Smart Colorado is a grassroots citizen-run non-profit 501(c)4 organization, created after the passage of Amendment 64, that seeks to ensure that Amendment 64’s implementation does not compromise the health and safety of Colorado’s kids. Its job is to serve as the citizens’ watchdog to support effective and adequate prevention, education, regulation and enforcement.
Smart Colorado was formed in early March of 2013 when a group of citizens saw firsthand that those seeking to profit off of mass commercialization and production of Big Marijuana in Colorado were guiding much of the policy setting. Smart Colorado is a volunteer led organization with no financial stake or motive. Those of us at Smart believe that how Colorado chooses to implement Amendment 64 maybe one of the most important public policy issues Coloradans ever face.
The leaders of Smart Colorado are dedicated volunteers, but we’re not naïve. While we’ve channeled the voices of hundreds and hundreds of citizens with many thousands of hours of work, we’re ready to play hardball. We may be outspent by the marijuana industry, but we won’t be outgunned.
We are a 501 c-4 non-profit organization.
In response to the marijuana industry’s legions of lobbyists, Smart Colorado hired veteran lobbyist Mike Feeley of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and Sandra Hagen Solin from Capitol Solutions and policy communications firm SE2. And, with their help, we made an impact during the legislative session.
Smart has changed the conversation from the highest priority being the needs of marijuana users and interests of the marijuana industry to how to implement Amendment 64 in a way that doesn’t compromise health and safety of Colorado youth and the future of the state. Other than law enforcement, Smart Colorado was one of the only organization offering amendments and changes to the legislation to ensure important safeguards and protections were in place. Our accomplishments include: Tightening of licensing requirements, strict packaging, testing, and labeling requirements including important warnings, requirements for public comments and hearings, prohibitions on marketing and advertising targeted at youth, and supporting the Governor and Attorney General in securing a drugged driving impairment level for marijuana.