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Receive a presentation from representatives of the State of Colorado's Department of Revenue Deputy Executive Director Heidi Humphreys and Director of Marijuana Enforcement Division Jim Burack on administering and enforcing medical and retail marijuana laws and regulations in Colorado
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors receive a presentation from representatives of the State of Colorado's Department of Revenue Deputy Executive Director Heidi Humphreys and Director of Marijuana Enforcement Division Jim Burack on administering and enforcing medical marijuana laws and regulations in Colorado.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
As part of researching possible regulatory options for commercial cannabis and medical marijuana in Solano County, staff has arranged for presentations from professionals with expertise in various aspects of the evolving cannabis regulatory environment and the cannabis industry. Among the potential presenters we felt it would be important to hear from individuals who have recent experience in states that have gone through the transition from medical marijuana to legalization of recreational cannabis to gain a better understanding of issues they have experienced and how they are being addressed. In that context, we were fortunate to secure two high level governmental officials from the State of Colorado currently involved in the regulation of cannabis in Colorado to speak with us on what they are experiencing in their state.
Deputy Executive Director Heidi Humphreys oversees and supports four divisions within the Colorado Department of Revenue including Taxation, Motor Vehicles, Lottery and Enforcement of the Horse Racing, Automobile Dealers, Gaming, Liquor and Tobacco and Recreational and Medical Marijuana Industries. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Performance and Change from Colorado State University.
Director of Marijuana Enforcement Jim Burack was appointed Director of Marijuana Enforcement Division in February 2016 after working as Chief of Investigations. He is the former police chief for Milliken CO, received his J.D. from the University of Colorado and is a member of the Colorado, California and District of Columbia bars.
With both speakers we hope to gain a better understanding of challenges they may have experienced or are experiencing in enforcing the new marijuana laws in their state and in particular how law enforcement has had to adjust to enforcing the new laws.
In terms of the overall evaluative process of evaluating how the County should respond to the new cannabis laws in California, staff is tracking the recent release by the Department of Food and Agriculture of draft regulations on cultivation and licensing of medical cannabis, the Department of Public Health has released proposed regulations on cannabis manufacturing and the Bureau of Marijuana Control has released draft regulations on medical cannabis testing laboratories. Staff is reviewing these draft regulations and will be preparing comments. These regulations may be short term as a Trailer Bill in the legislature may end up consolidating certain regulations pertaining to medical and recreational cannabis. Staff is currently reviewing this bill.
Staff will be meeting with the Board subcommittee for review and guidance on possible commercial cannabis regulations. Staff anticipates holding a study session on commercial cannabis regulations with the Planning Commission in July and possibly one with the Board shortly thereafter.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Travel costs including airfare, lodging and transportation will be paid by the Department of Resource Management as part of the ongoing costs of evaluating and developing cannabis regulations which is factored into the Resource Management FY2016/17 budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could elect not to receive the presentation from Heidi Humphreys and Jim Burack providing information on how Colorado’s Department of Revenue administers and enforces medical and retail marijuana laws; however, this is not recommended since it is in the best interest of the County to gain insight and knowledge in regards to addressing the County’s roles, responsibilities and potential issues relative to responding to ongoing changes to the cannabis regulatory environment.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION