(Editor’s note: In Colorado, marijuana was fully legalized since 2013. Commercialization began in 2014. It was expected to be difficult to regulate an industry based on a plant that grows like a “weed.” Colorado and Washington state represent the first time in the world this has happened. The Gazette, newspaper in Colorado Springs, is publishing a 4-day series issues regarding Colorado’s experiment in commercializing marijuana. Other states such as Alaska and Oregon are facing that challenge this year and need to look at Colorado. Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division has issued its report. )
By Jennifer Yates, Parents for a Healthy Colorado. Colorado Citizens need to start asking questions of the reports made by our government marijuana regulators. Below are the questions I emailed to MED (Enforcement Division: Marijuana) in response to the MED Annual Report.
Thank you for the link but the MED Annual Report reads more like a promotional piece and does not give any real specific information on enforcement. I have a number of questions that I do not see were addressed. Please direct me to where I can find this information.
How many MED Enforcement officers there are?
How much time do they spend in the field?
What kind of violations are being investigated? The report separates by how the investigation started but not the reason for which the investigation was started.
* The report notes a “Tip Line”. What and where is the tip line?
How much testing is required vs. how much was completed?
Who decides what products/pieces are tested?
Who does, and when are inspections done for health, safety, and sanitary requirements, regarding food preparation and storage? Is this in line with inspections with general food/restaurant inspections?
Where are those results posted?
How are the tracking systems being audited and enforced?
How is Waste Disposal being verified?
Have there been any Independent Audits? What were the results of those audits?
How are Occupational Licenses monitored?
Are AVCs documented? How and where? (AVC stands for Assurance of Voluntary Compliance.) How and where are they documented? AVCs could be used to resolve alleged violations for various types of regulatory non-compliance. Under this agreement, the licensee does not admit any guilt with respect to the alleged violations, but does agree to maintain compliance with all statutes and regulations going forward.
How is signage and advertising being monitored to insure our youth are not influenced by it?
How is MED supporting the enforcement of public consumption?
How is MED supporting intoxicated driving issues? How are DUIDs being monitored? Does law enforcement have the tools they need (trained offices and testing materials)? How is this paid for?
How are ALL the costs associated with legalized marijuana being compiled? When and Where will this information be available?
I realize some of the questions may not be MED’s direct responsibility, but it is all important information that I would like to know.
