Marijuana Products Banned From Main Denver International Airport Terminal

Hoping to grab any marijuana-related souvenirs before you fly out of DIA?

You might want to visit one of the many head shops in the Mile High City before you drive to Denver International Airport because they have banned pot-related merchandise from being sold in their main terminal. Airport officials fear the souvenirs would send the wrong message. Denver International Airport spokesman Heath Montgomery says, 'we don't want marijuana to be the first thing our visitors experience when they arrive.'

The airport policy bans depictions of the marijuana plant, items with the word 'marijuana' and the sale of publications devoted expressly to pot. Marijuana possession and any pot-related advertising were already forbidden.

In January, airport executives extended the ban after a retailer sought a free-standing kiosk to sell boxer shorts and similar items containing pot leaves. The spurned retailer, owner of High-ly Legal Colorado Ann Jordan, is considering a lawsuit. It's unlikely she would have a strong claim because airports have broad discretion to control concession operators on their properties, for example they can limit free-speech activities such as handing out brochures.

Colorado's smaller airports don't ban marijuana-themed souvenirs. Montgomery says DIA has a special obligation as the gateway for many thousands of visitors to the Rocky Mountain region. He adds, 'there's a lot more to Colorado than pot.'

Since marijuana was legalized in Colorado in 2012, the Denver International Airport has issued no possession citations. Last year, 29 people were caught trying to board planes with marijuana. In each case, police declined to issue citations and the passengers were allowed to board planes after throwing out their weed.