Marijuana Symposium Draws Attention From World Governments
DENVER (CBS4)- Marijuana regulation and laws created in Colorado after the passing of Amendment 64 are the focus for hundreds of government representatives from around the world.
They traveled to Denver for the first-ever Marijuana Management Symposium. Some 300 people were in attendance for the event which continues through Friday.
The City of Denver feels a strong sense of responsibility to the growing industry.
"We know the world is watching. We believe we have the strongest regulations in the world and we owe it to our citizens to get this right," said Ashley Kilroy, Executive Director of Denver's Marijuana Policy Office.
She joined her staff and other experts in answering questions from representatives of 10 states, including Oregon. Oregon legalized marijuana in July.
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Victor Salinas of Portland asked about the mitigating issues with butane hash oil and extraction fires and explosions. The answer for Denver was an ordinance prohibiting home extraction methods using solvents.
Not everyone attending the symposium is from a place that has legalized marijuana or might be on the verge.
Yvette Van Groenigen traveled from Amsterdam where marijuana is not legal. She told CBS4's Howard Nathan that while the city council favors legalization, there is no system for regulating sales. The shops like much of what Denver has done with the industry and she traveled here to learn.
"In Amsterdam, growing is still illegal and it's all hidden and it's all in basement and attics," said Van Groenigen.
Kilroy said, "Our team feels this awesome responsibility to get this right, our mayor feels that responsibility."
She said the city is not advocating either for or against legalization but after taking so many calls from Europe and the Caribbean that it made sense to host a big meeting to explain how marijuana is regulated here.
Howard Nathan is a veteran newsman. Decades later, he still enjoys writing a clever sentence, asking the tough question and talking to people in Colorado. Follow him on Twitter @CBS4Howard and read his bio.