying for cannabis hospitality licenses – like The Patterson Inn – it opens new potential revenue streams for marijuana businesses. The city will still be charged with regulating and enforcing existing laws, but this continues the journey towards a cannabis-friendly environment for a varied assortment of businesses.
For example, cannabis rooms in hotels would allow guests to consume marijuana they had purchased elsewhere. It’s a significant factor behind Chris Chiari, owner of The Patterson Inn, applying for a license.
But it also creates the potentiality for so-called “Bud and Breakfasts” – marijuana-friendly hotel combining the classic allure of a B&B with a cannabis twist.
There are a number of these hotels dotted throughout the country, albeit concentrated in Colorado. Although it should be noted, guests still aren’t allowed to smoke in their rooms. It’s a potentially highly lucrative opportunity when paired with tours of local grow facilities and major dispensaries.
Back in 2016, Denver approved Social Consumption Licenses, allowing certain businesses to accommodate smoking outside on their premises. However, such businesses could not also hold alcohol beverages, fermented malt beverages, or special event liquor permits.
Three years later, in 2019, the Colorado legislature passed House Bill 19-1230. It defined two types of marijuana license:
After Denver passed Council Bill 21-0217 in April 2021, adopting a marijuana hospitality program, social equity applicants were able to apply as of November 2021.
Perhaps the most notable part of the decision is the restriction of application to social equity applicants until Jul 1, 2027. Social equity applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
For approval, social equity applicants must own at least 51% of the marijuana business license being granted, and it must remain majority-owned until 2027.
There’s a standard process for hospitality license applications:
It’s been a long time coming. With cannabis sales being fully legalized for most of the 2010s, granting cannabis hospitality licenses marks another hurdle for the industry. Now, hospitality businesses can feature cannabis smoking areas on the premises, further opening the industry to innovation and adaptation.
Can your business benefit from a cannabis hospitality license? Find out more on the Denver Government site.
Do you own a hemp, CBD, dispensary, marijuana, or cannabis business and need a business bank account? We’ve validated over $8 billion dollars in cannabis-related funds since 2015. Bank with confidence. Bank with Safe Harbor Financial today.
Open Your Account