8C665A4387899CC48725828200744AAE Hearing Summary

Senator Lambert, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-279.  The bill allows the Institute of Cannabis Research at Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo) to develop and demonstrate marijuana certification technology.  The technology must include an agent applied to marijuana plants or products and a device that can scan the agent to indicate whether the plant or product was legally cultivated, manufactured, or sold.  Any agents used must:

    •    be safe for human consumption according to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) standards;

    •    contain identifiers that are traceable using distributed ledger (blockchain) technology; and

    •    be accessible to law enforcement agencies and the Department of Revenue (DOR).

After the technology is developed and the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) in the DOR is satisfied that the technology is effective, the MED may authorize production of the marijuana certification technology beyond the initial demonstration.  If production is authorized, the MED may promulgate rules to require licensees to use the technology.  The marijuana certification technology may be made available to law enforcement agencies and the MED for purchase and the MED may make the data it collects available to law enforcement agencies at no cost.  Law enforcement agencies may apply to the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for financial assistance to purchase the marijuana certification technology from the Gray and Black Market Marijuana Enforcement Grant Program.

Jon Gray, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Cindy Sovine, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Kevin Gallagher, Cannabis Business Alliance, testified in opposition to the bill.

Stacey Linn, CannAbility Foundation, testified in opposition to the bill.

Amy Bourlon-Hilterbran, American Medical Refugees, testified in opposition to the bill.

William Chengelis, the US Marijuana Party, testified in opposition to the bill.

Michelle Walker, Mothers Advocating for Medical Marijuana, testified in opposition to the bill.

Kristi Kelley, Marijuana Industry Group, testified in opposition to bill.

Senator Lambert made closing comments.

Committee members commented on the bill and amendment.

Senator Lambert responded to committee comments.  Committee discussion ensued.