Colorado Medical Marijuana Blog

So much anger, volatility and controversy directed towards a simple and innocent entity. Illegality is a function of society, not morality (though the two are often intertwined). Somehow, opponents of Cannabis in Colorado believe that public acceptance of the herb is a sign of the degradation of society that will lead to crime, lawlessness and uncontrollable drug addiction. Arguably, one of the most peaceful societies in existence used marijuana regularly: Native Americans. American Indians were known for their acceptance of natural drugs and used them for both ceremony and enlightenment. Ironic that their culture was over taken by overzealous puritans. This is not to say that Native Americans were bereft of conflict; intra tribal fights were common. However, this culture was more in tune with nature and their surrounding environment. Modern society seems perfectly willing to trade in intuitiveness for the latest smart phone. Modern society is completely addicted to the internet and technology at large. One could argue that technology is responsible for many crimes and deaths. For example, texting while driving is practically an epidemic. Social networking has taken place of communication. Perhaps the decadence of society is uglier than the legalization of a naturally perennial plant. Perhaps those on their soapbox waxing the dangers of marijuana should take into consideration the accepted dangers of modern society and technology. Perhaps we, as a society, should step back and listen to nature instead of cultivating propaganda.

A poll released by Rasmussen Reports this week showed a 49% approval rate for the legalization of marijuana. This poll also showed a 39% disapproval rate with 13% undecided. Perhaps the public perception is not as sour as many media outlets suggest. Most interviewed participants who approve legalization believe it is a good source of revenue and could potentially create jobs and relieve some economic woes. Those opposed criticize the potential for higher crime rates and believe Amendment 20 was a lie. Although this poll showed potential for public support for cannabis legalization, 13% undecided could very well turn the tide towards prohibition. Cannabis in Colorado is proving to be one of the hottest and most controversial subjects in decades. Currently, there are no legalization bills in the works for Colorado, but this poll may give some momentum to legalization advocates.

Medicinal marijuana in Colorado has plenty of medical benefit; mostly in the form of pain relief. Although the medicinal properties are legitimate, one cannot deny that all treatment comes with side effects. Compared to other, harsher pharmaceutical drugs, medical cannabis actually has acceptable effects. Most people know about the common short term effects like dry mouth, sort term memory loss, red eye, and drowsiness. It should be known, however, that medical marijuana does have effects that are longer lasting and less well known. Many users experience paranoia, this effect can become inflated for the common user, sometimes leading to social withdrawal and anxiety. Although drowsiness is a common short term effect, cannabis can actually cause heightened blood pressure and brain activity, leading to sleep deprivation effects. Effects such as euphoria can be a positive experience, but some chronic medicinal marijuana users may experience a dulled sense of time and space; causing tardiness and other unsavory social effects. Colorado medical marijuana has a plethora of positive uses and medical benefits. In contrast, it is not without side effect and consequence. A potential medicinal cannabis patient should weigh the risk with a qualified physician when choosing the proper treatment.

Much debate has unfolded surrounding medical marijuana in Colorado. Many question the legitimacy of the industry, yet medicinal cannabis can give relief to a wide variety of patients and ailments. To begin, Colorado medical marijuana has shown to be an affective pain reliever. Medicinal marijuana patients have used the product to dull pain from headaches to muscle spasms. Many cancer patients also use medical cannabis to help with the burning pain of Chemotherapy as well as helping create appetite. Medicinal marijuana has also shown to have anti depressive traits as well. Many patients who have sought medical marijuana in Colorado due to pain have also discovered it helps with the depression often coinciding with pain. Colorado cannabis can be beneficial to so many potential patients, from pain relief to anti depression. In time, the industry hopes to have the opportunity to provide the medical benefit to all those in need.

As a patient of medical cannabis, many wonder what the best methodology to acquire product is. Colorado medical marijuana caregivers and dispensaries both have benefit; it is just a matter of deciding what is best for the individual. Commonly, a medical marijuana dispensary is thought of as a “convenience store”; a good place to find variety (edibles, hardware), but will be slightly more expensive due to the retail nature of the store. Caregivers, on the other hand, can be thought of as a “bulk store”; less variety, but larger amounts can be purchased for a little less money. One should not think of the two as competing or dueling entities, rather different methods to provide proper service to the patient.

