Denver Looks To Crack Down On Unlicensed Marijuana Grows

DENVER (CBS4) - Denver is looking to crack down on medical marijuana grow operations, according to a news release the city plans to issue on Tuesday that was obtained by CBS4.

The city says unlicensed grow operations are unsafe and hazardous. Residential grow operations are currently limited to 12 plants. Now the city is proposing a 36-plant limit for non-residential facilities unless the grower gets a marijuana business license.

The city says "the proposed change will address several health and safety concerns that the large, non-licensed marijuana grow operations pose in Denver's dense, urban environment." It cites overloaded electrical systems, hazardous structural features and blocked egresses as the main culprits.

The statement also says the city hopes to curb untracked marijuana from making it into the black market.

"After careful consideration, we have concluded that this is a necessary change to protect the health and safety of Denver residents," Executive Director of Marijuana Policy Ashley Kilroy said in the statement.

IMAGES: City Of Denver Presentation -- Illegal Marijuana Grow Operations

Kilroy noted that the 12-plant limit for residential growing will not change.

"This is a thoughtful modification that protects employees, neighbors, inspectors and first responders alike while respecting the will of the voters and their support of Amendment 64," Kilroy said.

The city says the proposed change comes after safety officials and others "have noted an exponential increase in the cultivation of marijuana in collective operations and other non-licensed settings."

According to the statement, more than 60 locations have been identified, "including some with as many as 2,000 plants."

The proposal will be presented to the Denver City Council Tuesday afternoon. The public is welcome to comment.