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Cap on Denver marijuana businesses up for debate

Posted at 9:38 PM, Mar 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-03 01:43:12-05

A Denver City Council Committee heard testimony on a proposal to cap marijuana businesses. The idea is being explored in place of the city's current marijuana moratorium.

Residents, community leaders and industry representatives shared their feedback Wednesday afternoon.

Councilwoman Robin Kniech recently proposed the cap on retail marijuana stores and grow facilities. It would apply to new businesses and license transfers. 

"But it does seem that a lot of council members feel that's an appropriate solution as opposed to a moratorium. I certainly am one of 13, so we're going to continue that conversation and ensure that we have the neighborhoods first and foremost because it seems as though they feel like they've been left out," said Chris Herndon, Councilman for District 8.

Council members are also trying to find a solution for Denver neighborhoods where residents have complained about a high concentration of marijuana businesses.

The proposal could include a geographic cap based on defined boundaries. There are several Ideas when it comes to setting boundaries, including current council districts or zip codes.

A recent Denver7 report showed how marijuana grows were concentrated in certain parts of the city. According to city records, District 7 has the highest number of grows/cultivations at 197, District 8 comes close at 153 and District 9 has 130. Despite those numbers, five council districts have zero grows located within their boundaries.

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