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.

Over the weekend, the Oriental Theater hosted Colorado’s Caregiver Cup. Competition focused mainly on marijuana strains judged on aroma, flavor, and aesthetics. Although growing in popularity, the competition adhered to state laws and was only open to Colorado medical marijuana cardholders and caregivers. Additionally, there was no onsite distribution or ingestion. The “People's Choice Award”, the highest honor, was given to a strain named “Grape God”. As mentioned in early articles, fruity strains with high indica content tend to be most popular among patients as this strain delivered on both counts: heavy indica content with a strong grapefruit aroma. Cannabis Cup competitions were first introduced in Amsterdam where public consumption is accepted. Although Colorado’s version is still in its infancy, this is yet another example of growing acceptance and popularity among the public.

As the debate over Medicinal marijuana in Colorado rages on, many lawmakers have proposed regulations and Bills in an effort to regulate the booming Colorado cannabis industry. Many proponents, advocates, lobbyists and entrepreneurs argue strict regulation will squelch a legitimate industry that could possibly help mend a weak economy.   Colorado marijuana is, in fact, proving to be a legitimate business capable of providing enough jobs and tax revenue to benefit the economy. Unfortunately, illegitimate businesses, fly by night opportunists and underground protests have created a counterproductive element to the medical cannabis cause. Amendment 20 was originally intended to provide medicinal marijuana to legitimate patients via a caregiver. Now, according to the opposing view, there is a Colorado medical marijuana dispensary on every corner. Many opponents argue that the Amendment has been taken advantage of, thus creating a back door to pure legalization. Although this is not the intention, one can certainly acknowledge this perception. Bill 1284, for example, is the newest proposition up for vote in the Senate. Its main intent is to limit Colorado medical marijuana dispensary licenses as well as limit the amount of patients a caregiver can provide for.  Although this is a simplistic interpretation of Bill 1284, it is essentially an effort to slow the booming industry. Unfortunately, the industry will become more tightly regulated, whether Bill 1284 passes or not. Medicinal marijuana is certainly a legitimate industry providing a quality product to those in need. However, over exposure and an inversely proportional boom in highly visible dispensaries have soured public perception. Regulation is a necessary and inevitable consequence to every controversial industry, cannabis in Colorado is no different.

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.

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.

Medical marijuana growers in Colorado Springs were assaulted and robbed this week. The assailants reportedly physically abused the residents, shocked them with a stun gun, and stole their entire crop. Unfortunately, this is the exact type of crime medical marijuana opponents have been waiting for. This will only give new found momentum for restrictions on the industry as a whole. Although this robbery has nothing to do with medical benefit or revenue generation inherent to the Colorado medical marijuana industry, it will certainly raise eyebrows in the community. Increased crime rate is an argument opponents of medical marijuana have been citing since the industry’s inception. Instances such as this will only make that voice louder. One could argue that a convenience store owner is equally subject to the risk of assault and robbery. Although this is true, a crime committed against any medical marijuana dispensary, grower, or clinic will be perceived as new crime brought forth by the Colorado 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.