News

Colorado Leads Statement on Withdrawal of SB25-076

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Colorado Leads released the following statement in response to SB24-076 sponsors’ announcement that they are indefinitely postponing the bill:

We are pleased to see SB25-076 has been postponed indefinitely, and we are grateful to the many policymakers, business leaders, and community members who spoke out against its extreme provisions. While well-intentioned, the bill threatened to undermine Colorado’s regulated cannabis industry and the critical role it plays in protecting public safety and supporting our state’s economy.

Colorado Leads and the cannabis business community are committed to working alongside lawmakers, regulators, and stakeholders, including the proponents of SB25-076, to develop evidence-based policies that protect consumers and youth, support businesses, and advance a sustainable and responsible cannabis market.

UPDATE: A Unified Voice for the Cannabis Industry

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We have an important update regarding the previously announced plan to “merge” Colorado Leads with the Marijuana Industry Group (MIG).

On Friday afternoon, leaders of MIG announced they have decided to wind down MIG and cease operations. As a result, we will not be moving forward with the plan to combine the two organizations. While this development was unexpected, it has reinforced Colorado Leads’ commitment to advancing the business of cannabis in Colorado with strong, responsible leadership and a unified voice for our industry.

  • We are moving forward at full steam and will actively encourage MIG members and other businesses to consider membership in Colorado Leads. You can assist in this effort by reaching out to the business leaders you know and encouraging them to consider joining. Just ask them to complete this form to let us know they are interested, then our team will take it from there. This collaborative effort will ensure we are well-positioned to represent the diverse needs and priorities of our industry with one strong and unified voice.
  • The critical 2025 legislative session is now underway, and our lobbying efforts are focused on protecting and advancing the interests of our members and the broader marijuana community in Colorado. We anticipate and are prepared to fight hostile proposals from prohibitionist groups, and we are moving forward with legislation to roll back frivolous and burdensome regulations, reduce the cannabis excise tax, and bring purchase limits in line with possession limits.
  • We are postponing the event Colorado Leads and MIG had scheduled for January 30 and will soon announce plans for a February legislative reception that will bring together current and prospective Colorado Leads members, policymakers, and other business and community leaders.

We remain confident in the resilience and strength of our industry and look forward to continuing to work with you to build a sustainable, thriving future. Together, we will ensure that the cannabis industry remains a vital part of Colorado’s economy and community.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or would like more information about our plans moving forward, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Big News: A Unified Voice for Colorado’s Cannabis Industry

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We are thrilled to announce a major milestone for our organization and our state’s cannabis industry. After six months of thoughtful discussions and careful planning, the boards of directors for Colorado Leads and the Marijuana Industry Group (MIG) have voted unanimously to merge our organizations and move forward together as a powerful, unified voice for Colorado’s cannabis industry.

The new organization will be called Colorado Leads: The Marijuana Industry Group, reflecting our shared commitment to lead and advocate for the entire Colorado cannabis sector and advance the business of cannabis in Colorado. This merger represents a pivotal moment as we prepare to navigate the critical 2025 legislative session and beyond.

We are delighted to share that the leadership structure of our combined organization will include members from both legacy organizations, ensuring diverse perspectives and continuity in our advocacy efforts. Current MIG Board Member Bruce Nassau will serve as Chair of the new Board of Directors, and current Colorado Leads Board President Chuck Smith will take on the role of CEO. Truman Bradley, the current Executive Director of MIG, will serve as Chief of Staff and will oversee the transition and integration of the merger. Core team members from both organizations, including our trusted lobbyists from both organizations as well as Mason Tvert and the rest of the Strategies 64 team will remain onboard to provide uninterrupted service and continue to support all of our combined members.

To celebrate this new chapter, we are planning our holiday party in January to welcome the new year and mark the beginning of our journey as a united organization. Stay tuned for more details!

We are excited about the opportunities this merger brings to strengthen our advocacy, enhance our member services, and solidify Colorado’s cannabis industry as a national leader. Thank you for being a vital part of this community—your support is key to our continued success.

We will be in touch with more information in coming weeks, as well as releasing a more formal press announcement. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feedback.

