NUGGETRY News » Colorado

NUGGETRY News » Colorado http://news.nuggetry.com Sat, 18 May 2013 13:17:12 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Colorado Governor Encourages Residents to Approve Marijuana Taxes http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/colorado-governor-encourages-residents-to-approve-marijuana-taxes/ http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/colorado-governor-encourages-residents-to-approve-marijuana-taxes/#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 13:46:56 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4518 The tax measure will be put to a vote of the people this November. The measure would place a 15% excise tax on recreational marijuana as well as a 10% sales tax on each transaction. The taxes were mentioned in Amendment 64, but now voters need to approve the amounts. Governor Hickenlooper said, "I'll certainly promote the marijuana question. We need to make sure we have the resources to have a good regulatory framework to manage this." Mason Tvert, one of the authors of Amendment 64, shared Hickenlooper's sentiments. He said, "We will certainly be voicing our opinion that we support the tax measure. I think everyone who wants to see this regulatory system fully funded has an obligation to voice their support." Colorado voters have a history of disapproving of high taxes, even when they're for things such as education. However, without approval of this tax measure, the lack of funding for the legal marijuana program is bound to have adverse effects on marijuana advocates and opponents alike. [Source]]]> The tax measure will be put to a vote of the people this November. The measure would place a 15% excise tax on recreational marijuana as well as a 10% sales tax on each transaction. The taxes were mentioned in Amendment 64, but now voters need to approve the amounts. Governor Hickenlooper said, "I'll certainly promote the marijuana question. We need to make sure we have the resources to have a good regulatory framework to manage this." Mason Tvert, one of the authors of Amendment 64, shared Hickenlooper's sentiments. He said, "We will certainly be voicing our opinion that we support the tax measure. I think everyone who wants to see this regulatory system fully funded has an obligation to voice their support." Colorado voters have a history of disapproving of high taxes, even when they're for things such as education. However, without approval of this tax measure, the lack of funding for the legal marijuana program is bound to have adverse effects on marijuana advocates and opponents alike. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/colorado-governor-encourages-residents-to-approve-marijuana-taxes/feed/ 2 Colorado Senate Passes Marijuana DUI Law http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/colorado-senate-passes-marijuana-dui-law/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/colorado-senate-passes-marijuana-dui-law/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 13:15:02 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4504 Now, House Bill 1325 will go to Governor John Hickenlooper who will decide if it is signed into law. In the past, Hickenlooper has expressed support of a marijuana DUI guideline for Colorado. Under the law, drivers pulled over with more than 5 nanograms THC/milliliter of blood would be considered to be driving under the influence. The offense would be treated like an alcohol DUI. The bill was only just introduced last week. It is an exact copy of a bill that was shot down by the Senate earlier this year. Opponents of the bill believe that the 5 nanogram limit is far too low. It has been argued that many marijuana users, medical marijuana patients in particular, could potentially always have that much THC in their system, due to the frequency with which they smoke. Other opponents argue that the amount of THC in one's blood does not dictate how impaired they are. While there is a direct correlation between blood alcohol content and impairment, that concept does not necessarily ring true for marijuana. Additionally, THC is stored in the user's fat, meaning that it does not leave the body as quickly as alcohol does. HB 1325 allows for people charged with driving under the influence of marijuana to challenge the charge that they were too impaired to drive. Representative Mark Waller explained, "For example, if you did not exhibit poor driving, you can put that on as evidence to say, 'Look my driving was not poor, I'm not unsafe to operate a motor vehicle.'" HB 1325 applies to all drivers, regardless of whether or not they are a medical marijuana patient. [Source]]]> Now, House Bill 1325 will go to Governor John Hickenlooper who will decide if it is signed into law. In the past, Hickenlooper has expressed support of a marijuana DUI guideline for Colorado. Under the law, drivers pulled over with more than 5 nanograms THC/milliliter of blood would be considered to be driving under the influence. The offense would be treated like an alcohol DUI. The bill was only just introduced last week. It is an exact copy of a bill that was shot down by the Senate earlier this year. Opponents of the bill believe that the 5 nanogram limit is far too low. It has been argued that many marijuana users, medical marijuana patients in particular, could potentially always have that much THC in their system, due to the frequency with which they smoke. Other opponents argue that the amount of THC in one's blood does not dictate how impaired they are. While there is a direct correlation between blood alcohol content and impairment, that concept does not necessarily ring true for marijuana. Additionally, THC is stored in the user's fat, meaning that it does not leave the body as quickly as alcohol does. HB 1325 allows for people charged with driving under the influence of marijuana to challenge the charge that they were too impaired to drive. Representative Mark Waller explained, "For example, if you did not exhibit poor driving, you can put that on as evidence to say, 'Look my driving was not poor, I'm not unsafe to operate a motor vehicle.'" HB 1325 applies to all drivers, regardless of whether or not they are a medical marijuana patient. