Longmont council narrows marijuana hospitality licensing plan

Longmont City Council voted 4–3 on Sept. 22 to direct staff to revise a marijuana hospitality licensing proposal so only businesses that sell marijuana could receive hospitality licenses. The motion advances a narrower proposal; it does not approve any licenses.

Councilmember Marcia Martin, who made the motion, said declining marijuana revenue made the proposal worth pursuing, though it would not fix the budget. Councilmember Shiquita Yarbrough supported moving forward, saying permitted venues could give visitors a place to consume marijuana rather than using it in public spaces.

The city’s licensing history says council approved hospitality licenses with or without sales in January 2025 but rejected an associated code change allowing public consumption. An ordinance to implement the licensing system then failed at first reading in April 2025, leaving code changes incomplete.

Opponents cited health and safety concerns. Councilmember Susie Hidalgo-Fahring recalled concerns about smoke exposure, while Councilmember Aren Rodriguez said differences in product types and potency could make it harder for customers to gauge consumption and could raise safety risks in social settings.

No return date was set. Martin said she expected the proposal after the November election, probably in the first quarter of 2027. City Clerk Dawn Quintanilla said licensing forms and related work would need to resume and asked for flexibility because of the election workload.