Bill > HB1317

This bill, titled "Implement Amendment 64 Majority Recommendation," establishes a regulatory framework for retail marijuana in Colorado, building upon existing laws for medical marijuana. It designates the executive director of the Department of Revenue, or their deputy, as the state licensing authority responsible for creating regulations for retail marijuana and its products by July 1, 2013. The bill also creates a dedicated "marijuana cash fund" to collect all moneys from licensing fees and taxes related to both medical and retail marijuana, which will be used to cover the costs of implementing and enforcing these regulations, as well as funding studies on marijuana's health effects and law enforcement training. Furthermore, it introduces a new article, the "Colorado Retail Marijuana Code," which defines terms related to retail marijuana businesses, outlines licensing procedures, sets restrictions on who can be licensed, and details disciplinary actions for violations, while also ensuring that local jurisdictions have the authority to enact their own ordinances regarding the time, place, manner, and number of retail marijuana establishments. The bill also clarifies that peace officer status for marijuana enforcement personnel extends to both medical and retail marijuana enforcement, and it schedules a sunset review for the regulation of retail marijuana licensing in 2016.