# @denverwestword on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DIjbp0vJo73
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/29545521-denverwestword-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/45ffe3e2d2.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-04-17T16:00:54.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Denver Westword (@denverwestword) — https://gondola.cc/denverwestword

## Caption

Step outside in Denver on April 20, and you’ll probably smell something burning in the air.

As the first city to decriminalize cannabis and the capital of the first state to legalize the plant for recreational purposes, Denver will be forever linked to that sweet, sticky stuff. And on the high holiday known as 4/20, you’ll see plenty of public celebration. 🍃💨

Yet Denver has never had much of a “legal” cannabis hospitality scene. The 4/20 festival has always been unsanctioned for cannabis use — that’s never stopped the majority of attendees and performers from smoking, however, and police haven’t issued a public consumption citation there in years — and underground or private businesses and events allowing cannabis use have seen limited success. 

Like a tightly rolled joint, cannabis hospitality burns slowly with little oxygen in Denver. Strict rules and unproven business models dominate the small but growing sector.

But as another 4/20 approaches, licensed cannabis bars, lounges, tour services and day spas are finally a reality in Denver. This year, four permitted cannabis-friendly establishments will be open by April 20, compared to just one in 2024.

It only took thirteen years, but Denver now has a burgeoning cannabis venue space that doesn’t operate in the shadows.

✍️ Read this week’s cover story by tompettie at westword.com or at the link in our bio. 
📸 denverevanphoto 

#denver #denver420 #420 #cannabis #420fest #denvercolorado #westword #milehighcity

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## Tags

denver, milehighcity, denvercolorado, westword, denver420, cannabis, 420fest, 420

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