Sachin Walls
Denver International Airport (DEN) in Colorado, USA, has a number of smoking lounges, but marijuana cannot be purchased or smoked at the airport. While the possession and consumption of marijuana for personal use are legal in Colorado, it is still illegal under federal law, and airport security follows federal law. The City of Denver owns the airport and has banned the possession of marijuana within it, with punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment. However, some travellers have reported successfully bringing edibles onto their flights, while others have had them confiscated. Travellers intending to bring marijuana onto their flights should be aware of the legal risks and the possibility of increased security checks. While it is illegal to purchase marijuana at the airport, there are dispensaries located nearby, such as the Native Roots Tower dispensary, that offer a range of marijuana products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy pot at Denver Airport | No |
| Can you smoke pot at Denver Airport | No |
| Can you take edibles through Denver Airport | Unclear, but unlikely to be stopped by TSA |
| Can you buy pot near Denver Airport | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Denver International Airport is owned by the City of Denver
Denver International Airport (DEN), often referred to by locals as DIA, is an international airport in the Western United States, primarily serving metropolitan Denver, Colorado. It is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area, covering 33,531 acres (52.4 sq mi; 135.7 km2). The airport is owned by the City and County of Denver, which has delegated the Department of Aviation to oversee its management, operation, and control.
Denver International Airport is a significant economic driver and job creator in the region. The city has designated the Department of Aviation as an "enterprise", allowing it to issue its own revenue bonds and financial obligations in the city's name. The Department of Aviation is directed by a manager appointed by Denver's mayor, who reports directly to the mayor.
While marijuana use is legal in Colorado, it is not permitted at Denver International Airport. The airport falls under federal jurisdiction, and federal law prohibits the sale and consumption of marijuana. The Denver City Council has passed an ordinance banning the possession of marijuana within the airport, with violations punishable by fines or imprisonment.
Denver International Airport features a unique design, including a striking tented roof structure and technologically advanced operations. The airport has one terminal, the Jeppesen Terminal, and three midfield concourses with 169 gates. The terminal's distinctive peaked roof, designed by Fentress Bradburn Architects, resembles snow-capped mountains and pays homage to the early history of Colorado. The airport also boasts artworks through Denver's public art program and offers a range of amenities and services for travellers, contributing to its reputation as one of the busiest airports in the United States.
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Marijuana is illegal under federal law
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), enacted in 1970, classifies and regulates illegal drugs. It places drugs on a schedule according to their medicinal value and potential for abuse. Under the CSA, anyone who possesses, grows, markets, or distributes marijuana is likely violating federal laws. The federal government’s position on marijuana has remained largely unchanged since the early 1970s. Marijuana and marijuana products are illegal and subject to criminal law enforcement through the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
The conflict between state and federal law has created challenges for consumers, regulators, law enforcement, and businesses. For example, Denver International Airport (DEN) is owned by the City of Denver, where marijuana use is legal. However, the airport falls under federal jurisdiction, and the federal government does not allow the sale or consumption of marijuana. As a result, Denver City Council passed an ordinance banning the possession of marijuana within the airport, punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
The ongoing conflict with federal law can create everyday problems for individuals. For instance, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in Coats v. Dish Network (2015) that an employee could be terminated for off-the-clock use of marijuana, despite it being legal under state law. This ruling supported the restrictive policies of employers who conduct random drug tests and discipline employees for marijuana use.
While the majority of states have reformed cannabis laws, federal law has not kept pace with these changes. As of August 2023, 23 states and Washington, D.C., have legalised the recreational use of marijuana, and 37 states have legalised its medicinal use for specific patients. There have been efforts to end the federal prohibition of cannabis, such as the introduction of the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act in 2020. However, these efforts have not yet succeeded in changing federal law.