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/colorado-senate-passes-marijuana-dui-law/feed/ 7 Marijuana Legalization Regulations Move Forward in Colorado http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/marijuana-legalization-regulations-move-forward-in-colorado/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/marijuana-legalization-regulations-move-forward-in-colorado/#comments Sat, 04 May 2013 11:51:08 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4472 The majority of the bill remained unchanged by the committee, including regulations about marijuana DUIs and stores being required to grow their own marijuana, at least initially. The committee did make some changes to the regulations, however, the biggest of which involves whether the state can limit the size of commercial marijuana grows. The Senate committee changed the wording of the proposed regulations by saying that the state can regulate the size of marijuana grows but isn't required to. Of the decision, Senator Cheri Jahn explained, "It just gives better flexibility to the Department of Revenue." Revenue Department director Barbara Brohl said that the state will set grow limits, but they are still trying to determine a way to do that. The bill has now been sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee. After than, it will still be subject to several votes before it is passed by the legislature. The votes will come in the final 5 days of the session. The Senate Finance Committee also approved a bill that would set a 15% excise tax and a 10% special sales tax on recreational marijuana. That bill was also sent to the Appropriations Committee. On Friday, the House gave initial approval of a bill that will combat driving under the influence of marijuana. It faces a tougher crowd in the Senate, which has rejected similar proposals four times over the past three years. [Source]]]> The majority of the bill remained unchanged by the committee, including regulations about marijuana DUIs and stores being required to grow their own marijuana, at least initially. The committee did make some changes to the regulations, however, the biggest of which involves whether the state can limit the size of commercial marijuana grows. The Senate committee changed the wording of the proposed regulations by saying that the state can regulate the size of marijuana grows but isn't required to. Of the decision, Senator Cheri Jahn explained, "It just gives better flexibility to the Department of Revenue." Revenue Department director Barbara Brohl said that the state will set grow limits, but they are still trying to determine a way to do that. The bill has now been sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee. After than, it will still be subject to several votes before it is passed by the legislature. The votes will come in the final 5 days of the session. The Senate Finance Committee also approved a bill that would set a 15% excise tax and a 10% special sales tax on recreational marijuana. That bill was also sent to the Appropriations Committee. On Friday, the House gave initial approval of a bill that will combat driving under the influence of marijuana. It faces a tougher crowd in the Senate, which has rejected similar proposals four times over the past three years. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/marijuana-legalization-regulations-move-forward-in-colorado/feed/ 3 Marijuana Magazines Could be Treated Like Porn in Colorado http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/marijuana-magazines-could-be-treated-like-porn-in-colorado/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/marijuana-magazines-could-be-treated-like-porn-in-colorado/#comments Fri, 03 May 2013 13:15:42 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4454 Gardner explained that the intended treatment of marijuana magazines is "analogous to the pornography example." The Senate committee delayed a vote on the magazine bill, which was added last minute last week and caught Senate sponsors unprepared. A decision on the proposal is expected from the committee on Friday. Even if it passes in committee, the magazine regulation has a long way to go through the legislature. Gardner even admitted that he wouldn't be surprised if the provision did not make it into Colorado's final legal marijuana legislation, but he adamantly believes it should. Marijuana commercials and advertisements will almost certainly be limited by legislation, and Gardner contends that marijuana magazines should be considered commercial speech, like an advertisement, making it subject to increased regulation by state officials. Gardner believes that, should the provision pass and marijuana magazine companies contest it, the regulation would be constitutionally defensible. He explained, "As we legalize marijuana, I think we can also control - in time, place, and manner - how it is advertised." [Source] ]]> Gardner explained that the intended treatment of marijuana magazines is "analogous to the pornography example." The Senate committee delayed a vote on the magazine bill, which was added last minute last week and caught Senate sponsors unprepared. A decision on the proposal is expected from the committee on Friday. Even if it passes in committee, the magazine regulation has a long way to go through the legislature. Gardner even admitted that he wouldn't be surprised if the provision did not make it into Colorado's final legal marijuana legislation, but he adamantly believes it should. Marijuana commercials and advertisements will almost certainly be limited by legislation, and Gardner contends that marijuana magazines should be considered commercial speech, like an advertisement, making it subject to increased regulation by state officials. Gardner believes that, should the provision pass and marijuana magazine companies contest it, the regulation would be constitutionally defensible. He explained, "As we legalize marijuana, I think we can also control - in time, place, and manner - how it is advertised." [Source] ]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/marijuana-magazines-could-be-treated-like-porn-in-colorado/feed/ 5 Marijuana Use Can Still Get You Fired in Colorado http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/marijuana-use-can-still-get-you-fired-in-colorado/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/marijuana-use-can-still-get-you-fired-in-colorado/#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:27:35 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4427 Last Thursday, a Colorado appeals court upheld a ruling that employers can fire employees who test positive for marijuana, despite the fact that both medical and recreational marijuana have been legalized in the state. The rulings stem from the case of Brandon Coats, who was fired after he tested positive for marijuana. Coats is a legal medical marijuana user who used the MMJ to manage the symptoms from a car crash that left him paralyzed. The 2-1 court of appeals ruling was based primarily on the fact that marijuana is illegal on the federal level. Coats' attorneys now plan to appeal to the Supreme Court. Because THC from marijuana remains in peoples' systems for a long time, workers could test positive for marijuana even if they have never gone to work under the influence. [Source]]]> Last Thursday, a Colorado appeals court upheld a ruling that employers can fire employees who test positive for marijuana, despite the fact that both medical and recreational marijuana have been legalized in the state. The rulings stem from the case of Brandon Coats, who was fired after he tested positive for marijuana. Coats is a legal medical marijuana user who used the MMJ to manage the symptoms from a car crash that left him paralyzed. The 2-1 court of appeals ruling was based primarily on the fact that marijuana is illegal on the federal level. Coats' attorneys now plan to appeal to the Supreme Court. Because THC from marijuana remains in peoples' systems for a long time, workers could test positive for marijuana even if they have never gone to work under the influence. