Colorado Medical Marijuana Blog

There is much more to medical marijuana in Colorado than legality and controversy. As of now, legality of Colorado cannabis revolves around the medicinal properties such as pain relief. Medicinal attributes aside, there are other properties of Colorado medical marijuana that can be cultivated. Flavor is one of the most scrutinized attributes among connoisseurs. Cannabis can have underlying flavors from fruity, light, and floral to dense, heavy, and tar-like. Many flavors rely on the amount of sativa vs. indica in a plant. Most flavors, of course, rely on the breeding and genetics of a plant. In this series, the science and benefit behind the science will be further explored. For now, one must simply understand that much care and thought is put into breeding product. Many patients will gravitate towards a strain depending on the flavor qualities as opposed to physical properties, although most patients consider both qualities. In this series, everything will be explored from cultivating techniques to strain quality. Stay tuned, there is plenty more to come on this subject.

Colorado state senate is reviewing Bill 1284, which will impose an excise tax onto Colorado medical marijuana. This excise tax would be very similar to the tax imposed on alcohol. Although this might initially sound like a blow to the industry, it is actually a step towards legitimacy. Taxation of this sort implies the industry will be allowed to remain public and flourish. If the bill passes in the senate, it will be up to voter's approval. Colorado medical marijuana dispensaries could be looking at a brighter future if this tax passes; legitimate tax means legitimate business. There is still a long road ahead, especially when it comes to the federal government's view of Colorado medical marijuana. Bill 1284, however, could very possibly be the tax law voters and proprietors have been waiting for.

Some of those who refute Colorado medical marijuana do so because of what they describe as the crude nature of smoking. One can not deny the obnoxious nature of smoking: it is highly visible and intrusive to the bystander. True as this may be, there are alternates to smoking. Although smoking is the preferred ingestion method for most patients and users, edibles have become a more popular and available method of ingestion. Cannabis can be heated, boiled, rendered and used for cooking everything from baked goods to candy. A patient can easily ingest THC in edible form without disturbing loved ones or bystanders. Another ingestion form growing in popularity is vaporizing. This method is similar to smoking, sans the smoke. A vaporizer is a machine that heats the plant enough to release the THC, but doesn't create smoke. This vapor gas can be inhaled directly from the apparatus or can inflate a balloon-like container, which can be slowly inhaled over time. Many believe vaporizing releases a more pure form of THC because it eliminates carcinogens inherent to smoke. Currently, a pill form is being developed, but is not mainstream yet. Smoking is popular, mostly because flavors can be savored, much like a fine cigar. Contrary to popular belief, however, cannabis in Colorado can be ingested in more socially acceptable ways.

Medical marijuana in Colorado has been given a bad reputation. Skeptics and opponents of Colorado cannabis constantly argue the "evils" of drugs and claim medical marijuana is just a means to open the Pandora's box of drug addiction and social degradation. Lost in the controversy is the true benefit of the plant. Stripping away the social mores and negative propaganda reveals the true nature of cannabis: it is a natural herb with endless beneficial potential. Cannabis requires no refinement to tap its active ingredient. Furthermore, the hemp form of the product can be used to make everything from clothing to building materials. Why does a product with so many positives receive such a bad rap? Sure, the active ingredient of THC can be used for recreational intoxication, but does that really make it harmful? That very same ingredient can be used for pain relief and mental health. Other socially accepted drugs are far more harmful and have little if any alternate usage. Studies have shown tobacco and alcohol are excessively addictive, let alone physically and mentally harmful, yet both can be purchased at the local grocery store. Pharmaceutical drugs, such as percocet, are the most chemically refined and physically addictive drugs on the planet, yet they are considered scientific achievement. Meanwhile, marijuana and hemp can be used for a plethora of medicinal and practical purpose, yet society fears it because of tradition. Intoxicational properties are fractional when it comes to the list of potential benefits. Perhaps Colorado medical marijuana is a means to expose the positives of the product. Medicinal benefit is still a small fraction of the untapped resource of cannabis. Hopefully, society will begin to see cannabis is far from evil; it is really a friendly and helpful natural resource that could be used for everything from medicine to alternate fuel. Perhaps it is time to accept medical marijuana in Colorado for its benefits rather than refute it due to fear.

