Colorado officials on Wednesday announced the launch of a new office to provide economic support for the state’s marijuana industry. The Cannabis Business Office (CBO) “shows our administration’s focus on growing this thriving industry that supports jobs and our economy,” Gov. Jared Polis (D) said in a press release. The division, which was created as part of a bill signed into law in March, is being funded by cannabis tax revenue. It will focus on creating “new economic development opportunities, local job creation, and community growth for the diverse population across Colorado.”Importantly, it will be prioritizing social equity, offering resources to people from communities most impacted by marijuana criminalization. That includes loans for equity businesses, grants to support job creation, and technical assistance. “This office will offer tools like technical help and improve access to money for businesses,” Polis said. “Where the federal government has fallen behind, Colorado will lead. Colorado is, and always has been, the best place to live, work, grow and sell cannabis.” The governor had initially asked lawmakers back in January to create a new a new cannabis advancement program as part of his budget proposal. CBO will fall under the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Tristan Watkins, the new Cannabis Program manager, said it will “provide novel and ambitious programming to provide more equitable opportunity in the cannabis industry.”
Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 07/28/2021 13:43:00