(1) For the purpose of regulating and controlling the licensing of the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of medical marijuana and retail marijuana in this state, there is hereby created the state licensing authority, which shall be the executive director or the deputy director of the department if the executive director so designates. The state licensing authority shall adopt regulations regarding retail marijuana and retail marijuana products by July 1, 2013.

(2) The executive director shall be the chief administrative officer of the state licensing authority and may employ, pursuant to section 13 of article XII of the state constitution, such officers and employees as may be determined to be necessary, which officers and employees shall be part of the department.

(3) A state licensing authority employee with regulatory oversight responsibilities for marijuana businesses licensed by the state licensing authority shall not work for, represent, or provide consulting services to or otherwise derive pecuniary gain from a marijuana business licensed by the state licensing authority or other business entity established for the primary purpose of providing services to the marijuana industry for a period of six months following his or her last day of employment with the state licensing authority.

(4) Any person who discloses confidential records or information in violation of the provisions of this article 11 commits a class 1 misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-501. Any criminal prosecution pursuant to the provisions of this section must be brought within five years from the date the violation occurred.