State Officials in Colorado prematurely announced that the executive orders allowing medical cannabis telemedicine and online payments at dispensaries expired. Seeing that Governor Jared Polis re-extended these orders through July 10, state officials then retracted their announcement.
Initially, the governor enacted these policies during the coronavirus pandemic. The goal was to limit in-person contact and promote the health and safety of Colorado’s residents.
Medical cannabis telemedicine includes the allowance of remote marijuana sales transactions, suspension of fingerprinting for license renewal applications, and suspension of in-person requirements for medical cannabis recommendations.
The confusion arose between state officials because the executive orders expired on June 11 officially. However, on June 15, the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) announced that the government extended the orders again.
“We apologize for any confusion. We will continue to share more information from the Governor’s Office about this executive order as we are notified of updates,” the announcement reads.
In Colorado, cannabis telemedicine is legal for doctor consultations, but medical cannabis telemedicine visits are banned under state law. Likewise, paying for recreational orders online with a card is against the law. Therefore, as long as the executive order stands, these services will be available to all Colorado residents. However, for these services to become permanent afterward, they will need a statutory change.
In May of 2021, a House committee killed a bill that would have made cannabis telemedicine practices legal. In addition, members of the committee raised concerns about children having increased access to cannabis.
Colorado Marijuana Regulation Bill
In other news, Gov. Polis has yet to sign the marijuana regulation bill sitting on his desk. When asked about whether he would sign the measure, he sidestepped the question. Instead, he said that he “wouldn’t get into his support or lack thereof for individual bills.”
HB21-1317 cleared the House with a 56-8 vote and the Senate 35-0. The measure will add restrictions to daily purchases, availability, packaging, and the medical cannabis program.
This measure is the most extensive regulatory bill for the cannabis industry since recreational marijuana legalization occurred in Colorado.
Revised Hemp Management Plan
To wrap up Colorado’s ongoing measures and proposals, on June 1, they submitted a revised plan for Hemp Management to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This revised plan aligns with the USDA’s final rule. Currently, officials in the hemp industry are waiting for the USDA to approve their revised plan.
As these stories develop, we will continue to post updates. So make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.