State of Colorado Archives: on Drugs
Brittany Pettersen:
Voted YES on regulating retail marijuana
HB 1318: Establishes Sales Taxes & Regulations for the Retail Marijuana IndustryThe bill:- creates the regulatory framework for retail marijuana
- deposits all of the application & licensing fees and sales, use, and special marijuana sales taxes
from retail marijuana into a cash fund
- sets the application fees for applicants who are current medical marijuana licensees at $500 and at $5,000 for new applicants.
- allows an existing medical marijuana licensee the opportunity to apply for a
retail marijuana license
- places a 3-month moratorium on retail marijuana license applications from individuals who are not currently licensed for medical marijuana.
- The following businesses must be licensed to operate a retail marijuana business:
retail marijuana stores, retail marijuana products manufacturers, retail marijuana cultivation facilities, and marijuana testing facilities.
- The bill allows the state license to be conditioned on the local jurisdiction's approval.
Source: 2013-14 Colorado House legislative voting records HB1318
May 8, 2013
Yadira Caraveo:
Allow changing marijuana designation from retail to medical
HB21-1216: Concerning the ability for certain marijuana licensees to change the designation of marijuana from retail to medical.Legislative Summary: The bill allows a medical marijuana cultivation facility licensee to receive
and change marijuana's designation from retail to medical and a marijuana products manufacturer licensee to receive and change a marijuana product from retail to medical. The bill clarifies that a transfer and change of designation of the marijuana from
retail to medical does not create a right to a refund of a retail marijuana excise tax imposed or paid prior to the transfer and change of designation.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 26-9-0 on Jun/4/21; passed House 48-17-0 on Jun/8/21; State Rep. Yadira Caraveo voted YES; Signed by Governor Jared Polis on Jun/23/21
Source: Colorado State Legislature voting records HB21-1216
Jun 8, 2021
Brittany Pettersen:
Allow changing marijuana designation from retail to medical
HB21-1216: Concerning the ability for certain marijuana licensees to change the designation of marijuana from retail to medical.Legislative Summary: The bill allows a medical marijuana cultivation facility licensee to receive
and change marijuana's designation from retail to medical and a marijuana products manufacturer licensee to receive and change a marijuana product from retail to medical. The bill clarifies that a transfer and change of designation of the marijuana from
retail to medical does not create a right to a refund of a retail marijuana excise tax imposed or paid prior to the transfer and change of designation.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 26-9-0 on Jun/4/21; passed House 48-17-0 on Jun/8/21; State Sen. Brittany Pettersen voted YES; Signed by Governor Jared Polis on Jun/23/21
Source: Colorado State Legislature voting records HB21-1216
Jun 23, 2021
Cory Gardner:
After seeing legal pot in CO, supports it for all states
The U.S. Justice Department moved to rescind its live-and-let-live policy toward cannabis legalization last year [so Senators Gardner and Warren introduced a bill to let states decide]. Senator Cory Gardner (D-CO) said that he did not initially
support cannabis legalization, but that his views evolved as he experienced the impact of regulated cannabis in his home state of Colorado, where it was legalized with the passing of Amendment 64 to the Colorado constitution after a
2012 referendum. "If the vote were to be held today, it would pass by an even greater margin," Senator Gardner said.After the Justice Department adopted a harsher attitude toward state legalization of cannabis,
Gardner said, he decided to co-sponsor the STATES Act with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). The Act, which has not been passed, would prevent the federal government from interfering with states' cannabis laws.
Source: Cannabis Economy podcast on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Feb 11, 2019
Darryl Glenn:
Feds should leave marijuana law to states, including banking
Q: Do you support federal action to provide rules for legal marijuana businesses to gain access to banking?A: Not at this time. Marijuana is still an illegal drug under federal law. The Department of Justice still maintains the ability to arbitrarily
challenge Colorado's legalization of marijuana if it determines that Colorado's regulatory system is inadequate. Further, banks are subject to federal law, so the overall legalization of marijuana needs to be addressed before granting access to banks.
Source: Denver Post Voter Guide on 2016 Colorado Senate race
Jun 7, 2016
Darryl Glenn:
Congress should leave opioid law to states
Q: What should Congress do to address the crisis of opioid addiction and overdose?A: Congress does not have a direct role under the Constitution in addressing the crisis of opioid addiction and overdose.
Congress should direct its focus on policies that provides States with the flexibility to empower local communities and families on identifying solutions to this growing problem.
