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Marijuana Task Force Agrees on Recommendations

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Feb 20, 2013 at 7:35 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 21, 2013 at 1:22 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. While the passage of Amendment 64 was a contentious issue, figuring out how to regulate the use of recreational marijuana is causing an even larger debate. On Tuesday, the task force assigned to making recommendations to the legislature agreed on a number of items.

Travelers at Colorado airports could see some news signs, telling them not to take any marijuana home.

President of Rifle's Chamber of Commerce, Frank Ladd, said, "If people want to come to Colorado and specifically smoke marijuana and enjoy their vacation that's up to them because it's legal here."

Joe Megyesy, a spokesperson for proponents of Amendment 64, said, "They talked about it at the task force yesterday, making it very clear at the airports that anyone who purchases marijuana here lawfully cannot bring it out of state."

The task force agreed to recommend that out-of-state travelers be able to use marijuana while in Colorado. Officials say this is due to the wording of the amendment, but more importantly to eliminate a black market.

"That's the whole reason, I think, that Colorado voters approved Amendment 64, because they wanted to eliminate these black market transactions and these criminal activities," said Megyesy.

Some people believe this recommendation could be an added incentive for people to come to Colorado

Megyesy said, "I think certain kinds of tourists will be more attracted to Colorado now."

"I personally don't like it, no, I didn't vote for it, but it's the will of the people," said Ladd.

Out-of-state travelers could have some added regulations.

"Proponents are working with them to implement a plan to restrict the sale of marijuana to out-of-state visitors," said Megyesy.

"Neighboring states haven't legalized marijuana, so that puts them under the pressure of dealing with that, it needs to stay in the state," said Ladd.

The task force has until Feb. 28 to come up with various regulations and will then give them to the legislature. Officials believe they will have a good slate of recommendations and direction to provide the legislature.

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Lu said on Thursday, Feb 21 at 9:48 AM

It's time for Colorado to step up and pioneer this new frontier of recreational marijuana. All those restaurants that are half full? Marijuana tourists will FILL them! Hotel rooms unsold? Not anymore! Farmer's fields all fallow? Nope; they're all growing marijuana and making tons of money!!! Say, goodbye to planet killing fossil fuel types like Halliburton and the Frakkers, and HELLO to a true green revolution...recreational marijuana!!! :) This plant can save the world!

justa gal said on Thursday, Feb 21 at 12:04 AM

My dad is a Vietnam vet who smokes it, my uncle smokes it and a few other people I know who have cancer smoke it to alleviate symptoms.Some live out of state and would love a chance to come visit family and relieve some pain in the meantime. Unless you have post traumatic stress disorder, cancer or chronic pain associated and nasuea associated with it, don't judge this "type" of people coming to the beautiful Colorado state, where they will be putting money into the community.

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