Colorado’s first-in-the-nation marijuana “tasting rooms” bill heads to Hickenlooper’s desk
Concept would allow adults to vape, consume edibles at current recreational marijuana retailers
May 3, 2018
In this Dec. 31, 2012 file photo, Rachel Schaefer, of Denver, smokes marijuana on the official opening night of Club 64, a marijuana-specific social club, where a New Year’s Eve party was held in Denver.
Licensed marijuana "tasting rooms" could be operating in Colorado by this time next year if Gov. John Hickenlooper signs a first-of-its-kind bill that state lawmakers sent to his desk Thursday.
The bill allows adults at current recreational marijuana retailers to consume small amounts through edibles or by vaping — as they might a flight of fine whiskeys or craft beers.
House Bill 1258 would be another vanguard moment for a state that implemented first-in-the-nation adult-use cannabis sales back in 2014.
Industry observers say it also shows that Colorado is taking baby steps toward a statewide regime for social marijuana use.
"It's a way to wrap our brains around what the regulatory structure would look like for public consumption," said Peter Marcus, spokesman for Terrapin Care Station, a Colorado marijuana dispensary chain that supported the bill.
Colorado law prohibits marijuana consumption in public spaces; however, the state is home to several unlicensed cannabis clubs. Also, the city of Denver has started issuing licenses after a voter-approved initiative for marijuana social-use establishments.