As previously reviewed, Colorado medical marijuana is fronted with many false assumptions. Most of these falsehoods are used to create fear and doubt among a skeptical public. Today's myth: decriminalizing marijuana will cause crime rates to increase. Many opponents of medical marijuana in Colorado claim legalization will create a spike in crime rates both in violent crime and traffic violations. Some opposing literature has even gone so far to say highways will become war zone. This, of course, is ridiculous to the point of laughability. Many who believe this think that decriminalization of Colorado cannabis will create an entire new culture of drivers driving under the influence of marijuana, thus causing more accidents, traffic violations, and DUI infractions. Unfortunately, there are no legitimate studies or statistics to support or debunk this claim. However, irresponsible driving is a function of the individual, not the drug. It is highly doubtful that decriminalizing marijuana will suddenly create irresponsible drivers. Reality check: those who drive under the influence of marijuana, alcohol, or any substance will do so regardless of legality or social acceptance. The only way to make some fairly logical conclusions on the subject is to compare crime rates in a place where marijuana is legal: Amsterdam. Census crime statistics show that violent crimes such as murder are lower than the United States on a per capita basis. Total crime on a per capita basis is also lower in Amsterdam than the United States. One would think if crime and marijuana were directly correlated, crime would be out of control in Amsterdam. Traffic statistics are difficult to compare due to the fact that commuting is far less prevalent in Europe. However, Amsterdam isn't really well known for high DUI rates. Unfortunately, comparing statistics isn't enough to convince skeptics. Proponents for Colorado medical marijuana are given the task of breaking down social barriers so the industry may flourish. Once the public begins to understand the benefit of medical marijuana in Colorado far outweighs the risk, the industry will be allowed to thrive.

Many opponents to medical marijuana in Colorado may have a skewed perception when it comes to who will use cannabis. Many tend to envision stereotypical "stoner types" with Rastafarian hats, hacky sacks, and dreadlocks. This image, of course, is skewed and inaccurate. Unfortunately, this is the very image that inhibits the growth of Colorado medicinal marijuana. Believe it or not, the demographic of users may be larger than one would expect. Current studies have shown marijuana use among 50 - 60 year olds has more than tripled since last year. Many in this age range use Colorado medical marijuana to relieve pain for symptoms such as arthritis and glaucoma. Most also claim to sleep better using Colorado cannabis as opposed to many prescribed drugs. Colorado medical marijuana is providing a myriad of medical uses among a larger amount of "normal" people than most want to believe.

Colorado medical marijuana is proving to be the hot topic of recent debate. In an effort to debate on legality, many have cited potential dangers of Colorado cannabis. Most of the dangers cited and commonly accepted by the public are quite frankly false. Today's myth: marijuana causes brain damage. Many "scary" myths of marijuana have been carried over from the seventies and the refer madness craze. Several studies have shown medical marijuana shows no signs of brain damage among adults; even among heavy, long term users (available in the Journal of the American Medical Association). Other studies have even shown some positive effects of cannabis on the brain, such as reduction of brain chemicals responsible for obsessive and compulsive disorders. Opponents of medical marijuana in Colorado constantly cite myths such as these in an effort to provoke fear and doubt among the public. Unfortunately, it seems these long time accepted myths are difficult to debunk among the public, especially lawmakers. Medical marijuana in Colorado is repetitively proving the medical and industrial benefit of cannabis in the form of highly successful dispensaries providing relief to legitimate patients.Tearing down the walls of doubt will be paramount to the future success of the industry.

In spite of the effort of advocates, doctors, and patients, the federal government looks to be aiming their sights on Colorado medical marijuana dispensaries. According the Denver division DEA office, every Colorado medical marijuana dispensary is a fundamental violation of federal law. The local agency has also declared its intent to seize product and arrest every employee of a Colorado medical marijuana dispensary. Strong words coming from a federal agency stationed in Colorado. Bottom line is state and federal laws are currently set on a collision course. Federal agencies are obviously begining to speak up. It is only a matter of time before they take more action. It is abundantly clear that there will be far more dilliberation and controversy before this is resolved.