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/marijuana-use-can-still-get-you-fired-in-colorado/feed/ 1 Colorado Lawmakers Allegedly Push to Repeal Amendment 64 http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/colorado-lawmakers-allegedly-push-to-repeal-amendment-64/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/colorado-lawmakers-allegedly-push-to-repeal-amendment-64/#comments Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:20:42 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4406 Lawmakers are concerned that if voters don't approve their tax plan for marijuana, that the program will be underfunded and quickly spin out of control. Colorado voters have been known to vote down high tax hikes, even for things like education. Representative Jonathan Singer explained, "Without this measure, we won't be able to implement a model that will ensure our communities can be kept safe." According to Tvert, "Placing such a repeal measure on the ballot would amount to extortion of the voters. They will be told that they must vote for whatever taxes the legislators choose in order to prevent the repeal of the constitutional amendment they just approved." Tvert claims that Smart Colorado is behind the push for repeal. It's a newly formed organization that is working to minimize marijuana's impact on Colorado. Smart Colorado is also the name of a campaign committee that opposed Amendment 64 during the elections. The group also has a number of the same attorneys and donors as the original Smart Colorado, but claim there is no affiliation between the two. If lawmakers were to propose a repeal of Amendment 64, it would be difficult to get enough support from Legislators for it to pass. Because Amendment 64 is in the state's constitution, any repeal of the measure would have to be constitutional, as well. That means that in order to get it repealed, lawmakers would have to get two thirds support for it to go onto the ballot and to a vote of the people. There are only 13 days left in the legislative session for lawmakers to pass anything, making the timeline unlikely. [Source]]]> Lawmakers are concerned that if voters don't approve their tax plan for marijuana, that the program will be underfunded and quickly spin out of control. Colorado voters have been known to vote down high tax hikes, even for things like education. Representative Jonathan Singer explained, "Without this measure, we won't be able to implement a model that will ensure our communities can be kept safe." According to Tvert, "Placing such a repeal measure on the ballot would amount to extortion of the voters. They will be told that they must vote for whatever taxes the legislators choose in order to prevent the repeal of the constitutional amendment they just approved." Tvert claims that Smart Colorado is behind the push for repeal. It's a newly formed organization that is working to minimize marijuana's impact on Colorado. Smart Colorado is also the name of a campaign committee that opposed Amendment 64 during the elections. The group also has a number of the same attorneys and donors as the original Smart Colorado, but claim there is no affiliation between the two. If lawmakers were to propose a repeal of Amendment 64, it would be difficult to get enough support from Legislators for it to pass. Because Amendment 64 is in the state's constitution, any repeal of the measure would have to be constitutional, as well. That means that in order to get it repealed, lawmakers would have to get two thirds support for it to go onto the ballot and to a vote of the people. There are only 13 days left in the legislative session for lawmakers to pass anything, making the timeline unlikely. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/colorado-lawmakers-allegedly-push-to-repeal-amendment-64/feed/ 4 Last Minute Amendments Made to Colorado’s Proposed Legal Marijuana Legislation http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/last-minute-amendments-made-to-colorados-proposed-legal-marijuana-legislation/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/last-minute-amendments-made-to-colorados-proposed-legal-marijuana-legislation/#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:55:38 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4393 As a result, last minute amendments are being made to the bill to ensure that the program still moves forward without federal intervention. The changes were made just hours before state lawmakers were set to hear testimony on the legislation. The original version of the bill would have eliminated "vertical integration," the system currently used for medical marijuana businesses that allow retail stores to grow the marijuana that they sell. The police chiefs requested that an amendment be added that keeps vertical integration in place for at least a year. Police adamantly believe that eliminating vertical integration would create a whole new black market of unregistered marijuana growers. Additionally, another amendment will make it so individuals who are already in the queue to receive a license to open a medical marijuana business will receive first priority when applying for licenses for recreational marijuana businesses. Another amendment will require legal marijuana businesses to disclose all investors to the state Department of Revenue so that investors from out of state will not be able to profit off of Colorado's legal marijuana program. Representative Dan Pabon, the bill's sponsor, believes that the legislation will get passed, even with these new amendments. He explained, "There;s no reason to blow up the process. Like with any bill, this is a fluid, constructive process." [Source]]]> As a result, last minute amendments are being made to the bill to ensure that the program still moves forward without federal intervention. The changes were made just hours before state lawmakers were set to hear testimony on the legislation. The original version