A Colorado bill proposing sweeping changes to the state’s marijuana regulatory framework was approved unanimously yesterday by the Senate Appropriations Committee in a 7 to 0 vote, advancing it to the full Senate for consideration.
The Senate adopted multiple amendments to the measure prior to the vote, meaning it will need to go back to the House for a vote of concurrence if it’s approved by the full Senate.
House Bill 1209, which passed the House last month 45 to 18, would modernize marijuana licensing procedures, streamline compliance requirements, and enhance opportunities for research and development within the regulated industry. Sponsored by Representative William Lindstedt and a group of bipartisan lawmakers, the bill now reflects changes introduced during the Senate’s review.
The measure would raise the limit for a single retail marijuana purchase from one ounce to two ounces, authorize promotional giveaways under strict conditions, and allow marijuana businesses to use digital notifications instead of mailed letters for regulatory communications.
Key updates to the bill include:
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Simplified recordkeeping for licensees already using Colorado’s seed-to-sale tracking system.
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Modified surveillance rules requiring 72-hour written notice before regulators can request video footage.
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Reforms to the identification process for marijuana workers, allowing digital IDs and limiting fingerprint-based background checks to initial licensing.
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Expanded access to research and development units (R-and-D units), now available to all licensed employees, with detailed packaging, tracking, and safety requirements.
The bill also eliminates certain misdemeanor penalties related to ownership disclosures and simplifies the process for license renewals.
If approved by the full Senate and signed into law, HB 1209 would take effect on January 5, 2026.
