Colorado Pot Tourism is Allowed by Regulation Task Force

By admin on February 23, 2013

Colorado’s approval of Amendment 64, which legalized the consumption of marijuana last year for those over the age of 21, has created speculation that lawmakers might take the next step and allow state visitors to purchase and consume as well.

An Amendment 64 Task Force was created to handle ongoing regulation of the open consumption and sale parameters. Regulators have noted that Amendment 64 does not exclude open consumption of cannabis by visitors, which has led to the current discussion about how to address pot tourism.

A few of the core concerns from the task force, which is made up of politicians, law enforcement and activists, indicate that formal pot tourism is likely to proceed but not without some limitations.

The full-fledged pot tourism destination of Amsterdam offers an intriguing model to those who see an economic upside. Amsterdam’s 700 cannabis cafes have been a draw for decades. However, the Dutch government has never formally issued guidelines, which has led to inconsistencies over the years. Earlier this year they attempted to make it illegal for foreigners to visit cannabis cafes, which would have effectively destroyed Amsterdam’s tourism. In late October, that law was scrappedmuch to the joy of travelers.

Colorado’s task force seeks to offer a clearer set of guidelines to state legislators in an effort to avoid pitfalls going forward. Among concerns that were resolved are the following, as reported byAssociated Press:

A residency requirement:

“Imposing a residency requirement would almost certainly create a black market for recreational marijuana in the state,” said Rep. Dan Pabon, a Denver Democrat who sits on the task force.

Purchasing limits as low as 1/8 ounce to reduce the likelihood of illicit trafficking across state lines:

“Marijuana purchased in Colorado must stay in Colorado,” Pabon warned.

“We could attract greater federal scrutiny and displeasure of our neighbors,” if marijuana flows across state lines, he said.

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