Amsterdam coffee shops could soon be a reality in Colorado
The state senate passed a first-in-the-nation bill that would allow marijuana clubs. If the law is passed, local jurisdictions in Colorado would be able to permit BYOP (bring your own pot) clubs. The clubs would not be able to serve alcohol or any food that isn’t considered a “light snack.”
The bill passed the Colorado Senate, 25-10, and now will move to the house where it is expected to pass. One problem could be Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, who said he will veto the bill unless it specifically banned indoor smoking.
As the bill is written now clubs could allow people to smoke indoors but only if the club is closed to the public and has no more than three employees. We may have to wait and see if the bill changes in the House to address the Governor’s concerns or not. The sponsor of the bill, Senator Bob Gardner, is a Republican from Colorado Springs and had this to say about concerns of smoking indoors:
“These marijuana membership clubs are so private that’s they’re more akin to being in your living room than to being in a restaurant.”
–Colorado Senator Bob Gardner
Governor Hickenlooper is also worried that this bill could lead to a showdown with the federal government. Unfortunately, Colorado is in violation of federal law and the new U.S. Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, could step in and shut it all down. Sessions and the Trump Administration have made it clear they do not like marijuana. Could this be the straw that breaks the camel’s back? Hickenlooper thinks so:
“I do think given the uncertainty in Washington that this is not the year to be out there carving off new turf and expand markets and make dramatic statements about marijuana.”
–Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper
As long as the Trump Administration stays out of Colorado’s business, we could see marijuana clubs that look like the famous Amsterdam coffee shops. If you support this make sure your voice is heard, call your local representatives and let them know you support federal marijuana legalization.
Source Article: High Times
