A bipartisan bill introduced in Colorado would prohibit the sale of certain marijuana products to adults under 26 and ban the production of psilocybin edibles for use in the state’s psychedelic-assisted therapy industry.
Senate Bill 76, sponsored by State Senators Judith Amabile (D) and Byron Pelton (R), along with State Representative Kyle Brown (D), proposes new regulations on marijuana potency, labeling, and psilocybin product restrictions. The bill has been referred to the Senate Business, Labor, & Technology Committee.
As written, SB 25-076 would prevent individuals aged 21 to 25 from purchasing recreational marijuana with a potency exceeding 10% THC, as well as inhalable products containing added flavors, including terpenes. These restrictions would apply to dispensaries and marijuana hospitality establishments. The bill also includes new labeling requirements based on THC content and would limit inhalable marijuana product packaging to 500 milligrams.
A color-coded labeling system would be implemented to indicate THC levels, with different colors representing potency thresholds. The bill also proposes additional limits on serving and package sizes for certain marijuana products.
In addition to marijuana regulations, the bill would prohibit licensed manufacturers from producing psilocybin edibles with added flavors or sweeteners, including candies, gummies, and chocolates. While Colorado law allows the production of psilocybin capsules, tablets, tinctures, and tea bags, the bill seeks to limit products that could be seen as more appealing to younger individuals.
Opponents argue that the age restrictions and product bans could reduce legal market access, drive consumers to the illicit market, and impact tax revenue, in addition to being arbitrary and unnecessary. The bill now awaits a hearing in the Senate Business, Labor, & Technology Committee.
