Colorado Medical Marijuana Blog

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.

Not everything about Colorado medical marijuana needs to revolve around controversy. Contrary to popular belief, cannabis contains many connoisseur properties, similar to fine wines, liquor, and tobacco. Nearly everyone knows that the active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; commonly known as THC. What most people do not know, however, is the plant produces in two basic forms: sativa and indica. There are a myriad of physical properties surrounding the two forms, but it is the effectual properties that really set the two apart. Most plants carry both traits, but for many Colorado medical marijuana patients, the percentage of sativa vs. indica in a plant has a drastic effect on the pain reducing properties as well as psychological and emotional effects. Commonly, indica plants contain heavy pain reducing properties, but also carry stronger mental effects such as drowsiness. Sativa plans, conversely, tend to hold more mentally pleasing attributes such as euphoria, but do not affect the body as much as sativa plants. Patients suffering from depression along with their physical ailments may prefer a heavier dosage of sativa. Beyond the effectual attributes, different plants also contain different flavor quality, color, density, and a plethora of qualities that can make each plant a unique specimen. Medical marijuana in Colorado can and should be allowed to help those in need. It is no crime, in contrast, to acknowledge the positives of Colorado cannabis beyond the initial medical benefit.