Notice: On May 1, 2016 a new ordinance took effect that prohibits Denver Excise and Licenses from accepting new applications for retail marijuana stores and retail marijuana cultivation facilities that would result in the creation of new storefront or cultivation locations. Applications for these license types at new locations will be accepted in the future via a lottery process. For more information, please review the laws outlined in Council Bill 16-0291(PDF, 733KB) and the Denver Revised Municipal Code.
Businesses that would like to obtain a new retail marijuana business license must follow these steps:
Step 1: Submit a completed state application form along with all supporting documents and application fees to the State of Colorado's Marijuana Enforcement Division.
Step 2: The state Marijuana Enforcement Division will send a copy of the application and the required application fees to Denver's Department of Excise and Licenses.
Step 3: Denver's Department of Excise and Licenses will review the state application to determine whether you are eligible to apply for a retail marijuana license in Denver. The eligibility review does not have any bearing on whether a business will ultimately be granted a license. The applicant will either receive a letter from the department rejecting the state application, or the applicant will be notified that they may come in to Excise and Licenses to submit an application for a local license.
Step 4: At this point, applicants who have not been rejected should submit a completed Retail Marijuana Establishment New License Application(PDF, 757KB) form along with all supporting documents and payment for the license fee to Denver Excise and Licenses.
Step 5: The department will review the application and all supplemental documents. It is the goal to have reviews complete within 30 days of receipt of complete application, however given the large volume of applications and changes in regulations, the application review process may extend beyond such timeframe. If 30 days have passed and you would like to check on the status of your application review, please contact CAOExciseandLicense@denvergov.org
Step 6: Retail Marijuana Stores will have a public needs and desires hearing coordinated by Denver Excise and Licenses.
Step 7: After any hearing requirements are met, the business will be issued an inspection notice that explains how to schedule applicable inspections. Please refer to the section below titled "Inspection Process" for more details.
Step 8: Once you have completed the required local inspections, e-mail exlapplications@denvergov.org a copy of your approved state license, along with a request to issue your local license. Please include the BFN Record ID in this e-mail. The city will then e-mail you a copy of the local license.
All applications will be administratively closed if they are not completed within 12 months.