Denver Archives - TheJointBlog

Denver Initiative Would Decriminalize Magic Mushrooms

March 9, 2018March 8, 2018 by Anthony Martinelli

**A group called Colorado for Psilocybin is attempting to decriminalize the possession of psilocybin (“magic”) mushrooms in Denver.**

The group is working to place the Psilocybin Decriminalization Initiative on Denver’s general election ballot. The proposal would decriminalize the possession of up to two ounces of dried mushrooms, or two pounds of uncured mushrooms. Possessing more than this would be a simple citation, with the fee being up to $99 for the first offense. This would be increased by increments of $100 for subsequent offenses; the initiative clarifies that the fine would never be above $999.

“I’m a big believer in cognitive liberty, and so whatever people decide to consume I think is up to them,” says Tyler Williams, who’s co-founder of the Denver chapter of the Psychedelic Club at the University of Colorado Boulder. “I think people should be informed about what they are consuming, and they shouldn’t have to be afraid of going to jail for that.”

Study: Cannabis Legalization has Significantly Increased Property Values in Denver

September 27, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

**A new study conducted by researchers at the Wisconsin School of Business has found that marijuana legalization has had a large impact in Denver.**

New research from the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison reveals that property values in the immediate vicinity of Denver’s retail marijuana establishments increased by more than eight percent since the law took effect on January 1, 2014. Moussa Diop, Wisconsin School of Business assistant professor of real estate & urban land economics, along with James Conklin of the University of Georgia and Herman Li of California State University, says the relationship between house prices and retail conversions is particularly important with voters in four states legalizing recreational marijuana use last November and others likely to follow.

“The presence of retail marijuana establishments clearly had a short-term positive impact on nearby properties in Denver,” says Diop. “This suggests that in addition to the sales and business taxes generated from the retail marijuana industry, municipalities may experience an increase in property taxes. It’s an important piece of the puzzle as more and more voters and policy-makers look for evidence about the effects of legalizing recreational marijuana, as the issue is taken up by state legislatures across the country.”

Denver Initiative to Legalize Cannabis Clubs Headed for November Ballot

August 15, 2016August 15, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

Proponents of a Denver initiative to legalize cannabis clubs where on-site cannabis consumption could take place have submitted more than twice the required number of signatures required to put the measure to a vote this November.

The Neighborhood-Supported Cannabis Consumption Committee submitted roughly 11,000 signatures on Friday for their initiative, well more than the 4,726 required to put place it on this November’s general election ballot.

“We have seen an overwhelming show of support for this initiative among Denver residents,” says Kayvan S.T. Khalatbari, the initiative’s main sponsor.. ”They are excited about the possibility of providing adults with safe and regulated spaces in which they can consume cannabis in accordance with the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act.”

Initiative to Legalize Cannabis Clubs Filed in Denver

March 2, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

An initiative to legalize cannabis clubs and special cannabis events in Denver, Colorado was filed on Monday by the Denver Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (Denver NORML). The group is hoping to place the proposal on this November’s general election ballot.

“Denver residents and visitors alike need places other than private homes to legally and responsibly enjoy legal marijuana with other adults,” says Jordan Person, who serves as Denver NORML’s Executive Director. “This submission to city council is the first step. We’ll get feedback from the city, finalize the language, then start gathering signatures to put it on the ballot”.

Homicides Down Since Beginning of Legal Cannabis Sales in Denver

September 16, 2016September 1, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

In one of the most drastic examples of the potential benefits of legalized cannabis, Denver, Colorado has seen a sizable reduction in violent crimes – particularly homicides – since the beginning of legal recreational cannabis sales.

Compared to 2013, 2014 saw an overall reduction in both violent and property crimes since legal cannabis sales began January, 2014. The most notable reduction was a large reduction in homicides – a roughly 25% drop – and a reduction in automobile thefts. All other forms of violent crime saw a reduction in their incidences over the same period.

Denver: Enough Signatures Collected on Initiative to Allow Cannabis Consumption in Bars, Other Venues

August 10, 2015August 10, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Advocates of Denver’s Limited Social Marijuana Consumption Initiative, which would allow cannabis to be consumed at locations such as bars and clubs, will submit over 10,000 signatures today, well more than the 4,726 needed to place the measure on this November’s ballot.

“While petitioning, we found that most voters agree adults should be able to consume marijuana socially in establishments that choose to allow it,” says Mason Tvert, one of the people leading the effort. “By allowing adults to consume marijuana in private businesses, we can reduce the likelihood that they’ll consume it publicly in parks or on the street.”

Colorado Cannabis Bank Sues Federal Reserve

August 1, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Colorado’s Fourth Corner Credit Union has filed lawsuits against the Federal Reserve and the National Credit Union Administration for denying it the right to operate within the banking system.

The Fourth Corner Credit Union, located in Denver, was created specifically to serve the legal cannabis industry. It got state approval back in November, but has been denied a “master account” by the Federal Reserve, which is required for them to begin legal operations. They have also been denied federal insurance from the National Credit Union Administration. In response, the credit union has filed separate lawsuits against both entities.

Poll: Majority of Denver Voters Support Cannabis Consumption at Bars, Other Venues

July 9, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Just days after a Denver initiative to allow cannabis to be consumed at certain venues such as bars and nightclubs received approval from state officials, a new poll has found that a majority of voters in the city support the proposal.

According to the survey, which was conducted by Public Policy Polling and commissioned by the Marijuana Policy Project, 56% of voters in Denver support an initiative to allow cannabis to be consumed at bars, and other venues only accessible to those 21 and older, such as adult-only nightclubs. Only 40% oppose the move.