A glimpse of Denver's forthcoming upscale cannabis club
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Rendering showing the interior of Cirrus Social Club, a marijuana consumption club in Denver. Courtesy of Arend Richard
Arend Richard's vision to turn marijuana consumption into a sophisticated experience is taking shape.
Zoom in: Across the street from a sex shop, a few doors down from a tattoo studio and just a block away from a dispensary, the Cirrus Social Club promises something new.
State of play: The social club, which took over a martial arts studio at 3200 E. Colfax Ave. in the Congress Park neighborhood, wants to provide a luxurious setting for adults to consume marijuana.
- Richard tells us he wants to help first-timers find the right strain of cannabis, and appeal to what he calls the "sophisticated stoner," who consumes regularly but is aware of the newest and latest glassware on the market.
- The space would include a bar, a ballroom and a private room seating up to 15 people.
Why it matters: If it's successful, it would be one of just a handful of places in Denver where people can legally consume cannabis indoors — a major draw for tourists who want a place to use responsibly.
What they're saying: "We're going after a demographic of people who are not heavy cannabis consumers, but rather the out-and-about social person who's older than 27," Richard told Westword in March.
- Richard held an open house last month to provide the public with more details about the project and unveil the renderings.
- He tells us he's raised $1.5 million in capital.
Context: Only four businesses in Denver have received tentative approval for what the city calls marijuana hospitality establishments, where people can legally consume.
- Just two, including Cirrus, have tentative approval for use and sales, Excise and Licenses spokesperson Eric Escudero tells us. The other is Pure Elevations Spa & Garden.
- The businesses still need to pass inspections.
Between the lines: The club's interior was designed by Miranda Cullen, founder and principal at Littleton-based firm Inside Stories. She tells us it was her first time designing such a space.
- Her goal was to "elevate" the aesthetic that reflects the services Cirrus will be providing, and potentially change the way people perceive marijuana use.
What's next: Richard tells us he's aiming to open the club next spring, before 4/20 celebrations.