When analyzing the growing industry of medicinal cannabis, one must consider its background and genetic makeup. Indica, the strain known for its heavy, numbing effects mentally and physically, was originally bred from Afghani plants. Prior to the introduction of Afghani strains in the 70’s, most strains were sativa plants. Currently, most plants carry both traits, but one must credit the Afghani strain for the introduction of the indica strain. Any connoisseur should be aware that all strains originated in Afghanistan are indica plants; nearly every other strain is sativa. Due to its abundant release of resin, many Afghani plants are use to make hashish and other products using a resin base; candy-like edibles, for example. Colorado medical marijuana is much more than selling and distributing “pot”. The science and genetics used to create strains is a legitimate and fascinating construct of medical marijuana.

Colorado medical marijuana growers and dispensary owners will be facing a long moratorium in La Plata County, which includes Durango. The moratorium places a six month wait period to develop land for medicinal marijuana dispensaries and cannabis cultivating houses. City and county officials claim the moratorium will help slow the process as restrictions and laws become solidified. Other counties, such as Weld, have either considered or passed similar moratoriums. It should be expected to see more moratoriums in the near future to slow the blooming industry. Fact is the industry has grown faster than the regulations meant to control the process. Right now, lines are still unclear between what is socially and legally acceptable for the medical marijuana industry.

In light of the nation’s economic condition, it is difficult to ignore the opportunities that exist in the field of medical marijuana. In a time where unemployment is at an all time high, it seems a little closed minded to ignore all of the possibilities Colorado medical marijuana could offer. Without giving a preachy lesson in the fundamentals of business and economics, let us look at some of the basic business advantages inherent to medical marijuana and cannabis. On a production level, marijuana growers, cultivators, scientists, and farmers could all find thriving industrial benefit in just the growing of medical marijuana. Now to the consumer level: medical marijuana dispensaries and caregivers already enjoy a thriving industry on the current shaky ground of legality. Imagine the opportunities and businesses that could grow and benefit with less restriction. Medical marijuana in Colorado has already provided patients with a legitimate pain reliever. In addition, cannabis has already become a flourishing industry in spite of the legal climate. One cannot deny the potential economic benefit to Colorado medical marijuana.  

Colorado medical marijuana is becoming an institution in itself. On one side, there is the undying controversy involving moral, ethical, and medical arguments. Another point of view maintains the business opportunity and potential revenue streams in marijuana growth and marijuana dispensaries. One major component remains: none of this would even be possible without a large demographic willing to spend on the product. In an interview with several patients, one theme was prevalent: a medical marijuana product is far more desirable given the flavor and other olfactory properties. One common property highly recommended by the connoisseur is purple hairs within the bud. One patient aptly describes such breeds to have a “light, fruity, purple flavor”. Other breeds, some called “diesel” have distinct heavy, dank, and sappy flavors. The current patient (and thereby consumer) prefers quality breeding subsequent with precise flavor properties above nearly every other property. Consequently, some flavors are more common to certain breeds: sativa plants will be likely to have lighter, fruity flavors, while indica plants may contain heavier flavors. Medical marijuana has already come a long way in a short time. Cannabis quality and flavor will continue to be in the highest interest to both marijuana growers and consumers alike.

Medical marijuana in Colorado is a current hot topic. Arguments are made revolving mostly the legal and moral intricacies of the blooming medicinal marijuana industry. Lost in the raging debate is the precise and intricate science behind cannabis. For decades, breeders and growers have been perfecting the science of marijuana growing, thus providing the patient and connoisseur quality product. Those who are old enough to remember slang from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s may recall terms such as “Acapulco Gold” and “Colombian Wacky”. These terms obviously referenced the breeding ground for a specific plant. Commonly, however, most plants were contaminated by seeds, providing a lower quality product. Then came the term “Sensemilla”, which commonly meant quality, but many do not know the true meaning behind the term. Sensemilla is Spanish for “seedless”. Modern product is commonly seedless, lush, and full, thanks to early pioneers of marijuana breeding. In order to understand the common form of cannabis (and subsequently medical marijuana), one must first understand the history and science behind the plant. Breeding history is just the first step in realizing the nature and science involved in medical marijuana. Stay tuned as cannabis breeding has a long history of scientific breeding culminating in a wide variety of product.