Colorado Symphony Goes to Pot for Funding, Attendance Boost

The Colorado Symphony hopes it found a new way to support itself in the face of fiscal uncertainty.

The symphony is planning “cannabis-friendly” fundraiser concerts to take advantage of the state’s new marijuana legislation.

The “High Note” series is designed to battle the organization’s fiscal and attendance woes.

The cannabis industry obviously opens the door even further to a younger, more diverse audience,” symphony CEO Jerome Kern told The Associated Press.

In return for sponsorship, marijuana-related companies get “the legitimacy of being associated with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.” he said.

Patrons will have to bring their own marijuana to the vents. Pot, while legally available across the state, will not be sold at the concerts.

Not everyone is on board with combining what appears to be two very different cultures.

Judith Inman, a member of a volunteer guild that has organized balls and other more traditional classical music fundraisers in Denver, has reservations about the marijuana mash-up.

“I know that the symphony needs new sponsors, and they are trying to go after a younger group,” she said. “I just don’t think this is the way to go about it.