Over the last decade, the U.S. has adopted a more open-minded stance on marijuana. At the state level, pardons for marijuana-related charges increased, and ordinances proposing greater freedoms regarding cannabis passed.
What is perhaps most telling of Americans’ changing view of cannabis is the industry’s unchecked conquest of the private sector.
Dispensaries and illicit sellers alike have branched out from the hallmarks of the industry and shifted towards seltzers and alternate forms of ingestion. With greater freedom of purchase and distribution, this is hardly a surprise.
This once completely illegal substance has been integrated into every possible form of consumption in an effort to maximize profits and target new demographics. Colorado has seen a boom in the industry since marijuana’s legalization in 2012, and cannabis has influenced almost every sector of the economy since then.
Next enters delivery, the next logical step for the industry and a much-awaited frontier for consumers. A growing number of marijuana retailers are pushing the envelope and entering the market for illegal distribution. Several supposed “companies” offer delivery despite the lack of legislative permission, and it seems that demand has outpaced democracy.
Despite national indecision concerning marijuana, Governor Polis remains a supporter of marijuana reform and greater legalization. “That billion dollars goes towards capital. It’s built youth centers in Aurora. It’s helped provide school construction money across our state.” In the market’s current state, revenue from taxed recreational and medicinal marijuana has made an impact on Colorado’s youth.
Permitting recreational delivery statewide could fund a variety of new programs. $40 million in revenue is already used to build public schools in the state, and narcotics education has been funded by taxes on cannabis.
The 15% retail sales tax has already netted close to $250 million in 2018 with revenue increasing steadily every year. The marijuana industry is set to reap $4 billion by 2022, and those just graduating college should take note. An increasing number of millennials are entering the industry to grow marijuana with the average made by proficient growers averaging at $120k. With the proper degree, students can enter the business of growing marijuana straight out of college.
The career is extremely lucrative and in increasing demand. Having spent several years at a university studying growing techniques is an advantage in the industry, and among some retailers, a prerequisite. Delivery offers similar benefits. Those just graduating or looking for work on the side could deliver marijuana similar to how someone might deliver pizza or drive for Uber.
Businesses that work in cannabis require skill sets such as marketing, data analytics and branding. This opens up jobs in a growing industry for college graduates. Of course, a career in cannabis is not easy. Classes regarding marijuana business law can be read about in The Clarion here.
Recreational delivery would open up a wealth of new business opportunities in Denver. The Chicago Tribune aptly pointed out the lack of diversity in Denver’s marijuana scene with 75% of business owners being white. An opening in the market could provide space for BIPOC-owned businesses.
In this city, marijuana delivery exists and customers have an ample pool of suppliers to choose from. However, non-medicinal cannabis delivery has not been legally established yet.
If marijuana delivery is given the go-ahead in Denver, regulation and control will be essential. Medicinal marijuana delivery has already been legalized in Boulder and Superior, and Governor Polis permitted “marijuana delivery permits for licensed medical marijuana centers and transporters and licensed retail marijuana stores” per the Colorado General Assembly. However, the law leaves the issue of recreational delivery to the discretion of individual municipalities.
The present stagnancy of legislation has allowed illicit delivery markets to thrive. The city is missing out on millions in tax revenue. With each year, it becomes increasingly clear that the marijuana industry will only keep expanding. It is up to the state to decide whether or not to go along for the ride.
