Proposed Regulations Pass Colorado Senate

Proposed regulations to the medical marijuana industry passed the Colorado Senate with a vote of 26-9, and will return to the House to review the changes made to the bill. If the bill is re-approved by the House, chances are strong that it will become law.

The bill contains provisions requested by Gov. Bill Ritter, such as the allowance of cities and counties to ban dispensaries from operating within their boundaries. Dispensaries would be required to obtain state and local licenses, have no criminal ties, and must grow at least 70 percent of the medication they provide. Any cities or counties that ban dispensaries from operating must still allow caregivers to provide medication for a maximum of 5 patients.

Regulators believe that over half of the 1,100 dispensaries currently operating in the state will close their doors if the bill is passed.

While some lawmakers think the bill favors dispensaries' rights over the patients', they seem to agree that no regulation could lead local and federal law enforcement agencies to start raiding dispensaries, which would deprive access for patients.

The Revenue Department will create 27 additional positions to enforce the regulations, ranging from enforcement agents, auditors, and administrators. Funding for these positions will come from the $2 million in fees collected by dispensary owners, and growers of cannabis products.