Here’s to a bright and unified future for Colorado’s cannabis industry!

New Member Spotlight: Konopé Compliance

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We are excited to welcome Konopé Compliance as the latest member of Colorado Leads!

Konopé Compliance was founded in 2016 to help the cannabis industry achieve its fullest potential. Its experienced consultants specialize in operations, compliance, and customized training programs for all licensed facility types in the cannabis industry. Founder and principal consultant Colin Mudd utilizes almost 20 years of experience to assist clients in positioning their businesses to scale and grow, prepare for acquisition, or sustain successful operations for years to come. Konopé also works closely with state and local governments to help shape sensible compliance legislation based on its deep familiarity with the industry.

Colorado Leads member companies include a wide range of licensed cannabis operators and ancillary businesses, and we encourage any organization or individual who shares our vision and mission to consider joining. Visit the Membership section to learn more.

Colorado Leads Submits Public Comment in Support of Federal Rescheduling

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Colorado Leads submitted a public comment in support of the Department of Justice’s proposed rule to transfer marijuana from schedule I to schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.

As the leading marijuana business association in the nation’s longest- running state-regulated marijuana market, we are uniquely positioned to help inform DOJ’s analysis. We also felt it was imperative that we participate in the rescheduling process since it will directly and substantially impact our businesses, our industry as a whole, and our state and local communities.

Our comment begins by explaining how Colorado’s experience and public policies support HHS’s conclusions that:

  • marijuana has a currently accepted medical use in treatment; and
  • marijuana has less potential for abuse than substances in schedules I and II, as well as alcohol, which is an unscheduled substance.

DOJ specifically solicited comments on the economic impact of the proposed rule, recognizing it may significantly affect a substantial number of small entities, including state-regulated marijuana businesses that would no longer be subject to section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code. It could also impact entities that engage in marijuana research, which may be subject to different protocols set by the DEA.

Colorado Leads surveyed its membership regarding the impact they expect it could have on their businesses, and we offered some of the insights that were shared, along with our analysis of the impact rescheduling could have on our industry, state, and local communities. We also reached out to leaders of Colorado’s marijuana research community to get their thoughts.

Read Colorado Leads’ full public comment.

Rate of Past-30-day Marijuana Use Continues to Decline Among Colorado High School Students, Remains Lower Than National Average

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The rate of current marijuana use among Colorado teens continues to decline since the state legalized cannabis for adults, and it remains lower than the national average, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s biannual Healthy Kids Colorado Survey.

Results from the most recent survey, which was conducted in 2023, are now available via the HKCS Interactive Dashboard. It found 12.8% of high school students in Colorado reported using cannabis in the past 30 days, down from 13.3% in 2021. This represents a nearly 42% decrease since 2011 (22%), the year preceding Colorado voters’ approval of Amendment 64, which legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older. Nationwide, 16% of high school students report using cannabis in the past 30 days, according to the latest results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which are compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

The 2023 HKCS found just over 40% of Colorado high school students reported it would be “sort of easy or very easy to get marijuana if they wanted,” which is 26% lower than in 2013 (54.9%), the year preceding the commencement of legal adult cannabis sales in the state. The survey also found a record high 70.2% of high school students think it would be wrong for someone their age to use marijuana, up from about 60% in 2011 and 2013.

Statement from Chuck Smith, president of the board of directors for Colorado Leads:

“We are extremely pleased to see the rate of current cannabis use among Colorado high school students continues to decline and remains lower than the national average. Significantly fewer high school students report cannabis is easy to get today compared to the years preceding legal adult sales, which suggests our system is working as intended with regard to preventing youth access. Colorado continues to be proof that regulating cannabis works.

While these latest figures are promising, we recognize we must remain vigilant and continue to work with regulators and other stakeholders to maintain this promising trend. Colorado’s legal cannabis industry is committed to preventing youth access, which is reflected in its exceptionally high compliance rates for checking IDs and refusing sales to minors.”

