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.    

One popular bonus to modern cannabis genetics is the addition of exotic flavors and smells. A new flavor that has gained popularity (at least online) is bubblegum Kush; containing a sweet, bubblegum like aroma matched with sweet flavor and finished with small red and pink hairs. Kush is a term used to describe a strain with high indica properties – originally procured from the India Kush mountain region. Many connoisseurs claim that flavors are becoming just as important as potency. Other popular flavors include blueberry and pineapple. Another interesting and popular flavor is diesel; yes, it has an aroma similar to diesel fuel, matched with heavy indica properties. Colorado cannabis is an ever evolving enterprise. Although the industry itself is under much scrutiny, the science of medicinal marijuana in Colorado will constantly innovate and evolve.

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.

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.  

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.

Remember a few years ago, before medical marijuana in Colorado was even a consideration, when cannabis advocates were promoting the virtues of hemp? Somehow, lost in all of the recent controversy, the plethora of potential benefits contained in the cannabis plant have been forgotten. Sure, the focus on Colorado cannabis should remain on the medicinal properties, but the plant contains so many more untapped recourses. Many studies have shown the unique fibrous qualities contained within the cannabis plant lend to its nearly limitless beneficial applications. Hemp fibers can be refined to make useful textiles such as clothing, paper, containers, carpet, construction material, and nearly any material one can think of that requires a fiber base. Oils contained in the plant can make cooking oil, fuel, paint base, and a myriad of other products consumed every day. Cannabis harvests faster than any tree currently used to make the aforementioned products and is extremely recyclable. It is becoming exceedingly clear that fear and doubt is hindering society from one of the most beneficial and logically useful products on the planet.  Beyond the glaringly apparent benefit of medicinal marijuana in Colorado, lies the nearly limitless uses of hemp. Perhaps it is time to abandon fear and embrace the untapped potential of both hemp and Colorado medical marijuana.

Predictably, a new bill was unveiled this week that would drastically change how Colorado medicinal marijuana dispensaries can do business. In short, the bill will require dispensaries to operate as nonprofit care centers while privately growing their own supply of cannabis. Obviously, this would reduce incentive for new dispensaries to open. Furthermore, it could drastically change the caregiver system currently in place while circumventing the free market strategy presently employed by Colorado medicinal marijuana dispensaries. Advocates for medicinal marijuana in Colorado are countering with a new ballot initiative that would require stricter licensing and security systems for all Colorado medical marijuana dispensaries. Obviously, there will be more bills and initiatives on the horizon as attitudes towards Colorado cannabis become more polarized. While opponents of medicinal marijuana in Colorado push for harsher restriction, advocates and business owners will be challenged to find initiatives that will please the public while still maintaining financial enterprise.