Colorado-Medical-Marijuana-Blog

Owners of medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado are finding it harder and harder to keep their businesses going and profitable as the state continues to pass stricter rules and regulations for business operation. Recently, the state made it mandatory for dispensary owners to have video surveillance cameras on 24/7 over their sales counter to record each and every transaction as well as a requirement that each store grow at least 70 percent of its marijuana itself. Dispensary owners feel that they are under too much scrutiny and that there is a lack of privacy which will result in patients simply going back underground to buy their product.

Colorado medical marijuana patients are gearing up for what is known as International Cannabis Day on April 20^th. The gathering, which begins at 4:20 pm, has become a Colorado tradition as people get together to celebrate their favorite plant. The rally is held at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver and for the first time in Colorado history, the City of Denver has granted a permit for cannabis re-legalization activists to officially hold their rally in the park. In previous years, the rallies have been relatively small, mostly due to the inability to obtain a permit. However, this year’s rally is expected to have a record turnout. Many dispensaries, including Colorado Medical Marijuana, are expected to attend the rally to show their support as well.

In recent months, much of the focus of lawmakers has been placed on the growth and distribution of cannabis. Most recently, an ordinance has gained support in Denver County; this ordinance limits residential growers to twelve plants. Since dispensary owners are responsible for 80% of their own supply, this ordinance implies the average “caretaker” will have very little business growth potential. This is a smart move by lawmakers as it creates more of a corporate environment for the growth and distribution of medical marijuana in Colorado, thus limiting the residential presence of cannabis, which was a primary concern for opponents of the industry.  Thus far, most of the restrictions and ordinances have focused on keeping production of medicinal marijuana out of the average neighborhood. This is an everybody wins scenario as it will keep paranoia and fear at a minimum while keeping the production and distribution in the hands of the dispensary owner.

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.