h_agr_2017a_2017-05-01t13:31:43z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 05/01/2017

Location: HCR 0107

01:49 PM -- HB 17-1367



Representatives Arndt and Pabon, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 17-1367, concerning marijuana research authorization. The bill cerates a marijuana research and development license and a marijuana research and development endorsement to an existing license to be issued by the Marijuana Enforcement Division in the Department of Revenue (DOR). The license or endorsement authorizes a person to produce, process, and possess marijuana for limited research purposes, including testing chemical potency levels; conducting clinical investigations of marijuana-derived medicinal products; conducting research on the efficacy and safety of administering marijuana as part of medical treatment; conducting genomic, horticultural, of agricultural research; and conducting research on marijuana-affiliated products or systems. An application for a license of endorsement must include a description of the research and whether the research will be conducted with a public institution or with public money. If the research will be conducted with a public institution or with public money, the Scientific Advisory Council in the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is required to assess the project based on criteria outlined in the bill. If the council find the project does not meet the criteria, the application will be denied. If the research will not be conducted by a public institution or with public money, the Marijuana Enforcement Division will assess the project. The division is required to promulgate rules by January 1, 2018, that permit researchers to use licensed retail marijuana testing facilities to test marijuana products for medical or scientific research.



02:01 PM



Representative Pabon and Arndt responded to questions from the committee regarding marijuana research at public institutions and the type of research to be conducted.



02:17 PM -- Dr. Matthew Wallenstein, Growcentia Inc., testified in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee regarding the company's cannabis testing. Mr. Wallenstein stated that currently, his company is not able to conduct testing on marijuana. Mr. Wallenstein also responded to questions from the committee regarding testing of medicinal marijuana and public-private partnerships in conducting research. Mr. Wallenstein discussed the risk involved for public universities and institutions when conducting research on marijuana.



02:21 PM -- Colin Bell, Growcentia, testified in support of the bill and discussed marijuana research in the agricultural sector.



02:22 PM -- Gregg Steinberg, Growcentia, testified in support of the bill.



02:28 PM -- Mark Angerhoffer, Craft Concentrates, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Angerhoffer responded to questions from the committee.



02:30 PM -- Ian Barringer, RM3 Labs, testified in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee regarding the benefits of research and development in marijuana.



02:44 PM -- Albert Gutierrez, Farm Research, testified in support of the bill and discussed the research that his company conducts and how the bill would assist his company in conducting more in depth research.



02:47 PM -- Jessica LeRoux, Cannabis Patients, testified in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.



02:55 PM -- Ron Kammerzell, DOR, testified in support of the bill.



03:02 PM -- Jim Burack, DOR, Marijuana Enforcement Division, testified in support of the bill an discussed research centers.



03:06 PM



Representatives Arndt and Pabon made concluding comments regarding the bill, and committee discussion ensued.