A Denver Cannabis Club Faces License Threat After 4/20 Incident
Following a 4/20 incident at Tetra Lounge in Denver, a city employee has lost their job and the club may lose its license. The Denver Department of Excise and Licenses issued an “order to show cause” to Tetra Lounge, alleging violations of its license terms during events on April 20 and July 10. These violations included vendors selling and sampling cannabis products, with one vendor allegedly not being a legally licensed marijuana company.
Tetra Lounge’s license does not allow cannabis sales; patrons must bring their own weed and pay an entry fee to smoke on the patio. The lounge also hosts events like joint-rolling classes. The business, opened in 2018, will need to defend itself in court this fall to avoid license suspension or revocation.
Additionally, inspectors witnessed a vendor giving away psilocybin-infused gummies just outside Tetra’s licensed premises on April 20. Owner Dewayne Benjamin claims that city employees were seen consuming these gummies, leading to the termination of one city employee. The city’s human resources department has not provided further details on the matter.
Benjamin opened Tetra as a private cannabis club seven years ago, and has since transitioned to operate under Denver’s marijuana hospitality establishment license. Despite previous enforcement actions and challenges in meeting city standards, Benjamin disputes many of the allegations outlined in the city’s order to show cause.
Tetra Lounge will continue to operate until its hearing on Oct. 10, amidst Benjamin’s belief that the city is attempting to hinder his business’s success. Stay updated on Colorado news by subscribing to the Mile High Roundup email newsletter.
