Social equity

Since 2021, the City and County of Denver has made social equity a top priority for the modern era of marijuana regulation with an overhaul in rules and regulations.

Social equity program information

Denver's marijuana policy includes exclusive licensing for most marijuana business licenses until 2027, reduced licensing fees, and funding for technical assistance programming for social equity applicants. Business licenses for marijuana transporters, the only business type in Denver authorized to conduct marijuana delivery, have permanent license exclusivity designated for people who qualify as a social equity applicant.

What are the eligibility criteria for a social equity applicant?

The city's eligibility criteria align with the social equity applicant criteria established in Senate Bill 24-076 and the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division's rules. In Denver, a social equity applicant is a person applying for a new or transferred license who holds a valid finding of suitability from the state licensing authority as a social equity licensee. To qualify, an individual must meet the eligibility requirements as defined in state law and can be seen here;

A social equity applicant, alone or with other social equity applicants, must own at least 51% of the license. Direct more specific questions about the state's definition of a social equity applicant to the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division.

Cannabis Cares program

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection launched the Cannabis Cares program in 2023. It recognizes cannabis businesses that go above and beyond to make a positive impact in the community.

The program was launched in conjunction with a revamped social impact plan, which must be submitted with new and renewal applications each year. Businesses can earn badges that represent their commitment in five areas:

  • Community engagement
  • Contracting with minority-owned businesses
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Social equity
  • Sustainability

If a business completes at least 10 tasks, it receives a badge in that area. Businesses that receive three or four of the badges are recognized as Cannabis Cares advocates. Businesses that receive all five of the badges are recognized as Cannabis Cares champions. Learn more about the program on the cannabis cares website.

Hours of operation

Office hours
 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Liquor office hours
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday

Contact Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 206
Denver, CO 80202

If you have any questions or would like to contact us, fill out this contact form.

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Complaints

If you have a complaint or concern about a business in Denver, complete the form below. We will investigate any complaint about a business license issued for the City and County of Denver.

Consumer complaint form

Language assistance

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please fill out this form for the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection with three business days' notice.

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