DENVER, CO — One Chance to Grow Up, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to protecting
young people from the risks of psychoactive marijuana and hemp products, today announced its strong opposition to the anticipated THC Beverage Bill. One Chance warns that the legislation would trigger a massive, unregulated expansion of intoxicating hemp derived THC products into everyday locations where Colorado kids live, play and shop for after school snacks.

If passed, the bill would allow hemp-derived THC beverages to be sold in grocery stores,
convenience stores, and restaurants—potentially increasing the number of THC retail outlets in Colorado from approximately 700 licensed marijuana dispensaries to over 13,000 liquor-licensed establishments.

“This isn’t just a policy shift. This would be a fundamental change threatening the landscape of our communities,” said Henny Lasley, Executive Director of One Chance to Grow Up. “As parents and in collaboration with lawmakers, we have spent over a decade working to keep THC out of the hands of kids. This bill does the opposite—it invites intoxicating THC into convenience stores near high schools and on restaurant tables.”

Lasley also stated that, “Science shows that when young people see more outlets and signage in their neighborhoods, their perception of harm drops and their likelihood of use increases. Research remains clear: THC is a psychoactive substance that poses unique risks to the developing adolescent brain.”

“This bill bypasses the local control afforded to communities when Colorado approved Amendment 64 in 2012. It would force THC beverages into towns and neighborhoods that have specifically voted to prohibit commercial marijuana sales.”

“Every child only has one chance to grow up. Our mission is to ensure they do so in a healthy environment free from substances that limit their brain development,” added Lasley. “Expanding the sale of intoxicating THC to restaurants and convenience stores is a step backward and a direct threat to the public health and safety of Colorado youth.”

One Chance to Grow Up is calling on lawmakers to prioritize the health of the next generation over the expansion of a new highly risky THC sales network and defeat the bill.