14E5751074C33AD58725897F008187F4 Hearing Summary

The committee took a recess.

The committee returned to order.

Representatives English and Ricks, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1020. The bill expands eligibility criteria for social equity licensees, expands the categories of marijuana accelerator licenses for which social equity licensees may apply, and requires additional incentives for social equity licensees and accelerator-endorsed licensees. A fact sheet was distributed (Attachment F).

Mrs. Sarah Woodson, representing The Color of Cannabis, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Samantha Walsh, representing the Color of Cannabis; Simply Pure; and Black, Brown, and Red Badge, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs Sheila Urquhart-Moura, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Michael Diaz-Rivera, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

The witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

Jordan Wellington, representing VS Strategies, testified in opposition to the bill.

Truman Bradley, representing Marijuana Industry Group, testified in opposition to the bill.

Liz Zukowski, representing Native Roots, testified to amend the bill.

Jason Hopfer, representing Columbia Care/The Green Solution, testified in opposition to the bill.

The witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

Collins Thomas-Buckner, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Cherish St Denis, representing The Epic Remedy, testified in opposition to the bill.

Brittinie Sandoval, representing The Color of Cannabis, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Wanda James, representing Simply Pure, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Jason Warf, representing Southern Colorado Cannabis Council, testified in support of the bill.

Jarell Wall, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Rachael Ardanuy, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Sophia Embry, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Desiree Duran, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Melanie Rodgers, representing Expunge Colorado, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

A'Dazia Ferrell, representing Inner Journey Limited, testified in support of the bill.

Dan Pabon, representing Colorado Leads, testified to amend the bill.

The witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

Josh Pens, representing the Department of Revenue, Dominique Mendiola, representing the Department of Revenue Marijuana Enforcement Division, and Allison Robinette, representing the Department of Revenue Marijuana Enforcement Division, answered committee questions.

The committee continued to discuss the bill with the witnesses from the Department of Revenue.

Discussion continued.

Written testimony for HB 23-1020 is included as Attachment G.  The bill was laid over for action to Monday, April 3, 2023.