I_COCommMarijuana_2016A 07/20/2016 02:32:10 PM Committee Summary

02:32 PM -- Opening Remarks



Representative Pabon, chair, provided opening remarks introducing the committee.



02:34 PM -- Overview of Committee Charge and Deadlines



Louis Pino, Legislative Council Staff, provided an overview of the committee's charge and deadlines concerning interim committees. Committee members received a memorandum with this information (Attachment A). Mr. Pino responded to committee member questions about existing research and the interim committee process.



Attachment A.pdf



02:41 PM



Michael Dohr, Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to committee member questions about the interim committee process and possible draft legislation.



Mr. Dohr discussed the process of requesting draft legislation. Mr. Pino discussed scheduling a future meeting to approve bill drafts.





02:49 PM -- Marijuana Tax Revenue and Distributions



Larson Silbaugh, Legislative Council Staff, presented information about marijuana tax revenue and distributions. Committee members received an Issue Brief addressing this issue (Attachment B).



Attachment B.pdf



In response to committee questions, Mr. Silbaugh discussed distributions to the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program. Committee discussion ensued regarding education funding from marijuana tax revenues.



03:02 PM



Mr. Silbaugh discussed with committee members the sales taxes on marijuana, and the use of the marijuana tax cash fund.



03:05 PM -- Ongoing Research in Statute



Mr. Silbaugh described ongoing state government research on the impact of legalized marijuana. Committee members received a memorandum summarizing this information (Attachment C).



Attachment C.pdf



Committee members discussed ongoing research with Mr. Silbaugh.



03:17 PM



Committee discussion continued regarding marijuana research plans at Colorado State University Pueblo.



03:23 PM



Senator Aguilar and Mr. Silbaugh discussed the state's ability to determine revenue generated by marijuana-related tourism.



03:26 PM -- Committee Discussion



Representative Pabon noted that Colorado Counties, Inc., and the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police have requested to present to the committee.



The committee discussed the time of the August 17 meeting.



Senator Holbert requested that the committee discuss online marijuana sales and the availability of marijuana to teens.



Senator Baumgardner noted the need to fill data gaps.



Committee discussion continued regarding teen marijuana use and acquisition.



03:36 PM



Senator Aguilar requested that the committee discuss how marijuana legalization has changed substance use among teens, as well as its effect on driving under the influence and opioid use. She further requested that the committee address the marijuana "gray market."



Representative Pabon noted possible future presenters, including law enforcement, the Governor's office, and the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).



Senator Holbert suggested that the committee look into potency and the state's marijuana reference library.



Representative Pabon discussed the need for additional scientific research. Senator Aguilar requested information from CDPHE about research done in other countries.



03:48 PM



Representative Singer suggested issues that have resulted from marijuana legalization, such as warehouse availability and racial disparity in drug arrests.



Senator Aguilar expressed interest in the difference in economic activity between localities that have legalized marijuana sales and those who have not.



Representative Willett noted several groups he has heard from requesting an opportunity to present before the committee. He also expressed interest in creating an in-depth tracking system. He discussed his goals when requesting the interim committee.



Representative Pabon requested that the committee address the caregiver model of medical marijuana distribution.



03:58 PM -- Public Comment



03:58 PM -- Tyler Henson, representing the Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce (C4), requested the opportunity to present before the committee. Senator Holbert and Mr. Henson discussed seed-to-sale tracking and the diversion of marijuana to other states.



04:03 PM -- Stacey Linn, representing the CannAbility Foundation, testified on the question of out-of-state diversion, caregivers, and unregulated home marijuana grows. Senator Holbert discussed this testimony with Ms. Linn. Committee discussion continued regarding illegal home marijuana grows and previous legislative efforts to address this issue.



04:15 PM



Representative Pabon requested that the various cannabis industry groups work together to present to the committee.



Representative Singer requested that the committee further discuss the issue of drug endangered children.



04:18 PM -- Stephanie Hopper, representing Ballpark Holistic Dispensary and C4, requested comparative data between the impacts of alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use.



04:22 PM



The committee scheduled an additional meeting for September 21, 2016, at 10:00 AM and set the time for its August 17, 2016, meeting at 11:30 AM.



04:26 PM



The committee adjourned.