Colorado Closer to Marijuana Tourism, Will Colorado Soon be Cannarado – The Cannabis State?

When Amendment 64 passed in November 2012 by the will of The People of Colorado, and Washington State with Initiative 502 many wondered if Colorado would become the new Amsterdam. As Governor Hicklenlooper's task force works on recommendations for the Colorado Legislature it looks like that may become reality. Some, not all, see this as a good thing.

Medical marijuana and the tightly regulated system has been touted as a model for others to follow, and Colorado strives for that with regulations for recreational use by adults. As Governor Hickenlooper's task force begins releasing details of their discussions, we get to learn more about how this might all go.

The task force, made up of a variety of interest groups and experts, has recommended the state welcome cannabis tourism. The state was advised to cover themselves with reminders at airports and state lines that it's illegal to cross state lines with Colorado marijuana.

The group also recommended the state allow non-Colorado residents to buy marijuana legally at retail outlets in the future. Although the group advised quantity limits per-transaction for visitors. Also they said that it would be wise to only allow Colorado residents to apply for retail licenses.

The group advised against state-run retail stores and were for making filing state taxes easier on marijuana businesses in the state. Speaking of taxes, even those against Amendment 64, legalized marijuana or marijuana tourists still will benefit from more tax dollars to improve and beautify Colorado. As well as increased police focus on major crimes and criminals.

The task force also advised lawmakers to lessen the seriousness of a criminal marijuana offense for first time marijuana offenses for those under 21. They failed to agree on home growers and regulations for them, as well as rules for using marijuana openly in public.