New Colorado Marijuana Hospitality Rules Expand Cannabis Use Go Into Effect Today.
Colorado's marijuana industry is set to implement new rules today that have raised concerns among many. The regulations, promoted by the state Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED), include increased sales limits for cannabis hospitality businesses that allow on-site use.
One of the significant changes that took effect last August was the introduction of online sales. While customers still need to physically pick up the marijuana products from retailers, they now have the option to browse and purchase cannabis online before visiting the store. This development has been touted as progress, but critics argue that it further normalizes and facilitates marijuana use.
Starting January 8, licensed marijuana hospitality businesses will be allowed to sell up to one ounce of flower and eight grams of concentrate to customers. These new rules also require businesses to provide transportation information to patrons and establish measures to prevent overconsumption. Notably, certain areas of spas will be exempt from video surveillance requirements.
The MED has already implemented various regulations over the past year.
These include authorizations to seize and destroy regulated marijuana products that pose a threat to public health, allowing cannabis businesses to maintain state licensure even if rejected by local governments, and granting regulators the power to establish rules regarding the modification and derivation of cannabinoids.
Dominique Mendiola, senior director of MED, expressed enthusiasm for these new rules, stating that they reflect the voters' and General Assembly's direction for responsible regulation. However, critics argue that these regulations prioritize the marijuana industry's growth over public health and safety.
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Colorado Governor Jared Polis has been vocal in his support for the marijuana industry. He recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the first legal cannabis sales in the state, highlighting the industry's job creation and economic growth.
Polis has also been active in pushing for further drug policy reforms. He has signed legislation to regulate substances like psilocybin and ayahuasca and is calling on lawmakers to allow him to issue mass pardons for people with prior psychedelics convictions.