Colorado Medical Marijuana Blog

Currently, much of the debate surrounding medicinal marijuana in Colorado pertains to the questionable motive of the industry; is it really about medical purposes or is it about pure legalization? Recent occurrences such as the 420 rally in Boulder and The Denver Cannabis Cup have created a larger rift among an already polarized public. Many skeptics view such rallies as an excuse for “non medical users” to take advantage of the current legal atmosphere and use it as an excuse to get high and blow smoke in the face of the public. According to many marijuana message boards and blog sites, this perception is shared among opponents and advocates alike; a sure sign that blatant celebration may not work in favor of legal cannabis in Colorado. Soon, card holders are planning an invite only bong-a-thon smoking completion. As entertaining as this may sound, it is certainly raising eyebrows around the industry. A gluttony competition seems a little flamboyant and certainly raises questions about the motives of the industry as a whole. Truth be told, legalization might very well be the best scenario for cannabis as it could help the economy, create jobs, create tax revenue, et cetera. Organizing gluttony events and arrogantly showcasing marijuana to the public could be counterproductive as legalization will require an accepting voting population.    

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.

Many medical marijuana advocates complain about the “Reefer Madness” paranoia influencing public perception. The 1936 film depicted youngsters who try marijuana and become victims to the madness; hallucination, rape, murder, et cetera. The film is, of course, complete paranoid propaganda and is commonly viewed as a parody among modern viewers. Over time, however, films have become more accepting of marijuana – even if they are exclusively comedies. The 1970’s series of “Cheech and Chong” films were borderline spoof films that depicted the main stars as space case pot heads who became involved in high jinx capers, usually involving the anti-marijuana brethren becoming high at some point and discovering the pleasantry of cannabis. Recently, there have been a slew of films that are more accepting of cannabis: “Dazed and Confused”, “Half Baked”, “Pineapple Express” and other similar films all present marijuana in a light and socially accepting fashion.  Most make light of the effect t of cannabis and make a not-so-subtle social commentary on the positive influences of modern day marijuana usage. One could credit the adoption of medicinal marijuana in Colorado to such movie media influence. It could be argues that depicting cannabis usage in light comedies have some culpability in public acceptance. If all media depicted medical cannabis in a negative light, it is doubtful medical marijuana would have ever been accepted in the first place.   

Enough with all of these debates and analysis of laws and regulations. Not everything about Colorado cannabis needs to revolve around controversy, propaganda, and heated debate. In fact, that all seems slightly ironic when evaluating the properties of medical marijuana in Colorado. Effects of cannabis have been well documented, so analyzing the science seems moot for the point of this article. Really, marijuana creates a euphoric effect for the user. Things just seem more enjoyable when smoking marijuana. There’s a reason why there is a giant cloud of smoke just before a concert begins, right? Let’s face it; marijuana is not a violent drug. When was the last time a fist fight broke out between stoners? Now, think of the last time a fist fight broke out at a keg party – that’s right, nearly every one. All of the controversy aside, marijuana is a very peaceful drug. It makes people crave food and write poetry and listen to music. Cannabis is a friendly drug that can enhance experiences and make for pleasant times. Legalization will be a long, painful process.  In the meantime, enjoy the plant for what it is: pleasant.

The tone surrounding marijuana has clearly become more intense as Bill 1284 gains ground in the State House. In short, the Bill is meant to create more strict requirements for dispensaries, gives cities the right to ban dispensaries and creates stronger tax regulation on the industry. So far, it looks like this Bill will eventually pass. Strict regulation was simply a matter of inevitability. In a true to form rally, the capital city was covered in a cloud of smoke as protesters and speakers gathered to rally against regulation. Therein lies the problem: proponents of the industry are far too flamboyant and confrontational with cannabis; a giant cloud of marijuana smoke lying over the capital city actually causes resistance, fear and resent among the common public. Blowing smoke in the face of the voting public is actually giving strict regulation momentum in the public eye. In a bold statement, the executive director of NORML claimed the industry needs to be fully legalized; thus admitting the medicinal marijuana approach is simply a stepping stone to full legalization. Colorado medical marijuana has been controversial as well as vaguely defined and regulated from its inception. It seems as though strict regulation is on the horizon.

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.

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.

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.