Colorado: Legislation to regulate the sale of concentrates passes a first hurdle

The Public Health Committee of the Colorado House of Representatives voted in favor of the bill «regulating cannabis concentrates» unanimously, 13 votes to 0. Specifically, 8 Democratic lawmakers and 5 Republicans voted «yes» on the bill. It has therefore cleared the first hurdle. It will next have to be voted on by the House in a plenary session, and then by the Senate.

The House Bill 1317It will not limit the THC content to 15 % in oils, shatter or budder, as the said Democratic Representative Yadira Caraveo. The elected official from Thornton, a suburb of Denver, is still one of the four co-sponsors. But in the face of opposition from cannabis industry professionals, she has softened her stance. The bill’s main provision is to set limits on the purchase of concentrates.

Thus, a cannabis user—whether for medical or recreational purposes—will not be able to purchase more than 8 grams per day. The bill provides for exceptions for patients, if «A prescription certifies that he needs more than 8 grams.». Finally, for young people aged 18 to 20 who use cannabis for medical purposes, the law lowers the limit to 2 grams per day.

«Severe mental health crises» among young people

To buy a little time before a possible cap on the THC limit, the best political move is to… write a report. That’s valid in France, just like in the United States. And Colorado will be no exception. In fact, « »The Colorado Public Health Institute will be required to prepare a scientific report on the effects of high-THC cannabis concentrates on mental and physical health.", according to the four co-authors.

If this report identifies a link, it could be used to set limits on THC levels in future legislation. That is the view of two of the four lawmakers behind the bill, Yadira Caraveo and Alec Garnett. Garnett is also the speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives. And he says «severe mental health crises» among young users of concentrates.

These products sometimes contain as much as 90 % of THC—high levels that are causing concern among authorities. In fact, a single drop of concentrate is roughly equivalent to an entire joint of cannabis flowers. The buds, which contain an average of 18 % of THC, according to a report government. Vermont, in the northeastern United States, has limited the THC concentration to 60 %, when legalizing the sale of cannabis.