of the bill would have eliminated "vertical integration," the system currently used for medical marijuana businesses that allow retail stores to grow the marijuana that they sell. The police chiefs requested that an amendment be added that keeps vertical integration in place for at least a year. Police adamantly believe that eliminating vertical integration would create a whole new black market of unregistered marijuana growers. Additionally, another amendment will make it so individuals who are already in the queue to receive a license to open a medical marijuana business will receive first priority when applying for licenses for recreational marijuana businesses. Another amendment will require legal marijuana businesses to disclose all investors to the state Department of Revenue so that investors from out of state will not be able to profit off of Colorado's legal marijuana program. Representative Dan Pabon, the bill's sponsor, believes that the legislation will get passed, even with these new amendments. He explained, "There;s no reason to blow up the process. Like with any bill, this is a fluid, constructive process." [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/last-minute-amendments-made-to-colorados-proposed-legal-marijuana-legislation/feed/ 7 Legal Marijuana Regulation Bills Introduced in Colorado House http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/legal-marijuana-regulation-bills-introduced-in-colorado-house/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/legal-marijuana-regulation-bills-introduced-in-colorado-house/#comments Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:57:33 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4362

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The bill was written in response to the passage of Amendment 64. The bill will make a number of changes to the state's marijuana laws in order to allow marijuana to be considered fully legal. First, the bill will change the state's medical marijuana enforcement decision into the marijuana enforcement division, making one organization responsible for both recreational and medical marijuana. The division will receive funds from the state's general fund to regulate medical and recreational marijuana. Additionally, the bill will put a three month moratorium on retail marijuana license applications for those who do not currently own a medical marijuana business or have not previously applied to run a medical marijuana business. The bill will require the state to act upon license applications they receive no sooner than 45 days after receipt, but no more than 90 days after. Businesses that will have to be licensed in order to be protected under Amendment 64 include marijuana cultivation centers, marijuana testing facilities, retail marijuana stores, and retail marijuana product manufacturers. All applicants must undergo a background check and all owners of marijuana businesses must be Colorado residents for at least two years before they apply for a license. The bill also details that amount of marijuana that can be purchased. People who are not residents of Colorado will only be able to purchase 1/4 ounces of marijuana in a single transaction. Another bill, HB 13-1318 was also introduced, which outlines the taxation for legal marijuana. It would impose a 15% sales tax on retail marijuana on top of the state's already established 2.9% sales tax. A 15% excise tax will also be imposed on the sale or transfer of unprocessed retail marijuana by a marijuana growing facility. The taxes will go toward local and state governments. The first $40 million collected through the excise tax will be put toward the public school capital construction assistance fund. Both bills will be put to a vote and they must be passed by the Colorado House and Senate, then sent to the governor to be sinned into law. These regulations are based on the recommendations of the Amendment 64 Task Force, a group of lawmakers and advocates.]]>

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The bill was written in response to the passage of Amendment 64. The bill will make a number of changes to the state's marijuana laws in order to allow marijuana to be considered fully legal. First, the bill will change the state's medical marijuana enforcement decision into the marijuana enforcement division, making one organization responsible for both recreational and medical marijuana. The division will receive funds from the state's general fund to regulate medical and recreational marijuana. Additionally, the bill will put a three month moratorium on retail marijuana license applications for those who do not currently own a medical marijuana business or have not previously applied to run a medical marijuana business. The bill will require the state to act upon license applications they receive no sooner than 45 days after receipt, but no more than 90 days after. Businesses that will have to be licensed in order to be protected under Amendment 64 include marijuana cultivation centers, marijuana testing facilities, retail marijuana stores, and retail marijuana product manufacturers. All applicants must undergo a background check and all owners of marijuana businesses must be Colorado residents for at least two years before they apply for a license. The bill also details that amount of marijuana that can be purchased. People who are not residents of Colorado will only be able to purchase 1/4 ounces of marijuana in a single transaction. Another bill, HB 13-1318 was also introduced, which outlines the taxation for legal marijuana. It would impose a 15% sales tax on retail marijuana on top of the state's already established 2.9% sales tax. A 15% excise tax will also be imposed on the sale or transfer of unprocessed retail marijuana by a marijuana growing facility. The taxes will go toward local and state governments. The first $40 million collected through the excise tax will be put toward the public school capital construction assistance fund. Both bills will be put to a vote and they must be passed by the Colorado House and Senate, then sent to the governor to be sinned into law. These regulations are based on the recommendations of the Amendment 64 Task Force, a group of lawmakers and advocates.]