Updated regulations on Cannabis in Boulder

Boulder has always faced struggles when it comes to how to regulate their cannabis industry and what is and isn’t allowed, and now a new set of regulations are being put into place to control how local business is conducted. While regulations are key to keeping any successful cannabis trade far above the black market, and some of the new rules will be beneficial, these arbitrary changes could also hurt existing businesses. As such, local businesses are demanding the right to be able to appeal their cases in hearings if their licenses are suspended or revoked under these new rules.

According to The Denver Post, Boulder City Council voted 6 to 3 to add this provision to the new ordinance about cannabis. The final decision for the ordinance will be made at the next City Council meeting, to be held November 10^th.

“Right now these businesses have no recourse for a neutral hearing, and I think that’s really important,” Councilwoman Lisa Morzel said.

The final decision regarding another amendment, which would allow advertising and sponsoring community events, will be decided on November 10^th. This would allow for dispensaries to give back to their community by providing sponsorship, but many city council members voted “no” because they didn’t like the idea of imposing new rules at the last minute, and wanted more time to decide about this issue.

The full ordinance to impose these new rules, however, passed unanimously, meaning that these changes to the local cannabis industry will definitely take place. Some of these new changes will actually bode positively for local businesses. The ordinance changes the language that any dispensary found in violation of local rules will be given “zero tolerance.” Now dispensaries that break rules will be subject to a judicial trial and fair assessment of the situation, just like all other businesses.

Additionally, the ordinance will get rid of the deadline of December 31 of this year for medical dispensaries to become recreational. Now, if a medical dispensary decides they want to become recreational further down the line they can do so without worrying about an arbitrary deadline that could potentially ruin their future sales.

The ordinance will also allow for facilities that make infused products to get their supplies outside the city. It also frees up stores to sell cannabis seeds, and allows cannabis to be transported between cultivation facilities.

While new regulations always bring hurdles that businesses must overcome, they can also bring positive change and represent a growing and advancing industry. If the council decides on November 10 to allow businesses to appeal any charges brought against them by these new regulations, then this will truly be a victory for this budding industry.