Colorado cannabis businesses received a message of support last week from Governor Jared Polis, who called the state's marijuana industry a "thriving economic engine." The governor praised the industry for creating jobs and generating tax revenue, stating that "marijuana is a key part of our state's economy and has been for many years." Polis also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the industry operates safely and responsibly, with regulations that protect public health and prevent underage access.
One area where the governor is taking action to protect workers is in off-duty cannabis use. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued an executive order on July 14 to protect some employees' off-duty cannabis use. The order states that "no employee can be disciplined or discriminated against for engaging in legal off-duty conduct that is lawful under state law." This means that workers who use cannabis outside of work hours will not face negative consequences from their employers, as long as they are not impaired while on the job.
In addition to supporting the marijuana industry, the governor of Colorado is also excited about the state's historic vote to legal psychedelics for medicinal purposes. On Thursday, Polis signed an executive order to provide broad professional licensing protections for workers who use psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, and ketamine in their medical practice. The order states that "professional licensing boards and regulatory agencies shall not take action against an individual for engaging in activities authorized by state law related to the medical use of psychedelic substances."
While the governor is supportive of the use of psychedelics for medicinal purposes, he also wants to ensure that they remain focused on healing and wellness. In an interview with Westword, Polis said that he is "excited" about the state's plans for psychedelics but wants to make sure that they are not used recreationally. "We need to make sure that it's done in a way that's responsible and focuses on the medicinal aspects of these therapies," he said.
The Marijuana Enforcement Division of the Colorado Department of Revenue issued a health advisory on Tuesday for medical marijuana patients and caregivers. The advisory warns that some marijuana products may contain harmful levels of heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants. The division recommends that patients and caregivers only purchase products from licensed dispensaries and carefully read product labels to ensure quality and safety.
One innovative product that Colorado Governor Jared Polis is promoting is the state's first-ever marijuana vending machine. The machine, which is located in a dispensary in Avon, can package, label, and dispense cannabis products to customers. Polis praised the vending machine as a way to make marijuana more accessible and convenient for consumers while also promoting safety and compliance.
In contrast to Governor Polis's support for the marijuana industry and psychedelics, the Republican candidate for governor of Colorado has taken a different approach. If elected in November, the candidate would like to see several big changes, including more punitive measures for marijuana-related offenses. The candidate has also expressed skepticism about the use of psychedelics for medicinal purposes, stating that "we need to be very careful about what we're doing with these drugs and not rush into anything."
To help inform policy on psychedelics, the governor of Colorado has named members of a Natural Medicine Advisory Board. The board includes experts in psychedelic research, medicine, and therapy, as well as representatives from advocacy groups and government agencies. The board will advise the governor and other policymakers on issues related to the use of psychedelic substances for medicinal purposes.
Overall, Colorado Governor Jared Polis's support for the marijuana industry and psychedelics reflects a growing recognition of the potential benefits of these substances for health and wellness. By taking steps to protect workers who use cannabis and ensure the safety and quality of marijuana products, the governor is helping to promote a responsible and sustainable industry. And by embracing the use of psychedelics for medicinal purposes, he is opening up new avenues of treatment and healing for patients in Colorado and beyond.