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/legal-marijuana-regulation-bills-introduced-in-colorado-house/feed/ 3 Colorado Art Gallery That Offered Marijuana for Donations Busted by Police http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/colorado-art-gallery-that-offered-marijuana-for-donations-busted-by-police/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/colorado-art-gallery-that-offered-marijuana-for-donations-busted-by-police/#comments Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:12:18 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4342 Marijuana is legal in Colorado, but with no system established to buy or sell the drug legally yet, the 530 Gallery is in violation of state law. On Craigslist, the gallery advertised "high grade marijuana, free with a donation to the gallery." In order to receive the marijuana, individuals were required to join the Cannabis Club of Denver. Zimmerli claimed that all of the money they received was donations for the gallery and that marijuana was never bought or sold there. "We didn't sell marijuana to anyone," he explained. "We never distributed marijuana, we did have a private marijuana club." Zimmerli and Hawk Hazard have claimed that they were simply "sharing" marijuana, which is legal under Amendment 64. The Cannabis Club of Denver is believed to have over 500 members. The gallery is still open, but the club portion is closed. [Source]]]> Marijuana is legal in Colorado, but with no system established to buy or sell the drug legally yet, the 530 Gallery is in violation of state law. On Craigslist, the gallery advertised "high grade marijuana, free with a donation to the gallery." In order to receive the marijuana, individuals were required to join the Cannabis Club of Denver. Zimmerli claimed that all of the money they received was donations for the gallery and that marijuana was never bought or sold there. "We didn't sell marijuana to anyone," he explained. "We never distributed marijuana, we did have a private marijuana club." Zimmerli and Hawk Hazard have claimed that they were simply "sharing" marijuana, which is legal under Amendment 64. The Cannabis Club of Denver is believed to have over 500 members. The gallery is still open, but the club portion is closed. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/colorado-art-gallery-that-offered-marijuana-for-donations-busted-by-police/feed/ 5 High Taxes Could Be Imposed on Legal Marijuana in Colorado, Other Regulations Established http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/high-taxes-could-be-imposed-on-legal-marijuana-in-colorado-other-regulations-established/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/high-taxes-could-be-imposed-on-legal-marijuana-in-colorado-other-regulations-established/#comments Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:46:26 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4264 If the full Legislature agrees with this recommendation, the new taxes will be put to a vote of the people in November. Some lawmakers are concerned that such high tax rates may cause skepticism and lead to their rejection, causing the state to be responsible for covering the costs that the taxes would have helped pay for. The panel intends for the first $40 million of excise taxes collected to go toward school construction. The sales taxes would be used for enforcing the legal marijuana system, as well as for research and educational efforts regarding marijuana use. Some lawmakers on the marijuana committee feared that Coloradans would reject one or both tax measures, leaving the state responsible for the financial aspect of enforcing pot sales. Colorado’s Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights requires the public to OK tax increases, and Coloradans have been known to reject taxes even for popular state services, such as K-12 education. Republican Representative Brian DelGrosso said many who voted to make marijuana legal did so because of the potential taxes it could raise for schools. But he worried that even tax fans could pause at taxes in excess of 30 percent. “We could potentially be setting ourselves up for failure at the ballot,” DelGrosso explained. Despite some lawmakers' resistance, the tax measure passed 8-2. Aside from tax regulations, the legal marijuana panel tackled a number of issues during their second to last meeting on Friday. The panel determined that while marijuana is banned from being used "openly" or "publicly", private marijuana clubs would be allowed, as well as smoking marijuana openly on a private porch or back deck. The panel's definition would not allow for marijuana to be smoked in bars or restaurants that are open to the general public. Lawmakers set potency limits for edible marijuana products at 100 milligrams of THC. Additionally, all edibles and smokeable marijuana will have to be labeled for potency. Packages will have to contain a universal symbol, such as a marijuana leaf, to indicate that the products contain marijuana. Marijuana shops will not be allowed to serve both medical and recreational patrons in the same location. This is due to the fact that medical marijuana patients can be eighteen and over, while recreational marijuana is limited to people age 21 and over. The panel decided that out of state visitors will be allowed to purchase marijuana, but will be capped at an eighth of an ounce in a single transaction. Residents of Colorado will be allowed to buy a quarter of an ounce in a single transaction. While there are no daily limits as to how much marijuana someone can purchase, the possession limit will remain at one ounce. In Colorado, no advertising by marijuana businesses will be allowed on TV or radio. This is similar to the regulation in place against tobacco advertising. People convicted of any drug felony will be banned from working in the marijuana business for 10 years. The initial proposal called for a lifetime ban on felons, but some lawmakers felt that having such a strict regulation would cause marijuana to be regulated more heavily than alcohol. The marijuana committee will hold their final meeting on Monday. Their recommendations will then be turned into a bill that will be voted on my the entire Legislature. [Source] ]]> If the full Legislature agrees with this recommendation, the new taxes will be put to a vote of the people in November. Some lawmakers are concerned that such high tax rates may cause skepticism and lead to their rejection, causing the state to be responsible for covering the costs that the taxes would have helped pay for. The panel intends for the first $40 million of excise taxes collected to go toward school construction. The sales taxes would be used for enforcing the legal marijuana system, as well as for research and educational efforts regarding marijuana use. Some lawmakers on the marijuana committee feared that Coloradans would reject one or both tax measures, leaving the state responsible for the financial aspect of enforcing pot sales. Colorado’s Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights requires the public to OK tax increases, and Coloradans have been known to reject taxes even for popular state services, such as K-12 education. Republican Representative Brian DelGrosso said many who