Source: Denver Post Voter Guide on 2016 Colorado Senate race
Jun 7, 2016
Doug Robinson:
Opposes recreational marijuana
What sets him apart, Robinson said, is his newcomer status, even though he helped run Romney's unsuccessful 2012 presidential campaign in
Colorado and served as a leader in an anti-recreational marijuana organization that lobbied lawmakers.
Source: Denver Post on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Apr 25, 2017
Doug Robinson:
Opposed Amendment 64: youth usage of drugs is too high
Q: Did you oppose amendment 64?A: I did. I actually played quite a role in the campaign [opposing legalization of recreational marijuana]. And we lost. At the time, I didn't think it was the right thing for Colorado and for our kids. But 55% of the
voters said that it was; now it's in the state Constitution. That's the law. A lot of the conversation among the politicians has been, has youth usage gone up or down since it passed? But to me, I think that's really irrelevant. Youth usage is too high.
Source: Westword.com on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Apr 25, 2017
Doug Robinson:
Do better by preventing addiction & promoting natural high
Our current leaders seem to focus on whether or not drug usage is increasing. The fact is that the level of youth use is unacceptably high. We can do better for our young people and all Coloradans by:-
Implementing effective treatment strategies to reduce opioid addiction.
-
Putting in place a cohesive regulatory structure for our medical and recreational marijuana industries, which will drive tax compliance and take untested, potentially dangerous high-potency products off the market.
-
Promoting natural high alternatives to our youth through the expansion of in- and after-school programs.
Source: 2018 Colorado governor campaign website DougForColorado.com
Aug 1, 2017
Doug Robinson:
Children need to be protected from the dangers of pot
With the passage of Amendment 64 in 2012, Diane and other "moms" asked the question--who is looking out for our kids as marijuana is commercialized in our state? The answer was no one. To solve this problem, Smart Colorado was created.
The group, which now has thousands of members, is dedicated to protecting kids as today's high potency marijuana is commercialized. We have played an active role in educating the public, lobbying for protections and engaging on a very difficult issue.
Source: 2018 Colorado governor campaign website DougForColorado.com
Aug 1, 2017
Doug Robinson:
More regulation AND treatment to control drugs
We can do better by implementing effective treatment strategies to reduce opioid addiction; putting in place a cohesive regulatory structure for marijuana which will drive tax compliance and take untested,
potentially dangerous high-potency products off the market; promoting natural high alternatives to our youth through school programs.
Source: 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial website DougForColorado.com
Sep 1, 2017
Doug Robinson:
Ran anti-recreational marijuana group, Smart Colorado
Robinson is yet another candidate with business experience who touts his status as an outsider in Colorado politics. A recently-retired investment banker, Robinson played a key role in running the anti-recreational marijuana lobbying group
Smart Colorado. When it comes to the issues facing Colorado, Robinson told the Denver Post he'd focus on the state budget, which he called "a mess" and wants to improve by cutting spending.
Source: Colorado Times-Recorder on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Apr 17, 2017
George Brauchler:
Opposed marijuana legalization; but keep the feds out
Brauchler promised to defend Colorado from federal overreach--including the state's recreational marijuana laws, despite his opposition to the legalization. "I think what this state wants is to have a governor who will stand up to
Washington, D.C., and allow us to be more in charge of us and not be so impacted day-in and day-out by bureaucrats and politicians that don't live here," he said.
Source: Denver Post on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Apr 5, 2017
George Brauchler:
Opposed legalization but will defend CO laws
"The state is in need of leadership," said Brauchler, emphasizing his experience as a prosecutor as well as serving in the Army National Guard and his 2011 deployment to Iraq.Although he opposed the legalization of marijuana,
Brauchler said he would defend Colorado state laws that support it.
Brauchler lists improving state roads and public education as his top priorities if elected. He notes that his four children all have attended public schools.
Source: Pueblo Chieftain on 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Apr 11, 2017
George Brauchler:
Must increase mental health & drug treatment programs
As a state, justice and decency dictate that we must do more to combat drug and alcohol abuse, and address the wide range of mental health issues that adversely impact our communities and burden our judicial system.
To accomplish this, we will encourage increased availability of treatment programs, as well as educate and empower our residents and families to seek treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues.
