Committee advances temporary marijuana‑hospitality permit bill after additions to safety and local‑control language

The House Finance Committee voted to advance House Bill 1117, which would create a framework for temporary marijuana hospitality permits available only in jurisdictions that opt in and that meet specified venue, security and age‑restriction requirements.

Representative Ricks presented the bill and explained the measure is designed to create regulated spaces for adult marijuana consumption where local governments choose to allow them. "Local governments must adopt an ordinance or resolution authorizing temporary hospitality events before any permit can be issued," the sponsor said while explaining the bill's opt‑in structure and guardrails.

Opponents including public‑health and child‑safety groups urged caution, arguing the amendment package did not preserve sufficient state rulemaking and could allow events near family festivals. "This amendment goes too far," said Henny Lasley of 1 Chance to Grow Up, urging clearer state oversight and tighter limits on product types and locations.

Proponents including licensed hospitality operators and Denver stakeholders said the amendment (0.0.7) addresses many operational concerns by requiring controlled access, age verification, obscured premises, air‑quality and odor plans, security and waste management, and a cap on events per permit holder. Sarah Woodson, owner of a licensed mobile cannabis tour company, described existing business models with partitions and filtration and said regulated spaces reduce public exposure and disorderly consumption.

Amendment 0.0.7 was adopted by the committee and the bill was moved to the Committee on Appropriations with a favorable recommendation (8–3). Sponsors said the state licensing authority will not accept applications until Jan. 4, 2027, allowing regulators and Denver to prepare rules and fees. Committee members and stakeholders signaled continued negotiation on enforcement and fiscal details.