Date: 02/03/2015
Final
Presentation by CDPHE on Marijuana and the SB 13-283 Report
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, INSURANCE, & ENVIRONMENT
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10:28 AM -- Presentation by CDPHE on Marijuana and the SB 13-283 Report
Dr. Larry Wolk, Colorado Department Public Health and Environment, presented on the role of the department as it relates to marijuana. He reviewed the information in the handout that was provided to the committee (Attachment A). He provided information about the medical marijuana registry, medical marijuana research, retail marijuana education, marijuana surveillance, and laboratory certification. He referenced the report entitled Monitoring Health Concerns Related to Marijuana in Colorado: 2014 that is required by Senate Bill 13-283.
150203 AttachA.pdf
10:44 AM
Dr. Wolk responded to questions about the potential impact of marijuana on pregnant women and fetuses. He responded to questions about extended plant counts for medical marijuana patients. In response to questions, Dr. Wolk discussed the role of the department in certifying laboratories and potency levels of marijuana. Dr. Wolk responded to questions about the funding for the marijuana research conducted by the department. He responded to questions about whether someone can overdose on marijuana.
10:59 AM
Dr. Wolk responded to questions about physicians and caregivers for medical marijuana patients. He responded to questions about the research reviewed and funded by the department on the medical effectiveness of marijuana. In response to a question, he stated that the department does not have an enforcement role and discussed the challenges to law enforcement regarding medical marijuana.
11:14 AM
Dr. Mike Van Dyke discussed the report required by Senate Bill 13-283 and the Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee. He discussed a recent increase in hospitalizations that are possibly due to marijuana use. Dr. Van Dyke responded to questions about non-THC cannabinoids.
11:21 AM
Dr. Wolk discussed the department's recommendations to the House Bill 14-1366 Marijuana Edibles Work Group. Dr. Van Dyke responded to questions about the research contained in the SB 13-283 report. He stated that the Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee will continue to meet quarterly during 2015.