Colorado-Medical-Marijuana-Blog

While the list of approved medical conditions for the usage of medical marijuana is already quite large in its own right, many medical patients have been seeking to add new conditions to the list. The Colorado Department of Health has received many petitions to add the following debilitating medical conditions to is approved list of conditions for which medical marijuana can be recommended by a physician: asthma, atherosclerosis, Bipolar disorder, Crohn’s disease, diabetes mellitus; types 1 and 2, diabetic retinopathy, Hepatitis C, hypertension, methicillan-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), opiod dependence, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), rheumatoid arthritis, severe anxiety & clinical depression and Tourette’s syndrome. As of yet, the Colorado Department of Public Health has not approved any of these conditions for the use of medical marijuana.

According to House Bill 1261, drivers in Colorado using medical marijuana while driving may be subject to a DUI arrest. The bill is intended to set limits on the amount of THC – the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that a driver is allowed to have in their system while driving. House bill 1261, stating the amount of THC can only be 5 nanograms, has one more vote in the House before it moves on to the Senate. The Cannabis Therapy Institute, a Colorado-based medical marijuana advocacy organization, is currently urging supporters to oppose House Bill 1261, claiming the bill to be unnecessary and unfounded and is aimed at targeting medical marijuana patients for DUI arrests.

Currently, the Bartkowicz case is the hot news surrounding medical marijuana in Colorado. As suspected, federal judges are making it a point to deny any state law or medical marijuana testimony. According to federal prosecution, federal law supersedes any state law – which is fundamentally correct. However, the defendant will not be allowed to provide any testimony or evidence that he was under the impression that he was within compliance with state mandated laws governing medicinal cannabis. It is quite obvious that federal prosecution is making an example of this case as to send an overall message about medical marijuana: “marijuana is still illegal in the eyes of the federal government, therefore it will not be supported or acknowledged in any way shape, or form”. Granted, the defendant made a colossal mistake going on the local news to brag about his growing operation. It is certainly in question whether or not he was actually in compliance. The point is, however, that he will not be given the chance to state his case. It will be interesting to see what repercussions come from the final verdict in this case.

Considering the national buzz surrounding the Bartkowicz case, it is no surprise that DEA and local agents have seized large crops in Broomfield and Pike National Forest. Both crops are believed to be illegal and far beyond caregiver crop size. Under the current law, caregivers and dispensaries are only allowed small crops in accordance with the number of patients they care for. In these cases, crops were reported to be in excess of 10,000 plants. Unfortunately, this excessive and illegal practice supports the case against Medical Marijuana in Colorado, as it shows the door opening for crime in the form of illegal crops. Opportunists will always exist, but this is the type of excessive practice that could very well create larger restriction or even prohibition of medical cannabis.

Anyone who still thinks medical marijuana in Colorado is a sign of social degradation may want to rethink their stance. It has been argued by cannabis supporters that the industry could very well provide tax funds that would benefit the economy. Governor Bill Ritter has proposed a fund raid that will use $9 million in funds collected by card holder fees to support school funds; salaries, supplies, etc. Although this fund was initially intended to fund crime prevention of medicinal marijuana, it seems as though a surplus of funds created by card holder fees has provided this opportunity (according to the governor’s office). Seems a bit fitting that the industry so many have deemed as evil and morally reprehensible will supply funds to keeps schools on budget. Surely, there will be a backlash from opponents of medical cannabis as this money was originally intended for crime prevention. However, according to the governor’s office, this money is a surplus of revenue leaving the original fund with over $1 million with hundreds of fees still collected every day. Thank you, medicinal marijuana, for keeping our state schools and teachers properly funded.

Unfortunately, Colorado is still experiencing a high unemployment rate. Many companies require perspective employees to pass a standard drug test. Obviously, there will be applicants who have acquired a Colorado medicinal marijuana card and will have trouble passing a drug test. Companies are under absolutely no obligation to waive drug tests for medical marijuana card holders. Furthermore, Federal law still prohibits the use and possession of cannabis. Potentially, a prime candidate for a job could lose out to a lesser qualified candidate due to medical marijuana usage. Discrimination would not apply in these cases as Federal law still prohibits the drug while employers are not obligated to support medical marijuana usage. Medical marijuana card holders may want to keep this in mind while searching for gainful employment as it may very well inhibit their credibility.

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.