HB 16-1261 Summary

• Extends the Colorado Retail Marijuana Code sunset date from July 1, 2016 to September 1, 2019, implementing recommendations from the 2015 Department of Regulatory Agencies sunset report.

• Creates two new license types: Retail Marijuana Transport License (for entities that temporarily store and transport marijuana between establishments) and Retail Marijuana Business Operator License (for non-owners operating establishments for compensation).

• Expands product testing requirements to include analysis for microbial and residual solvents, chemical and biological contaminants deemed public health hazards, plus THC potency and cannabinoid profiles with acceptable variance of at least plus or minus fifteen percent.

• Clarifies labeling, packaging, and testing as matters of statewide concern with sole regulatory authority under state law; adds requirement to highlight potency on labels and includes non-edible, non-psychoactive topical products in transaction limits for in-state residents.

• Appropriates $132,251 to the Department of Revenue for 2016-17 fiscal year, including $108,512 for marijuana enforcement (2.0 FTE), $14,238 for CITA maintenance, and $9,501 for legal services.