voted to make marijuana legal did so because of the potential taxes it could raise for schools. But he worried that even tax fans could pause at taxes in excess of 30 percent. “We could potentially be setting ourselves up for failure at the ballot,” DelGrosso explained. Despite some lawmakers' resistance, the tax measure passed 8-2. Aside from tax regulations, the legal marijuana panel tackled a number of issues during their second to last meeting on Friday. The panel determined that while marijuana is banned from being used "openly" or "publicly", private marijuana clubs would be allowed, as well as smoking marijuana openly on a private porch or back deck. The panel's definition would not allow for marijuana to be smoked in bars or restaurants that are open to the general public. Lawmakers set potency limits for edible marijuana products at 100 milligrams of THC. Additionally, all edibles and smokeable marijuana will have to be labeled for potency. Packages will have to contain a universal symbol, such as a marijuana leaf, to indicate that the products contain marijuana. Marijuana shops will not be allowed to serve both medical and recreational patrons in the same location. This is due to the fact that medical marijuana patients can be eighteen and over, while recreational marijuana is limited to people age 21 and over. The panel decided that out of state visitors will be allowed to purchase marijuana, but will be capped at an eighth of an ounce in a single transaction. Residents of Colorado will be allowed to buy a quarter of an ounce in a single transaction. While there are no daily limits as to how much marijuana someone can purchase, the possession limit will remain at one ounce. In Colorado, no advertising by marijuana businesses will be allowed on TV or radio. This is similar to the regulation in place against tobacco advertising. People convicted of any drug felony will be banned from working in the marijuana business for 10 years. The initial proposal called for a lifetime ban on felons, but some lawmakers felt that having such a strict regulation would cause marijuana to be regulated more heavily than alcohol. The marijuana committee will hold their final meeting on Monday. Their recommendations will then be turned into a bill that will be voted on my the entire Legislature. [Source] ]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/high-taxes-could-be-imposed-on-legal-marijuana-in-colorado-other-regulations-established/feed/ 5 Colorado Blames Lax Medical Marijuana Regulation on Lack of Money http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/colorado-blames-lax-medical-marijuana-regulation-on-lack-of-money/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/colorado-blames-lax-medical-marijuana-regulation-on-lack-of-money/#comments Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:08:40 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4251 During a meeting of the special legislative committee tasked with establishing Colorado's legal marijuana guidelines, Brohl explained, "We've got 15 people trying to do the job of 55." Colorado's medical marijuana program is overseen by the Department of Revenue, which will also oversee the new legal marijuana program. Many lawmakers had assumed that the individuals responsible for monitoring the medical marijuana program would just expand their roles to handle legal marijuana as well. Based on Brohl's statements, the division is already spread too thin. Brohl spent much of the meeting telling lawmakers that, in order to have adequate enforcement, the division needs more money. Initially, the Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division had been expected to have a budget of $5.7 million and 55 employees. Instead, they have a budget of $2.5 million and 15 employees. Only eight of the employees do compliance checks and licensing investigations. A change in when the department collects licensing fees has helped the division's cash flow and kept it from insolvency, Brohl said. But she still urged lawmakers to use money from the general fund — the state's main bank account — to pay for the new regulation of recreational marijuana.

Brohl also strongly urged lawmakers to impose a special marijuana sales tax that would go toward regulation of the new system. She did not have an estimate of how much the extra enforcement of the legal marijuana program would cost.

Colorado's legislature's marijuana committee will meet two more times-- on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. During those meetings, the committee will vote on a number of critical marijuana program policies, including proposed tax amounts and how the program will be structured. After the committee makes its decisions, its recommendations will be formed into a bill that will then be voted on by the entire legislature.

]]> During a meeting of the special legislative committee tasked with establishing Colorado's legal marijuana guidelines, Brohl explained, "We've got 15 people trying to do the job of 55." Colorado's medical marijuana program is overseen by the Department of Revenue, which will also oversee the new legal marijuana program. Many lawmakers had assumed that the individuals responsible for monitoring the medical marijuana program would just expand their roles to handle legal marijuana as well. Based on Brohl's statements, the division is already spread too thin. Brohl spent much of the meeting telling lawmakers that, in order to have adequate enforcement, the division needs more money. Initially, the Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division had been expected to have a budget of $5.7 million and 55 employees. Instead, they have a budget of $2.5 million and 15 employees. Only eight of the employees do compliance checks and licensing investigations. A change in when the department collects licensing fees has helped the division's cash flow and kept it from insolvency, Brohl said. But she still urged lawmakers to use money from the general fund — the state's main bank account — to pay for the new regulation of recreational marijuana.

Brohl also strongly urged lawmakers to impose a special marijuana sales tax that would go toward regulation of the new system. She did not have an estimate of how much the extra enforcement of the legal marijuana program would cost.

Colorado's legislature's marijuana committee will meet two more times-- on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. During those meetings, the committee will vote on a number of critical marijuana program policies, including proposed tax amounts and how the program will be structured. After the committee makes its decisions, its recommendations will be formed into a bill that will then be voted on by the entire legislature.

