The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corp has amended its bylaws, disqualifying all licensed medical and recreational cannabis businesses from membership. This decision impacts the 127 cannabis stores operating in the area, including Native Roots, which has four dispensaries in Colorado Springs.
During a board meeting on Thursday, the chamber approved a change that requires all member businesses to operate legally under federal, state, and local laws. According to spokeswoman Nicole Jomantas, the previous rules did not clarify the status of businesses that follow state laws but violate federal regulations. This amendment aims to align the chamber’s policies with legal standards governing business operations across all jurisdictions.
The new policy is immediately applicable to both current and future members. Notably, it also extends to businesses involved in the provision of psilocybin, a psychedelic substance that Colorado voters decriminalized in 2022. Although psilocybin use is permitted in therapeutic settings under state law, it remains illegal federally.
As a result of this policy shift, Native Roots, which joined the chamber in March, will receive a refund for its membership fees. The company expressed disappointment over the decision, stating that it has contributed to the local economy for over a decade while adhering to state laws. Native Roots emphasized that the chamber’s decision contradicts its stated values of inclusivity.
Legal expert Xavier Jaillet noted that the chamber, being a private organization, possesses the right to set its membership criteria. He indicated that should federal cannabis laws change, businesses like Native Roots could potentially reapply for membership in the future.
The chamber’s decision reflects an ongoing trend of aligning business practices with federal regulations, which continues to pose challenges for cannabis companies operating legally under state laws.
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