DENVER – A bipartisan and overwhelming majority of Colorado lawmakers passed SB-076 Streamlining Marijuana Regulation, marking the first time the legislature has eliminated burdensome and unnecessary regulations from Colorado’s marijuana framework. This bill comes a week after the Federal government announced intent to reschedule marijuana from the list of Controlled Substances.
SB-076 updates Colorado law to incorporate changes in Federal law allowing the sale and purchase of marijuana seeds and clones, which don’t contain THC. The bill also removes the prohibition on dispensaries selling (non THC) food and beverages, thereby allowing dispensaries to have the same privileges as liquor stores. Other bill items include eliminating duplicative license renewal requirements and empowering the Marijuana Enforcement Division to modernize its operations.
Over 10 years ago, Colorado led the nation in drafting a regulatory model for legal cannabis. “The initial rules did a great job protecting public safety but after a decade of legal sales, it’s clear the model needs a significant facelift. Big changes often begin with a small first step. SB-076 is an important milestone and something Colorado should build on in rulemaking and in future legislative sessions.” – Truman Bradley, Executive Director Marijuana Industry Group (MIG).
“The marijuana industry has grown up in the last 10 years and as the industry changes, it’s important that regulations and regulators change with it. Marijuana businesses have set records for compliance and the initial fears expressed during legalization haven’t materialized.” Ron Kammerzell, Former Director over the Marijuana Enforcement Division.
Other states have also begun paring down burdensome marijuana rules.
In Nevada, Senate Bill 24-277 streamlined licensing, reduced fees, and increased purchase limits for customers.
Oregon recently eliminated unnecessary testing and allowed marijuana plants to be tagged by batch instead of single use single plant tags.
In California, over 15 cities and counties reduced or eliminated marijuana excise taxes.