Source: 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial campaign website george2018.com
Jul 12, 2017
George Brauchler:
Pot law has not ended criminal activity
People are growing marijuana in Colorado--legally and illegally--to sell out of state, where they can make a return of several times their investment. There are also the countless illicit sales that are under the radar of law enforcement
but outside the regulatory framework enacted by the state and municipalities. There is still significant crime associated with marijuana, and I will continue to point that out and prosecute it when it occurs.
Source: Westword.com coverage of 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Aug 21, 2017
Greg Lopez:
Marijuana is an addictive drug and not safe
Legalized marijuana is a danger to teens and has caused tremendous harm to certain individuals in our society. As Governor, I will personally work alongside Smart Colorado to expose the perils of pot use. The Lopez Administration will remind the
public that we must stop calling it "recreational" marijuana but call it what it truly is, which is "retail" marijuana. When young developing minds hear the word "recreational" they lose sight that it is an addictive drug and not safe.
Source: 2022 Colorado Gubernatorial campaign website Lopez2022.com
Nov 9, 2021
Heidi Ganahl:
Colorado's experiment with cannabis isn't helping our kids
Colorado's experiment with commercialized weed isn't helping our kids. THC, not alcohol, is the number one drug found in Colorado teens who died by suicide. Is this just coincidence? We have promoted all marijuana as medicine and as safe to use
recreationally, even today's new ultra-high THC products. No one wants children to use marijuana, but we must recognize that our current laws, policies, and culture are resulting in underage use.
Source: Colorado Springs Gazette on 2022 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Dec 14, 2021
Jared Polis:
Treat marijuana like alcohol; end Drug War on states
Q: Keep marijuana legalization? Jared Polis (D): Yes. The only candidate who supported legalization in 2012. Treat it like alcohol. Opposes Justice Department's war against states with legalization.
Walker Stapleton (R): Unknown. But is concerned about unintended consequences of legalization, including mental health issues.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Colorado Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Jared Polis:
Signed law allowing mass pardon for minor marijuana offenses
A new law will go into effect giving Colorado's governor the ability to mass-pardon those convicted in the state of possessing two ounces or less of marijuana. When he signed the bill Governor Jared Polis confirmed that he would be using his new
power. "We hope that this measure will be the first step toward new opportunities for thousands of Coloradans who should not be living with a cloud over their heads simply because they were a little ahead of their time," he said at the signing ceremony.
Source: Denver Westword on 2022 Colorado gubernatorial race
Sep 25, 2020
Jared Polis:
Strengthen penalties for drug dealers peddling fentanyl
As Ben Franklin said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Data and common sense tell us that preventing a crime does more to keep people safe than solving a crime after it was committed. We also know that there are times when
the swift arm of justice is the best solution, which is why I look forward to legislation to strengthen penalties for drug dealers peddling fentanyl in our communities. Coloradans are sick and tired of seeing this drug ruin lives and kill loved ones.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 13, 2022
Jared Polis:
Allow changing marijuana designation from retail to medical
HB21-1216: Concerning the ability for certain marijuana licensees to change the designation of marijuana from retail to medical.Legislative Summary: The bill allows a medical marijuana cultivation facility licensee to receive and change
marijuana's designation from retail to medical and a marijuana products manufacturer licensee to receive and change a marijuana product from retail to medical.
The bill clarifies that a transfer and change of designation of the marijuana from retail to medical does not create a right to a refund of a retail marijuana excise tax imposed or paid prior to the transfer and change of designation.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 26-9-0 on Jun/4/21; passed House 48-17-0 on Jun/8/21; Signed by Governor Jared Polis on Jun/23/21
Source: Colorado State Legislature voting records HB21-1216
Jun 23, 2021
John Hickenlooper:
National model for marijuana legalization
We were the first state to legalize recreational marijuana while creating a roadmap for other states. By the way--we're not wild about
Washington telling us what's best for us. We expect the federal government will respect the will of Colorado voters.
Source: 2018 State of the State address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 11, 2018
John Hickenlooper:
Now it's legal, but keep marijuana out of the reach of kids
Now it's legal, but keep marijuana out of the reach of kids
Some other amendments passed in November... one on federal campaign finance reform... and another, for the life of me I can't remember the third one. Oh yeah, Amendment 64. [legalizing medical marijuana].
