As Work Begins on New Cannabis Rules, Coloradans Say HB 1317 Violates Amendment 64

On August 2, a working group made up of officials from the Marijuana Enforcement Division and representatives from the health, government, education and cannabis industries met to begin discussions on the implementation of House Bill 1317, a sweeping law that incorporates new restrictions and The state’s medical care mandates create marijuana and marijuana concentrate sectors.

Some provisions of the law fall outside the MED’s remit, including government research into the effects of high-potency THC products on mental health and some new regulations for medical marijuana doctors. However, there are several regulations that affect the MED. HB 1317 will expand tracking of medical patient purchases, reduce the daily purchase limit for purchases of medical marijuana concentrates from 40 grams to 8 (2 grams for patients under the age of 21), and stricter packaging and labeling guidelines for medical and recreational marijuana – Adopt concentrate products.

And while the working group is discussing new programs and practices, consumers have a lot to say about how HB 1317 would affect Amendment 64; You share these thoughts in the Westword Facebook post of our story about the first meeting. Says Chris:

People voted for legalization, not this cheap bullshit regulation.

suggests Graeme:

Sounds like it violates the change itself. Once we have the limits of alcohol potency, talk about it. The law we passed literally said treating marijuana like alcohol. Michael adds:

Why not try to learn a little more before stepping in? That wouldn’t be easy, and on top of that, it doesn’t follow change. It’s supposed to be taxed and regulated like alcohol, but here we are years later, and even more regulated in any establishment compared to alcohol. Notes Nathan:

As someone with epilepsy, I can safely say that this is extremely harmful. I can only hope this doesn’t turn into a slippery slope. The focus on the medical side of the industry is also shockingly gross. I don’t see how anyone could think this is a good idea.

Shaedon comments:

Violation of the rights of medical patients. Colorado quickly went from being one of the best states for medical cannabis to the worst of all thanks to the recreational market.

Finally Leo:

And then people wonder why people go back to the black market when the government begins to intervene in private corporations.

What do you think of HB 1317? What will it do with the medical marijuana market? Post a comment or share your thoughts at Editorial@westword.com.