City Council approves cannabis reform, extends dispensary hours

September 22, 2021

Justice scale with cannabis leaf on one side and a gavel on the other — (Graphic Illustration by Trin Bonner | The Collegian)

Fort Collins City Council approved small changes to the local cannabis market at their regular meeting Sept. 21.

Beginning in January 2022, all dispensaries will legally be able to extend their hours until midnight, increased from 8 p.m.

Additionally, in a move that is no doubt a response to increasing calls for social equity in the cannabis industry, anyone who has previously been convicted of a felony can apply for a cannabis business license three years after the completion of their sentence. This will also go into effect in 2022.

Smaller changes were made as well — the City has changed its limits on the amount of medical cannabis any single patient can buy from two ounces of flower over one week to just one day.”

“In November 2017, voters approved an amendment to the voter-approved provisions of the City Code that allows council to adopt amendments to or add provisions … pertaining to medical marijuana licensing,” the agenda read by way of clarifying precedent. “The City sought the 2017 amendment in anticipation of the need for changes due to evolution of state law.”

Smaller changes were made as well — the City has changed its limits on the amount of medical cannabis any single patient can buy from two ounces of flower over one week to just one day. This change aligns Fort Collins with current Colorado state law.

Cannabis business licensing is now in the hands of Jill Hueser, Fort Collins’ chief judge. Restrictions on any dust or smoke emitting from any cannabis business have been tightened.

Hayden Hawley can be reached at cannabis@collegian.com or on Twitter @hateonhawley.

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About the Contributors

Hayden Hawley, Cannabis Director

Hayden Hawley is the cannabis director for The Rocky Mountain Collegian. He is a fourth-year journalism major from El Cajon, California. He is also minoring in film studies and history. This is his first year working with The Collegian. Hawley hopes that through the cannabis section he can help remove the taboo surrounding the cannabis industry and promote safe and informed cannabis use throughout the Colorado State University campus. He strives to provide honest and unbiased content that reports both on the joys of cannabis as well as its ever-growing social and environmental impacts. In his spare time, Hawley can be found doom-scrolling Twitter or watching A24 movies. His favorite way to enjoy cannabis is a bowl of freshly ground indica in a pipe or joint accompanied by a cold LaCroix and a box of Cheez-Its (not sponsored). Hawley has been interested in writing for his entire life. He enjoys baseball and birdwatching with his girlfriend. Before entering CSU, he was involved in standup and improv comedy, and he now hopes to continue writing for whoever wants to pay him after college ends. His experience of directing a section for The Collegian thus far has been rewarding and gratifying.

Trin Bonner, Illustration Director

Trin Bonner is the illustration director for The Collegian newspaper. This will be her third year in this position, and she loves being a part of the creative and amazing design team at The Collegian. As the illustration director, Bonner provides creative insight and ideas that bring the newspaper the best graphics and illustrations possible. She loves working with artists to develop fun and unique illustrations every week for the readers. Bonner is a fourth-year at Colorado State University studying electronic arts. She loves illustrating and comic making and has recently found enjoyment in experimental video, pottery and graphic design. Outside of illustration and electronic art, Bonner spends her free time crocheting and bead making. She is usually working on a blanket or making jewelry when she is not drawing, illustrating or brainstorming.

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