About Colorado Leads

Colorado Leads is an alliance of cannabis business leaders created to educate the public and policymakers about the importance of a vibrant safe and sensibly regulated cannabis industry and its economic contributions. It comprises licensed operators and ancillary businesses that recognize a sustainable cannabis business climate and responsible cannabis industry are critical to the state’s economy and the wellbeing of local communities. For more information, visit https://coleads.org.

New Member Spotlight: ACW Supply

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We are excited to welcome ACW Supply as the latest member of Colorado Leads!

ACW Supply is a wholesale distributor of greenhouse structures, greenhouse supplies, equipment, shade cloth, truck tarps, and many other related items. The company was established in 1893 and is one of the oldest active businesses in the state of Colorado. It keeps more than 3,500 different items in stock, offers local delivery and countrywide shipping, and takes pride in providing quality customer service.

Colorado Leads member companies include a wide range of licensed cannabis operators and ancillary businesses, and we encourage any organization or individual who shares our vision and mission to consider joining. Visit the Membership section to learn more.

Colorado Legislature Gives Final Approval to Bill Aimed at Streamlining Marijuana Regulations

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The Colorado General Assembly gave final approval Wednesday to a bipartisan bill aimed at streamlining the state’s marijuana regulations. It is now headed to Gov. Jared Polis for his signature.

SB24-76 was sponsored by Sens. Kevin Van Winkle (R) and Julie Gonzales (D) in the Senate and Rep. William Lindstedt (D) in the House.

In summary, the legislation:

  • Allows licensed cannabis operators to export and import genetic material to and from authorized individuals or entities in other states or countries.
  • Beginning in 2026, a unified application process will be allowed so that cannabis operators with multiple licenses do not need to complete multiple applications.
  • Allows cannabis business licensees to renew their licenses every two years rather than every year. Local governments can continue to require annual renewals.
  • Allows cannabis retail stores to sell non-marijuana consumable products, such as food and beverages, if those sales account for no more of 20% of their revenue.
  • Removes the requirement that all controlling beneficial owners be MED badged. Only those owners with direct access to cannabis must be badged.
  • Beginning in 2027, the MED can create rules that do not require the use of radio frequency identification technology (RFID tags) to track regulated marijuana.
  • Allows licensed operators to transfer cannabis for the purpose of decontamination without triggering the excise tax on wholesale transfers.
  • Includes provisions regarding cannabis testing, remediation, and labeling of remediated products.
  • Allows marijuana businesses located in state-designated enterprise zones to apply for the same tax credit afforded to other legal businesses.

The bill also includes a couple provisions related to the distribution and display of educational resources.

Statement from Chuck Smith, president of the board of directors for Colorado Leads, which supported SB24-76:

“We applaud state lawmakers for taking action to streamline marijuana regulations. As the first state to legalize and regulate cannabis, Colorado established a number of rules that were perceived as necessary then, but which we now know are unnecessary and overly burdensome. This legislation is an important step toward a more sensible and evidence-based system that not only protects public safety, but also allows for economic growth and opportunities.

The regulated cannabis industry has created tens of thousands of jobs and generated billions of dollars in tax revenue for Colorado. The economic benefits associated with legal marijuana have recently slowed due to several challenges, many of which are rooted in the laws and regulations that govern it. We appreciate Colorado lawmakers and regulators making it a priority to start chipping away at some of our state’s more arbitrary and problematic policies. There is still more work to be done, and we look forward to continuing this conversation with policymakers, the MED, and other stakeholders.”

About Colorado Leads

Colorado Leads is an alliance of cannabis business leaders created to educate the public and policymakers about the importance of a vibrant safe and sensibly regulated cannabis industry and its economic contributions. It comprises licensed operators and ancillary businesses that recognize a sustainable cannabis business climate and responsible cannabis industry are critical to the state’s economy and the wellbeing of local communities. For more information, visit https://coleads.org.

 

New Polling Finds State Voters Are Pleased With Legalization and the Economic Impact of the Legal Marijuana Industry

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It has been more than a decade since Colorado legalized marijuana for adults, and new polling finds most voters continue to support legalization and recognize the economic benefits of the state’s legal marijuana industry.

A statewide survey of 698 registered Colorado voters was conducted April 8–9 by Public Policy Polling.

