Colorado Springs cannabis group talks new marijuana laws and recreational push

It was a big year for marijuana laws at the 2019 legislative session; several bills passed that expanded what users and businesses could do with it come 2020.

In Colorado Springs, the local group Southern Colorado Cannabis Council is figuring out how they could help the city’s industry, even though recreational retail is still outlawed.

Scott Saunder, owner of Natural Leaf, a medical dispensary says, “it’s been an uphill battle.”

A marijuana compliance attorney, Clifton Black, and the Executive Director of the organization, Jason Warf, focused on two bills that Governor Polis signed into law; HB19-1230 and HB19-1234.

HB19-1234 legalizes the delivery of marijuana to users and patients.

HB19-1230 allows for marijuana clubs, or “hospitality spaces.”

Both can only operate in communities if local governments approve them.

Black says there is a growing need for spots that allow people to consume the drug.

“We’ve had a lot of illegal clubs pop up here and there. We have two licensed clubs that are allowed to provide marijuana,” he explains.

It became clear to the group that before either industry can grow, they want to push for recreational retail.

They’ve tried getting it on the ballot for voters in Colorado Springs, but it hasn’t been successful.

Saunders says, “I think people should make the decision. It should be the will of the voters.”

Warf hinted to the group that this is something they’re working on with city council members and are hoping that this might be the year it happens.