]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/colorado-blames-lax-medical-marijuana-regulation-on-lack-of-money/feed/ 2 Agency That Oversees Colorado’s Medical Marijuana Program Under Scrutiny for Spending http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/agency-that-oversees-colorados-medical-marijuana-program-under-scrutiny-for-spending/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/agency-that-oversees-colorados-medical-marijuana-program-under-scrutiny-for-spending/#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:47:05 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4182 The MMED has struggled to fulfill its enforcement duties, but has had no trouble spending money on $1,000 office chairs, patio furniture, and a vehicle fleet it did not need. At a hearing on Wednesday, the state Legislative Audit Committee completed its review of a state audit of the division and targeted inappropriate expenses. For example, in the 2011 fiscal year the division spent almost $250,000 on office furniture, including $28,000 for seven desk extenders, $16,000 for three cubicles, and $4,200 for four office chairs. The division bought the furniture without going through a competitive bidding process from Colorado Correctional Industries, a division of the Department of Corrections that puts criminal offenders to work through 60 programs — including manufacturing furniture. Using CCI could have potentially saved the division thousands of dollars. Additionally, the division leased a fleet of 33 vehicles, including SUVs, that it could not justify having. Lawmakers spoke out in response to the excessive spending. "I am speechless," said Rep. Angela Williams, D-Denver, the committee chairwoman. "It appears there was a shopping spree." "Apparently," said Sen. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, "we haven't learned anything from $400 federal hammers." Dan Hartman was division director in 2011 and has since been reassigned to another division of the Department of Revenue. He was replaced by Laura Harris, who is the current director. Overall, the audit made the MMED seem largely incompetent and ineffective. It showed an all around level of poor decision making and lack of focus within the division. [Source]]]> The MMED has struggled to fulfill its enforcement duties, but has had no trouble spending money on $1,000 office chairs, patio furniture, and a vehicle fleet it did not need. At a hearing on Wednesday, the state Legislative Audit Committee completed its review of a state audit of the division and targeted inappropriate expenses. For example, in the 2011 fiscal year the division spent almost $250,000 on office furniture, including $28,000 for seven desk extenders, $16,000 for three cubicles, and $4,200 for four office chairs. The division bought the furniture without going through a competitive bidding process from Colorado Correctional Industries, a division of the Department of Corrections that puts criminal offenders to work through 60 programs — including manufacturing furniture. Using CCI could have potentially saved the division thousands of dollars. Additionally, the division leased a fleet of 33 vehicles, including SUVs, that it could not justify having. Lawmakers spoke out in response to the excessive spending. "I am speechless," said Rep. Angela Williams, D-Denver, the committee chairwoman. "It appears there was a shopping spree." "Apparently," said Sen. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, "we haven't learned anything from $400 federal hammers." Dan Hartman was division director in 2011 and has since been reassigned to another division of the Department of Revenue. He was replaced by Laura Harris, who is the current director. Overall, the audit made the MMED seem largely incompetent and ineffective. It showed an all around level of poor decision making and lack of focus within the division. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/agency-that-oversees-colorados-medical-marijuana-program-under-scrutiny-for-spending/feed/ 8 Analysts Estimate Legal Marijuana Could Bring Billions in Revenue http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/analysts-estimate-legal-marijuana-could-bring-billions-in-revenue/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/analysts-estimate-legal-marijuana-could-bring-billions-in-revenue/#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:26:17 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4175 Colorado Representative Jared Polis told the press, "I've seen some estimates in the high tens of millions, as much as $100 million for Colorado." He continued to explained that the money could put a "substantial dent in needed school improvements, particularly in poorer districts." It is predicted that California could see more significant revenues, due to the state's population. California NORML Director Dale Gieringer said that legalizing marijuana could bring $1.2 billion in California from tax revenues alone. The industry as a whole could bring between $12 billion and $18 billion of new business activity in California, he estimated. [Source]]]> Colorado Representative Jared Polis told the press, "I've seen some estimates in the high tens of millions, as much as $100 million for Colorado." He continued to explained that the money could put a "substantial dent in needed school improvements, particularly in poorer districts." It is predicted that California could see more significant revenues, due to the state's population. California NORML Director Dale Gieringer said that legalizing marijuana could bring $1.2 billion in California from tax revenues alone. The industry as a whole could bring between $12 billion and $18 billion of new business activity in California, he estimated. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/analysts-estimate-legal-marijuana-could-bring-billions-in-revenue/feed/ 2 Former DEA Heads Encourage Obama to Put an End to Legal Marijuana http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/former-dea-heads-encourage-obama-to-put-an-end-to-legal-marijuana/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/former-dea-heads-encourage-obama-to-put-an-end-to-legal-marijuana/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:53:51 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4004 Eight former DEA chiefs have issued a joint statement encouraging the Obama administration to nullify Colorado's Amendment 64 and Washington's I-502, both of which legalize the use, purchase, and possession of marijuana by individuals age 21 and older. The former chiefs involved include Robert Bonner, Thomas Constantine, John Bartels, Francis Mullen, Asa Hutchinson, Peter Besinger, John Lawn, and Donnie Marshall. They issued the statement through Save Our Society From Drugs, a national group that is lobbying against marijuana legalization. The statement suggested that the Obama administration has waited too long to take action on the legalized marijuana programs. The former DEA heads believe the appropriate action is to immediately sue the states to force them to stop the legalization programs from being implemented. While these two states have opted to legalize marijuana, some of the former DEA chiefs believe that marijuana's illegal status under federal law is non-negotiable. Peter Besinger explained, "If they don't act now, these