Colorado marijuana regulation still up in the air

March 25, 2013

By Alex Murray

DENVER, Colorado: After the legalization of marijuana last year, the Colorado General Assembly continues to consider how to regulate the drug.

Last month, the House Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would institute a legal driving limit of five nanograms of THC. However House Bill 13-1114 has not yet been voted on by the Appropriations Committee.

Meanwhile, the issue of 'marijuana tourism' is being considered. Amendment 64, which voters passed last November, states that those over the age of 21 are allowed to purchase the drug, but does not address residency or visitors. The legislature's marijuana task force, called together by Gov. John Hickenlooper (D), recommended earlier this month that visitors to the state should be able to buy a limited amount of marijuana which would need to remain in the state. Tourism is among Colorado's largest industries.

In total, the task force made 58 recommendations in its final report regarding issues such as consumer safety, education programs, home cultivation, licensing, and production. Notably, it recommends a method of vertical integration, in which marijuana would be produced and sold under the same ownership.

The Joint Select Committee on the Implementation of A64 Task Force Recommendations, chaired by Rep. Dan Pabon (D), has two remaining meetings scheduled for tomorrow and Thursday. The legislature has until May 8, its session end date, to pass regulatory legislation.

See also

• Colorado Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Amendment 64 (2012)
• Marijuana laws ballot measures
• Colorado General Assembly
• John Hickenlooper
• Dan Pabon