GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) — Marijuana may be legal in Colorado, but regulation of the drug is just beginning.

A 24-member task force appointed to set up pot rules met Monday for the first time.

Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper appointed people from law enforcement, marijuana advocacy groups and even agriculture to write regulations for marijuana.

Colorado's new marijuana regulators will consider five areas for potential recreational pot rules. The areas of concern are:

  • REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: The task force will look at big-picture regulation questions, including which alcohol regulations make sense for use on pot.
  • LOCAL AUTHORITY: Marijuana regulators will examine what counties and cities can do to regulate recreational marijuana.
  • TAXES AND CIVIL LAW: Marijuana regulators will tackle how to make sure pot taxes are collected and how to help the industry access banking services.
  • CRIMINAL LAW: Marijuana users can expect a long list of usage rules, including an analogy to "open container" alcohol laws.
  • CONSUMER SAFETY: Marijuana regulators need to figure out how to keep the state's marijuana supply safe and how to keep the drug away from minors.

The task force has until the end of February to send suggestions to the governor. The Department of Revenue must adopt the regulations by July, with sales possible by year's end.

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