New Cannabis Restrictions Could Limit Potency in Colorado

Those who live in legal states constantly fear new restrictions that could put people out of business or drastically change the way cannabis is regulated. Now, a new ballot measure in Colorado could impose intense potency limits on local cannabis.

According to the Associated Press, for the Washington Post, a new ballot measure just got cleared by the Colorado Supreme Court that would limit potency and also cause a new warning to be placed on all cannabis products.

The warning would vaguely and not very scientifically claim that cannabis causes a “permanent loss of brain abilities.” The strength limits would outlaw vape pens and concentrates and make most forms of edibles at their current strength illegal.

Supporters of the bill have claimed that current warnings do not adequately prepare users for the effects of cannabis. They also claim that cannabis in the state today is unrestricted and contains too much THC. Lawmakers previously opposed any sort of limiting measures, since they felt this would be like trying to limit the strength of alcohol. Now, with the industry swiftly growing and changing, they are rethinking this and considering imposing the new bill, which would be known as Amendment 139.

The cannabis industry is vastly opposed to this, as it would make approximately 80 percent of current products illegal. Amendment 139 would also have a dire impact on local patients who rely on concentrates and edibles for treatment, while local businesses and recreational users will also suffer.

“The initiative could devastate Colorado’s fastest-growing industry,” claimed Roy Bingham, head of the cannabis tracking firm BDS Analytics.

In order to be added to the ballot, the measure needs 98,000 signatures by August 8. Local cannabis patients and enthusiasts are undoubtedly hoping it fails to meet its signature deadline or loses if it makes it to the ballot.