In an overwhelming vote this week, the Colorado House of Representatives have passed the state’s most substantial marijuana regulation policy since legalizing the drug.
Measure HB21-1317 passed overwhelmingly, 56-8, and now moves on to the state Senate, where it is also expected to pass.
After months of negotiations led by House Speaker Alec Garnett, the measure calls for the Colorado School of Public Health to analyze existing research “related to the physical and mental health effects of high-potency THC marijuana and concentrates.”
This analysis could inform new restrictions in the coming years.
Measure HB21-1317 also requires medical and recreational dispensaries to package products with explicit guidance for consumers on serving size. It additionally requires a real-time database to enforce long-standing state laws on daily purchase limits.
The measure also contains several provisions designed to make the medical marijuana doctor-patient relationship more official so that it is not as easy for people ages 18-20 to obtain cards.
As Colorado’s legislative session has to end no later than June 12, the bill would have to land on the desk of Gov. Jared Polis in the next two weeks if it passes as expected.