Now it's legal, but keep marijuana out of the reach of kids
We need to expand our DUI law to keep our highways safe from those driving while impaired, and we must put in place consumer and
Source: 2013 Colorado State of the State address
Jan 10, 2013
John Hickenlooper:
Voters were "reckless" to legalize retail marijuana
Colorado voters were "reckless" for legalizing retail marijuana, Gov. John Hickenlooper said during a pair of debates marked by candidates who dealt with uneasy positions and pivots. "I'm not saying it was reckless because
I'll get quoted everywhere, but if it was up to me, I wouldn't have done it, right?" he said during the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce debates. "I opposed it from the very beginning. Oh, what the hell, I'll say it was reckless."
The lunchtime debates between Hickenlooper and his gubernatorial challenger Bob Beauprez, and later Sen. Mark Udall and his Senate challenger Rep. Cory Gardner, were meant to focus on economic issues. The governor explained that he believed
Coloradans lacked enough data about health effects in voting for retail pot, and suggested other states should take heed.
Source: Denver Post on 2014 Colorado Gubernatorial debate
Oct 6, 2014
John Hickenlooper:
Regulatory regime to marijuana needs to be strengthened
Coloradans voted to legalize marijuana three years ago and we had to build a regulatory system from scratch. We should continue to look at lessons learned from alcohol and tobacco as we monitor and update marijuana regulations.
Back in the day, candy cigarettes desensitized kids to the dangers of tobacco--and today, pot-infused gummy bears send the wrong message to our kids about marijuana.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Colorado legislature
Jan 14, 2016
Jon Keyser:
Feds should let marijuana businesses use normal banking
Q: Do you support federal action to provide clear rules for legal marijuana businesses to gain access to banking?A: One of the reasons people are so frustrated with government right now is because government holds private businesses and citizens to
standards to which the government does not comply. This is a prime example.
Right now, the State of Colorado is allowed to use the federal banking system to deposit the tax revenue generated by marijuana businesses, but the very same businesses paying these taxes to the state are denied access to banks.
I support opening the banking system to marijuana businesses so they can move out of the shadows and away from an all cash system that invites corruption and puts business owners in unnecessarily dangerous situations.
Source: Denver Post Voter Guide on 2016 Colorado Senate race
Jun 7, 2016
Jon Keyser:
Focus on awareness and treatment for opioid addiction
Q: What should Congress do to address the crisis of opioid addiction and overdose?A: About 80% of heroin users say they became addicted to opioids when they were first legally prescribed to them by a physician.
My focus would be on awareness and treatment, so pain management programs are tailored for patients in a way that will prevent prescription opioid abuse and would not lead to heroin use.
Source: Denver Post Voter Guide on 2016 Colorado Senate race
Jun 7, 2016
Mike Johnston:
Focus on treatment for addiction, not criminalization
He hopes to decriminalize drug addiction and open more drug and mental health courts. "This is just a good financial solution for the state,"
Johnston explained, "you take people that have drug addiction or mental health issues, you put them in treatment, they both have a much higher chance for getting better and would save the states hundreds of millions of dollars."
Source: Denver Post on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Jun 25, 2018
Owen Hill:
Voted NO on regulating retail marijuana
HB 1318: Establishes Sales Taxes & Regulations for the Retail Marijuana IndustryThe bill:- creates the regulatory framework for retail marijuana
- deposits all of the application and licensing fees and sales, use, and special marijuana sales taxes
from retail marijuana into a cash fund
- sets the application fees for applicants who are current medical marijuana licensees at $500 and at $5,000 for new applicants.
- allows an existing medical marijuana licensee the opportunity to apply for a
retail marijuana license
- places a 3-month moratorium on retail marijuana license applications from individuals who are not currently licensed for medical marijuana.
- The following businesses must be licensed to operate a retail marijuana business:
retail marijuana stores, retail marijuana products manufacturers, retail marijuana cultivation facilities, and marijuana testing facilities.
- The bill allows the state license to be conditioned on the local jurisdiction's approval.
Source: 2013-2014 Colorado Senate & House legislative voting records
May 8, 2013
Owen Hill:
Voted NO on regulating retail marijuana
HB 1318: Establishes Sales Taxes & Regulations for the Retail Marijuana IndustryThe bill:- creates the regulatory framework for retail marijuana
- deposits all of the application and licensing fees and sales, use, and special marijuana sales taxes
from retail marijuana into a cash fund
- sets the application fees for applicants who are current medical marijuana licensees at $500 and at $5,000 for new applicants.
- allows an existing medical marijuana licensee the opportunity to apply for a
retail marijuana license
- places a 3-month moratorium on retail marijuana license applications from individuals who are not currently licensed for medical marijuana.
