Citizens can now smoke marijuana at privatized Colorado Symphony Orchestra bring-your-own-cannabis fundraising concerts.
According to the Associated Press, the 25-year-old organization officially launched the "Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series" Friday, after Denver City Attorney Scott Martinez grew concerned that attendees would inhale in public. Although legislation that went into effect in January allows consumers to sell and possess the substance, current law bans people from smoking the substance in the open.
Martinez retracted his objections, however, after the symphony made efforts to privatize its events. These include three invitation-only concerts in a secluded gallery on the other side of the Mile High City. This event will also take place away from a venue, which the municipality owns.
According to The Denver Post, the symphony has strived to increase attendance by attracting young people amid difficult financial times.
The organization's CEO told AP that the concerts enable varied adolescents to attend the gatherings.
"The cannabis industry obviously opens the door even further to a younger, more diverse audience," symphony CEO Jerome Kern told AP. "In return for sponsorship, marijuana-related companies get the legitimacy of being associated with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra."
For the events, musicians take attendees on a journey along the Pan American Highway, while revelers taste Chimchurri, arepas and salty roasted jalapenos, according to the symphony's website.
Some citizens previously convicted for marijuana-related crimes can have their cases reversed, after voters chose to legalize the substance through legislation called Amendment 64 in March 2014, the Associated Press reported.
The new legislation was slated to assist hundreds of individuals locked up with minor offense cases that were in the appeal process at the time the law took effect on Dec. 12.
