Frequently asked questions

An existing licensee can apply for a new license as a social equity applicant if they qualify under Denver's social equity criteria. An existing licensee cannot qualify as a social equity applicant for their existing licenses. An existing licensee cannot qualify for waived and reduced fees for their existing licenses that were not obtained as a social equity applicant.

The city's eligibility criteria align with the social equity applicant criteria established in Senate Bill 24-076 and the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division's rules. In Denver, a social equity applicant is a person applying for a new or transferred license who holds a valid finding of suitability from the state licensing authority as a social equity licensee. To qualify, an individual must meet the eligibility requirements as defined in state law and can be seen here.

Until the exclusivity period expires on July 1, 2027, licenses granted to social equity applicants under the social equity program must be majority-owned (at least 51%) by one or more social equity licensees. A social equity licensee can sell some or all the ownership interest in their license as long as one or more social equity licensees holds at least 51% of the ownership interest in the license.

To see all application and licensing fees for social equity and non-social equity visit this page.