laws will be fully implemented in a matter of months. It's a no-brainer. It is outrageous that a lawsuit hasn't been filed in federal court yet." The DEA has been reviewing both legal marijuana programs since they were passed, and US Attorney General Eric Holder recently told Washington and Colorado that an answer on the matter would be coming "soon." Holder is scheduled to appear before a US Senate judiciary committee hearing on Wednesday. The former DEA chiefs are pushing senators to question Holder on marijuana legalization. [Source]]]> Eight former DEA chiefs have issued a joint statement encouraging the Obama administration to nullify Colorado's Amendment 64 and Washington's I-502, both of which legalize the use, purchase, and possession of marijuana by individuals age 21 and older. The former chiefs involved include Robert Bonner, Thomas Constantine, John Bartels, Francis Mullen, Asa Hutchinson, Peter Besinger, John Lawn, and Donnie Marshall. They issued the statement through Save Our Society From Drugs, a national group that is lobbying against marijuana legalization. The statement suggested that the Obama administration has waited too long to take action on the legalized marijuana programs. The former DEA heads believe the appropriate action is to immediately sue the states to force them to stop the legalization programs from being implemented. While these two states have opted to legalize marijuana, some of the former DEA chiefs believe that marijuana's illegal status under federal law is non-negotiable. Peter Besinger explained, "If they don't act now, these laws will be fully implemented in a matter of months. It's a no-brainer. It is outrageous that a lawsuit hasn't been filed in federal court yet." The DEA has been reviewing both legal marijuana programs since they were passed, and US Attorney General Eric Holder recently told Washington and Colorado that an answer on the matter would be coming "soon." Holder is scheduled to appear before a US Senate judiciary committee hearing on Wednesday. The former DEA chiefs are pushing senators to question Holder on marijuana legalization. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/former-dea-heads-encourage-obama-to-put-an-end-to-legal-marijuana/feed/ 18 Amendment 64 Task Force Makes Recommendations for Colorado’s Marijuana Program http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/amendment-64-task-force-gives-recommendations-for-colorados-marijuana-program/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/amendment-64-task-force-gives-recommendations-for-colorados-marijuana-program/#comments Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:26:23 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3975 Time is up for Colorado's Amendment 64 Task Force, which set out to make a set of recommendations as to how the state's legal marijuana program should run. They had until the end of February to compile their recommendations, which will now be read by Governor John Hickenlooper and Colorado Legislators. Lawmakers will then base the program's rules and guidelines on these recommendations. Some of the recommendations made by the task force are below:

Enact two taxes - a 15% excise tax paid by shops where marijuana is sold, and an unspecified sales tax on customers. Both taxes would require voter approval.
Restrict access to marijuana by minors.
Train law enforcement officials to recognize and deal with drivers who are under the influence of marijuana.
Allow marijuana to be sold to visitors from out of state.
Require marijuana have child-proof packaging.
Prohibit outdoor marijuana growing.
Update the state's Clean Air Act to include the effects of marijuana smoke.
Limit marijuana advertising.
Make off-the-job marijuana use by employees a fireable offense for employers.
Require that marijuana products have potency labels.
Require marijuana shops to have local and state approval to operate.
Make marijuana part of the bar and restaurant smoking bans already in place in the state. This would possibly target "smoking clubs," which are similar to bars except cannabis is consumed rather than alcohol.
Create a regulatory system similar to that in medical marijuana dispensaries that follows marijuana from seed to sale.

The task force did not come to a consensus on where and how recreational marijuana users can legally purchase it. Recommendations seem to suggest the start of a totally new system, separate from the already established medical marijuana system in the state. State Senate President John Morse recently discussed what he expects to happen next after the governor received the task force recommendations. "The (House) Speaker and I have talked about the possibility of trying to put together a joint committee, to then take (the) recommendations and try to craft that into a bill, because that's going to be step one from the legislative process, and then we'll see how that bill winds its way through the Legislature," said Morse. [Source]]]> Time is up for Colorado's Amendment 64 Task Force, which set out to make a set of recommendations as to how the state's legal marijuana program should run. They had until the end of February to compile their recommendations, which will now be read by Governor John Hickenlooper and Colorado Legislators. Lawmakers will then base the program's rules and guidelines on these recommendations. Some of the recommendations made by the task force are below:

Enact two taxes - a 15% excise tax paid by shops where marijuana is sold, and an unspecified sales tax on customers. Both taxes would require voter approval.
Restrict access to marijuana by minors.
Train law enforcement officials to recognize and deal with drivers who are under the influence of marijuana.
Allow marijuana to be sold to visitors from out of state.
Require marijuana have child-proof packaging.
Prohibit outdoor marijuana growing.
Update the state's Clean Air Act to include the effects of marijuana smoke.
Limit marijuana advertising.
Make off-the-job marijuana use by employees a fireable offense for employers.
Require that marijuana products have potency labels.
Require marijuana shops to have local and state approval to operate.
Make marijuana part of the bar and restaurant smoking bans already in place in the state. This would possibly target "smoking clubs," which are similar to bars except cannabis is consumed rather than alcohol.
Create a regulatory system similar to that in medical marijuana dispensaries that follows marijuana from seed to sale.

The task force did not come to a consensus on where and how recreational marijuana users can legally purchase it. Recommendations seem to suggest the start of a totally new system, separate from the already established medical marijuana system in the state. State Senate President John Morse recently discussed what he expects to happen next after the governor received the task force recommendations. "The (House) Speaker and I have talked about the possibility of trying to put together a joint committee, to then take (the) recommendations and try to craft that into a bill, because that's going to be step one from the legislative process, and then we'll see how that bill winds its way through the Legislature," said Morse. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/amendment-64-task-force-gives-recommendations-for-colorados-marijuana-program/feed/ 8