Denver City Council approved a new cannabis research and development license April 6 as part of the city’s efforts to update its cannabis laws, according to a report from Denverite, an affiliate of Colorado Public Radio.

The city council voted 12-1 to approve the new R&D license, which will allow studies involving the plant, the news outlet reported.

"We think it’s an important license type,” Ashley Kilroy, executive director for the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses, told Denverite. “It will help to continue to keep Denver at the forefront of marijuana legalization and preserve our reputation as a leader in the regulated cannabis industry.”

Denver City Council also approved a lottery cap for new dispensary licenses April 6 and plans to eventually roll out a social equity plan as part of its updated cannabis rules, Denverite reported.