‘The hard part starts now’ Local governments still can ban marijuana retailers

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‘The hard part starts now’ Local governments still can ban marijuana retailers

New laws for legalized marijuana

Gov. John Hickenlooper signed six bills Tuesday to regulate marijuana, which voters legalized in November. Here’s what they do:
Retail sales: Rules will cover packaging, advertising, security, the financial structure of the industry and much more. House Bill 1317 and Senate Bill 283.
Tax deduction: Medical marijuana businesses can write of their business expenses on their state tax returns – something that federal law does not allow. HB 1042.
Medical licenses: The state can issue medical pot licenses good for one year – and get licensing fees – even if local governments have not acted on a dispensary’s application. HB 1238.
Taxes: Voters will be asked to approve a wholesale excise tax and retail sales tax, both up to 15 percent. HB 1318.
Drugged driving: Drivers with more than 5 nanograms of THC per 1 milliliter of blood can be charged with driving under the influence, but defendants can argue in court that their high tolerance to marijuana makes it safe for them to operate a car at 5 nanograms. HB 1325.