Colorado-Medical-Marijuana-Blog

As the rules and regulations regarding medical marijuana in Colorado are tweaked and refined, one very clear detail in Colorado state law stands out. It states that dispensaries in the state are not allowed to be located less than 1,000 feet from any school in the state. However, some shops have been allowed to remain open if local governments allow the shops to be closer to school buildings. As the federal government takes a closer look at these regulations, things are beginning to change. As part of an overall crackdown on drugs, the federal government is stepping in and tightening their grip on medical marijuana laws across the country. John Walsh, A U.S. Attorney located in Colorado, sent word last month to 22 medical marijuana dispensaries in the state to either move or be closed with it was determined they were located too close to school properties. This month, Walsh handed out 25 more warnings to medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado to close because they are located too close to school properties. All dispensaries who received these warnings have been given 45 days to close or they will be faced with federal prosecution.

Recently, the city of Denver reported and estimated 1.2 million dollars in sales tax revenue collected from Colorado medical marijuana dispensaries. It should be noted that this figure was derived between the months of December and April. Opponents of medical cannabis quickly claim that this represents a mere 1% of total city sales tax. So what? Over one million dollars in NEW revenue over a measly four month span is significant. This figure also neglects new licensing fees for dispensaries and caregivers. Seems the state is reaping monetary benefit from a legitimate industry. All controversy aside, it is becoming apparent that cannabis could very well become a flourishing enterprise producing jobs and significant revenue for employers and government alike. Inevitably, voters will soon have the final word as both legalization and prohibitive ballots are expected to be proposed for November elections.

House Bill 1284 has officially passed in the House and is now up for Senate approval. Basically, the Bill gives towns and cities the right to ban dispensaries and creates stronger background checks for dispensary owners. What is most disturbing is the level of white noise and propaganda being spewed from both sides.  According to Colorado cannabis advocates, Bill 1284 is unconstitutional as it restricts Amendment 20, which was passed by voters. Opponents to medicinal marijuana in Colorado claim Amendment 20 was a lie and a farce and has been abused to the point where their children are exposed to a medicinal marijuana dispensary on every corner. Both views, of course, can be viewed as obtuse and reactionary. Objectively speaking, the industry boomed in a short amount of time; one should expect a defensive reaction from the public. Likewise, cannabis can have significant benefit beyond the medical trade; tax revenue alone could relieve significant budget strain for cities and the State. Unfortunately, both sides seem content with using propaganda and fear tactics to get their point across. In reality, it comes down to the potential for full blown legality; advocates want it, opponents fear it. Soon enough, initiatives and new amendments (such as initiative 47) will be presented to the voting public, thus ending the debate. This industry is legitimate; it should be allowed to thrive. Hopefully both sides will find common ground and the public will be allowed to make the choice, much like alcohol and tobacco.

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.

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.

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.