Colorado Bill Seeks to Restrict Sale of High-THC Marijuana to Under-26s and Psilocybin Edibles
A new bill introduced in the Colorado state legislature aims to prohibit the sale of certain marijuana products to individuals under the age of 26 and ban the production of psilocybin edibles for use in the state’s forthcoming psychedelic-assisted therapy industry.
Senate Bill 25-076, sponsored by Democrats Sen. Judy Amabile and Rep. Kyle Brown, and Republican Sen. Byron Pelton, proposes a range of new regulations targeting Colorado’s cannabis and psilocybin industries. The bill would prohibit individuals under 26 from purchasing recreational cannabis with a potency of more than 10% THC and any inhalable products with added flavor ingredients, including terpenes.
The bill also proposes new labeling requirements for marijuana products based on their THC content, as well as limits on serving and package sizes for inhaled marijuana. Inhalable cannabis products would be limited to 500 milligrams, or half a gram, in packaged weight.
The bill’s proponents argue that the restrictions are necessary to protect young people’s health and well-being. “When Amendment 64 passed (legalizing recreational marijuana), anything that was like smokable plant material was maybe 2% to 5% THC. Now some of the plant-based stuff, the potency is up closer to 15%,” said Alton Dillard, spokesperson for One Chance to Grow Up, a Denver-based youth prevention organization. “And when you start getting into the waxes and vapes and the various concentrations there, those can be as high as 90%.”
The bill’s opponents argue that the restrictions would roll back voter rights and threaten to revitalize the illicit market. “The proposal would prohibit a huge swath of legal adult consumers from accessing about 90% of the safety-compliant products available in Colorado cannabis stores, costing the state substantial tax revenue and job losses,” said Chuck Smith, president of marijuana trade group Colorado Leads.
The bill also proposes prohibiting licensed manufacturers from making psilocybin edibles, such as mushroom candy, chocolate, and other sweetened products, for use in legal psychedelic-assisted therapy. The bill’s proponents argue that these products are attractive to youth and could lead to negative consequences.
Colorado’s regulated framework for psychedelic-assisted therapy is set to launch this spring, and the bill’s proponents argue that the restrictions are necessary to ensure the safe and responsible use of these products.
The bill has yet to be scheduled for discussion in the Senate