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Denver City Council banned possession of marijuana at the airport
Although the possession and consumption of marijuana for personal purposes are no longer forbidden by Colorado law, the Denver City Council has banned the possession of marijuana within Denver International Airport. This ordinance is punishable by fine or imprisonment, although it seems to be laxly enforced. The airport falls under federal jurisdiction, and the federal government does not allow the sale of marijuana.
Denver International Airport has a number of smoking lounges, but all are cannabis-free. Some people do manage to get past security with their own legally purchased marijuana, but they are not allowed to smoke it. The airport's attitude towards smoking and cannabis is a big factor in the ban. Tobacco smoking areas were removed from the airport a few years ago, and DIA has blocked any cannabis-related memorabilia from being sold at airport shops.
The City of Denver owns Denver International Airport, and while this doesn't make opening a cannabis bar impossible, it is unlikely to happen anytime soon. When cannabis is federally legal and there is younger government leadership, a pot-smoking lounge may become a reality.
While it is illegal to possess marijuana at the airport, people have reported being able to bring edibles through security without any issues. However, others have had their edibles taken and thrown away by TSA agents. It is important to note that marijuana is still illegal under federal law, and airport security abides by federal law. Therefore, attempting to bring marijuana through airport security could result in missing your flight or even facing legal consequences.
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There are no cannabis smoking lounges at the airport
While cannabis use is legal in Colorado, it is still illegal under federal law. Denver International Airport falls under federal jurisdiction, and the federal government does not allow the sale of marijuana. As such, there are no cannabis smoking lounges at the airport. In fact, Denver City Council passed an ordinance banning the possession of marijuana within Denver International Airport, punishable by fines or imprisonment.
The airport's attitude towards smoking and cannabis is a significant factor in the lack of cannabis lounges. Tobacco smoking areas were removed from the airport grounds a few years ago, and the airport has blocked the sale of any cannabis-related products or references in airport shops.
Although it is illegal, some people do manage to get past security with their own legally purchased cannabis. However, they are not allowed to smoke it in the airport lounges.
The closest dispensary to the airport is Native Roots on Tower Road, which offers a marijuana delivery service to residences near the airport for a flat rate of $10. An Uber or Lyft from the airport to the dispensary takes around 10 to 15 minutes and costs about $9 to $13.
It is important to note that attempting to bring cannabis products through airport security may increase the time it takes to get through, and there is a risk of getting in trouble with airport authorities and missing your flight.
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The closest dispensary is a 10-15 minute drive from the airport
Although marijuana use is legal in Colorado, it is illegal under federal law as it is on the Schedule 1 Controlled Substance list. Denver International Airport falls under federal jurisdiction, so the sale and consumption of marijuana are not allowed within the airport.
However, if you are looking to purchase marijuana, the closest dispensary is a 10-15 minute drive from the airport. The dispensary, called Native Roots, is located on Tower Road in the Green Valley Ranch neighbourhood of Denver. It is open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 11:50 pm. You can take an Uber or Lyft from the airport to the dispensary, which will cost around $9 to $13. Alternatively, you can take the 169L Smoky Hill bus route directly from the airport to the dispensary in approximately 15 minutes.
If you don't have time to visit the dispensary, Native Roots also offers marijuana delivery to areas near the airport for a flat rate of $10.
It is important to note that while some people have reported successfully bringing edibles through Denver's airport, it is not guaranteed that you will be able to do so. Some travellers have reported having their edibles taken and thrown away by TSA, while others have had their bags flagged for containing edibles. To reduce the risk of being caught, it is recommended to remove edibles from their original packaging and place them in a ziplock bag or conceal them with regular gummies.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not possible to buy pot at Denver Airport. Denver International Airport falls under federal jurisdiction, and federal law prohibits the sale of marijuana.
No, you cannot smoke pot at Denver Airport. The Denver City Council has banned the possession of marijuana within the airport, and it is punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
It is not advisable to take edibles through Denver Airport. Marijuana is still federally illegal, and while security may not be actively looking for drugs, there is a risk of getting caught and missing your flight.