- The following businesses must be licensed to operate a retail marijuana business:
retail marijuana stores, retail marijuana products manufacturers, retail marijuana cultivation facilities, and marijuana testing facilities.
- The bill allows the state license to be conditioned on the local jurisdiction's approval.
Source: 2013-2014 Colorado Senate & House legislative voting records
May 8, 2013
Randy Baumgardner:
Sponsored bill for regulating retail marijuana
HB 1318: Establishes Sales Taxes & Regulations for the Retail Marijuana IndustryThe bill:- creates the regulatory framework for retail marijuana
- deposits all of the application and licensing fees and sales, use, and special marijuana sales taxes
from retail marijuana into a cash fund
- sets the application fees for applicants who are current medical marijuana licensees at $500 and at $5,000 for new applicants.
- allows an existing medical marijuana licensee the opportunity to apply for a
retail marijuana license
- places a 3-month moratorium on retail marijuana license applications from individuals who are not currently licensed for medical marijuana.
- The following businesses must be licensed to operate a retail marijuana business:
retail marijuana stores, retail marijuana products manufacturers, retail marijuana cultivation facilities, and marijuana testing facilities.
- The bill allows the state license to be conditioned on the local jurisdiction's approval.
Source: 2013-2014 Colorado Senate & House legislative voting records
May 8, 2013
Raul Labrador:
Challenges AG on stopping pot research
A bipartisan group of lawmakers [including Polis] sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions expressing concern about a reported move by the Justice Department to halt marijuana research. The letter referenced a Washington Post report from that
stated the Department of Justice has shut down plans to reduce barriers to marijuana research. "It is worrisome to think that the Department would limit new and potentially groundbreaking research simply because it does not want to follow a rule."
Source: The Cannabist on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Aug 23, 2017
Ron Hanks:
No to changing marijuana designation from retail to medical
HB21-1216: Concerning the ability for certain marijuana licensees to change the designation of marijuana from retail to medical.Legislative Summary: The bill allows a medical marijuana cultivation facility licensee to receive and change
marijuana's designation from retail to medical and a marijuana products manufacturer licensee to receive and change a marijuana product from retail to medical.
The bill clarifies that a transfer and change of designation of the marijuana from retail to medical does not create a right to a refund of a retail marijuana excise tax imposed or paid prior to the transfer and change of designation.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 26-9-0 on Jun/4/21; passed House 48-17-0 on Jun/8/21; State Rep. Ron Hanks voted NO; Signed by Governor Jared Polis on Jun/23/21
Source: Colorado State Legislature voting records HB21-1216
Jun 8, 2021
Steve Barlock:
Will follow state law on pot
Donald Trump supports states' rights. Our state's citizens have made marijuana the law. Until a federal judge says that Mr. Sessions is correct and says, "Enforce that law," I will go by our state law, which is voted for by the people of Colorado.
I'm always for the people of Colorado. Donald Trump supports states' rights. So until a higher court comes down and says we have to enforce this, the law is that we have marijuana in this state.
Source: Westword.com on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Aug 17, 2017
Victor Mitchell:
Marijuana revenues are being "ripped off" in the status quo
What mostly bothers me about the marijuana amendment 64 is the fact that the revenues are being completely ripped off. There's no transparency in the amount of revenues. There are record pot sails going on today yet we don't even know where the
money's going. I'm going to be proposing a bold initiative in which every dollar that comes into the state on marijuana is displayed to all our citizens. Not only how much money is coming in but also where it is going to be allocated.
Source: 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial campaign website vic4gov.com
Jul 2, 2017
Victor Mitchell:
THC is dangerous, but voters ok'ed the pot amendment
I think we need a better educational plan and marketing efforts to really enlighten people on the short term and long term and serious effects of marijuana. Including today nearly every week there are children
being born with THC in their system. These children are being born with long term cognitive disabilities. But that does not mean that I want to repeal it. I think the voters have spoken.
Source: 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial campaign website vic4gov.com
Jul 2, 2017
Walker Stapleton:
Concerned about unintended consequences of legalizing pot
Q: Keep marijuana legalization? Jared Polis (D): Yes. The only candidate who supported legalization in 2012. Treat it like alcohol. Opposes Justice Department's war against states with legalization.
Walker Stapleton (R): Unknown. But is concerned about unintended consequences of legalization, including mental health issues.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Colorado Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023