It found seven out of 10 (71%) voters think marijuana should be a legal product for adults, similar to alcohol, and fewer than one in four (23%) think it should be illegal. These results appear to be in line with the Colorado Polling Institute’s March 2024 Statewide Poll, which found two out of three voters (67%) see the passage of Amendment 64, which allowed the regulation, sale, and taxing of marijuana, as a good thing.

The April PPP survey also found most voters (56%) believe Colorado’s regulated marijuana industry has had a positive impact on the state economy. Specifically:

  • Five out of eight (63%) think the tax revenue generated by marijuana sales has been important for the state. Earlier this month, the Colorado Department of Revenue reported it has collected more than $2.68 billion in marijuana tax and fee revenue since legal adult sales began in January 2014.
  • One in five Colorado voters (21%) said they have friends, family members, or acquaintances who work either directly for a marijuana business or for a non-marijuana business that provides products or services that are used by marijuana businesses. Colorado has nearly 23,400 full-time equivalent cannabis jobs, according to an annual jobs report released this month by Colorado-based marijuana staffing company Vangst.

The PPP survey also asked voters for their opinions on the laws and policies regulating marijuana sales and production, finding 70% think they should be no stricter than those regulating alcohol. The Colorado Legislature is currently considering a bill (SB24-76) aimed at streamlining marijuana regulations in the state.

Statement from Chuck Smith, president of the board of directors for Colorado Leads:

“Support for legalization in Colorado has grown significantly since voters made the decision to end prohibition and start regulating marijuana for adult use. We now have more than a decade of experience that shows legalizing and regulating marijuana works. Colorado’s experience has also proven that many legalization opponents’ fears were unfounded. It should come as little surprise that there is now far less opposition to legalization.

“The past couple years have been challenging for the regulated cannabis industry, so it is heartening to see most voters recognize its significant economic contribution to Colorado.  The state lost several thousand cannabis jobs since last year, but it is still creating countless opportunities for Colorado workers and businesses. Marijuana tax revenue has far exceeded original expectations, and to date it has generated more than $2.6 billion for everything from school construction projects to mental health services.

“Colorado has been a leader on cannabis policy for over a decade. More than ever before, Coloradans want marijuana to be regulated like alcohol. As public attitudes continue to evolve, it is critical that our laws and policies evolve, as well, so our state can remain at the forefront of this emerging global industry.”

Community Service Opportunity: Brothers Redevelopment Paint-A-Thon

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Join Colorado Leads board member company Native Roots for the Brothers Redevelopment Paint-A-Thon, an event that has become one of the state’s largest volunteer events serving older adults. Created in 1978, the Paint-A-Thon is a free service for older adults or disabled homeowners who need their homes painted but cannot afford a commercial paint job.

Volunteer teams are essential to the event’s success, donating their time and energy to paint the homes of deserving older adults. You can help continue the tradition by recruiting a team of 10-25 people and signing up to paint a home any day from now through September.
September.

On every Paint-A-Thon project, Brothers Redevelopment staff ensures homeowners meet age and income guidelines, screen the property for need and size of project, work with homeowners to determine their color choices, carry out all EPA regulations that pertain to lead-based paint. Brothers’ staff also will promote the project to local media outlets. After the project is complete, Brothers staff will inspect the house and pick up any unused supplies.

How It Works

A volunteer team leader takes ownership of the project in cooperation with Brothers Redevelopment staff. Other volunteers just need to arrive and participate on an exterior painting project.  Brothers’ staff are First Aid, CPR, and EPA Certified and will provide all painting tools, supplies, and materials including paint, ladders, rollers, brushes, and caulk, as well as direct the team’s work for the day.

Team leaders:

  • Recruit a team of volunteers.
  • Communicate with team on location of project and meeting time on the paint day.
  • Contact the older adult whose home you will paint (introduce yourself and confirm date and
    time of project).
  • Agree to finish painting the house, including final cleanup.
  • Publicize your team’s efforts (e.g., in your company newsletter).

To complete a volunteer form and organize your Paint-A-Thon event, contact Jason Stutzman, jasons@brothersredevelopment.org. See the volunteer registration form for more details.