Date: 08/28/2014
Final
Public Comment
MARIJUANA SALES TAX REVENUES
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01:03 PM -- Public Comment
Mike Elliot, Executive Director of the Marijuana Industry Group, came to the table to testify. He stated that the group had not taken a formal position on Amendment 64 but that they did support Proposition AA. Mr. Elliot stated that one reason tax revenue is not as high as anticipated is because cities and counties have the option to opt out of allowing retail marijuana sales. He told the committee that the way we think about the black market needs to evolve given the legalization of marijuana, and that there has been a decrease in teen marijuana use since legalization.
01:09 PM
Teri Robnett, Executive Director of the Cannabis Patients Alliance, came to the table to testify. She expressed concern about medical marijuana patients being taxed heavily for their prescriptions, stating that there are misconceptions surrounding why people use medical marijuana and the law enforcement issues that exist. She told the committee that homegrow operations are becoming a much safer activity and that medical marijuana saves lives. She responded to questions about the CDPHE funding for research on medical marijuana efficacy.
01:15 PM
Marvin Ventrell, Program Coordinator of the Harmony Foundation, came to the table to testify. Mr. Ventrell expressed his organization's interest in helping with data collection, treatment programs, and other state needs surrounding substance abuse treatment.
01:18 PM
The committee discussed its next meeting on September 8 and how legislation can be formally requested. Bill Zepernick, Legislative Council Staff, came to the table to discuss this process. The committee discussed its charge and how it can make requests to the General Assembly for future legislative action.
01:25 PM
The committee was adjourned.