Pubdate: Sat, 08 Nov 2014 Source: Denver Post (CO) Copyright: 2014 The Denver Post Corp Contact: http://www.denverpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122 Author: Kevin A. Mahmalji LET POT SHOPS STAY OPEN LATER I am writing to encourage the Denver City Council to change the current hours of operation for marijuana businesses operating in Denver. Like most people, I believe that the purpose of Amendment 64 is to minimize black-market marijuana sales by providing access to a legal and regulated alternative, but Denver's restrictive hours of operation are making that impossible. After regulated facilities close at 7 p.m., the purchase of marijuana continues through illegal channels such as black-market dealers on Craigslist and other social media outlets. It's an unjust policy that forces marijuana businesses and consumers to choose between a very limited legal market or an easily accessible black-market option that offers delivery. When the benefits are so great and there is no harm done to existing businesses or neighborhoods, it makes perfect sense to support a change in the hours of operation. Kevin A. Mahmalji, Denver - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom