A new coalition funded by the cannabis industry has formed in Colorado to fight a ballot measure that some say would crush the state’s billion-dollar marijuana industry.

The Colorado Health Research Council (CHRC) announced its formation Thursday to oppose Amendment 139, a constitutional amendment that would limit the THC-potency of marijuana and pot products at 16 percent. The average potency of Colorado pot products is already higher — 17.1 percent for cannabis flower and 62.1 percent for marijuana extracts, according to a state study.

The amendment also would mandate warnings printed on pot packaging that say marijuana’s health risks include “permanent loss of brain abilities” and “birth defects and reduced brain development.”

If passed by voters, the amendment “would have devastating unintended consequences to the citizens and economy of Colorado,” according to CHRC media materials, which add that 80 percent of the pot products on shelves now would be considered illegal under the measure.

Source:  http://www.denverpost.com/2016/06/30/pot-potency-campaign