Denver Poised To Pass America's First Social Marijuana Use Law

Brennan Linsley / AP

While recreational marijuana sales have been legal since 2014 in Colorado, for many people there's been nowhere to legally smoke — but now that's about to change.

A Denver ballot measure that would create a four-year pilot program to allow businesses like bars and yoga studios to obtain permits for "consumption areas" where people could use marijuana was leading Monday with 53% support.

Supporters were already declaring victory, but the Denver Post reported there were still about 32,000 votes to count.

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In order to obtain a permit, a business would also need the backing of a neighborhood group, like a city organization or business improvement district. This would allow the outside group to determine operating conditions.

While a few private bars where marijuana can be consumed have emerged, and it is legal to smoke in your own home, Initiative 300 would allow people over 21 to bring-your-own marijuana and consume it at permitted businesses such as galleries, cafes or bars. The measure would allow people to vape or eat edibles indoors, or smoke in outdoor areas.

People who support the initiative say it will finally give tourists as well as residents who live in buildings that ban marijuana an area to finally consume pot legally. Those who oppose the measure, such as Protect Denver's Atmosphere, argue that instead of reducing public use, it will increase it as well as harm public safety.