Medical Marijuana Colorado

Acquiring a Medicinal Marijuana Card

Mon, 31 May 2010 15:45:00 GMT

Many potential patients may neglect Colorado medical marijuana because they are either afraid or ignorant to the process. Acquiring a medical marijuana card is simple if done correctly. One major pitfall the patient needs to avoid is illegitimate businesses and physicians. There are a plethora of doctors and offices to choose from, but a large percentage of offices are running without proper licensing and certification. This website, in contrast, is an excellent resource for patients looking for direction. One would be well advised to use the contact information provided on this very website; all physicians are qualified and certified. In addition, the office is centrally located and in compliance to all current law and code. Nothing is more frustrating to a patient than going through the trouble of acquiring a Colorado medical marijuana card only to find out they unknowingly received it illegally. Beware of cheap and flighty offices. Using this website and the physician herein employed will guarantee a smooth transaction and experience as well as a completely legal Colorado medical marijuana card.

Colorado Cannabis Caregiver Cup

Tue, 25 May 2010 14:02:00 GMT

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.

Breeding and the Emergence of Sinsemilla

Thu, 13 May 2010 14:42:00 GMT

Medical marijuana in Colorado is a current hot topic. Arguments are made revolving mostly the legal and moral intricacies of the blooming medicinal marijuana industry. Lost in the raging debate is the precise and intricate science behind cannabis. For decades, breeders and growers have been perfecting the science of marijuana growing, thus providing the patient and connoisseur quality product. Those who are old enough to remember slang from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s may recall terms such as “Acapulco Gold” and “Colombian Wacky”. These terms obviously referenced the breeding ground for a specific plant. Commonly, however, most plants were contaminated by seeds, providing a lower quality product. Then came the term “Sensemilla”, which commonly meant quality, but many do not know the true meaning behind the term. Sensemilla is Spanish for “seedless”. Modern product is commonly seedless, lush, and full, thanks to early pioneers of marijuana breeding. In order to understand the common form of cannabis (and subsequently medical marijuana), one must first understand the history and science behind the plant. Breeding history is just the first step in realizing the nature and science involved in medical marijuana. Stay tuned as cannabis breeding has a long history of scientific breeding culminating in a wide variety of product.

A Patient’s Perspective

Mon, 10 May 2010 18:03:00 GMT

As the controversy rages on about the legitimacy of Colorado medicinal marijuana, there is a significant demographic supporting the product; the patient. Opponents to Denver medical marijuana and Colorado marijuana dispensaries claim that the medical benefits are a sham used as a smoke screen to simply legalize a narcotic. A true patient would disagree. In an interview with a serious patient, some genuine medical benefits were unveiled. This patient, a male in his mid 40’s, was involved in a traffic accident; both his legs were mangled in the wreck. To him, Denver medical marijuana has provided him with an alternate pain killer. He also explained that the euphoric properties help with bouts of depression revolving around the pain and make his life experience more enjoyable in general. He complained that other prescribed pain killers were more addictive, less effective, and more expensive. To him, and thousands of similar patients, Colorado medicinal marijuana doctors have helped them find a new avenue for pain relief never before available. After listening to his story, one cannot help but realize the potential legitimacy of medicinal marijuana in Colorado.

More Propaganda, Less Benefit

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:25:00 GMT

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.

Disbanding the Myths of Marijuana: Part 3

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:01:00 GMT

As previously reviewed, Colorado medical marijuana is fronted with many false assumptions. Most of these falsehoods are used to create fear and doubt among a skeptical public. Today's myth: decriminalizing marijuana will cause crime rates to increase. Many opponents of medical marijuana in Colorado claim legalization will create a spike in crime rates both in violent crime and traffic violations. Some opposing literature has even gone so far to say highways will become war zone. This, of course, is ridiculous to the point of laughability. Many who believe this think that decriminalization of Colorado cannabis will create an entire new culture of drivers driving under the influence of marijuana, thus causing more accidents, traffic violations, and DUI infractions. Unfortunately, there are no legitimate studies or statistics to support or debunk this claim. However, irresponsible driving is a function of the individual, not the drug. It is highly doubtful that decriminalizing marijuana will suddenly create irresponsible drivers. Reality check: those who drive under the influence of marijuana, alcohol, or any substance will do so regardless of legality or social acceptance. The only way to make some fairly logical conclusions on the subject is to compare crime rates in a place where marijuana is legal: Amsterdam. Census crime statistics show that violent crimes such as murder are lower than the United States on a per capita basis. Total crime on a per capita basis is also lower in Amsterdam than the United States. One would think if crime and marijuana were directly correlated, crime would be out of control in Amsterdam. Traffic statistics are difficult to compare due to the fact that commuting is far less prevalent in Europe. However, Amsterdam isn't really well known for high DUI rates. Unfortunately, comparing statistics isn't enough to convince skeptics. Proponents for Colorado medical marijuana are given the task of breaking down social barriers so the industry may flourish. Once the public begins to understand the benefit of medical marijuana in Colorado far outweighs the risk, the industry will be allowed to thrive.

Disbanding the Myths of Marijuana: Part 2

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:53:00 GMT

Colorado medical marijuana is proving to be the hot topic of recent debate. In an effort to debate on legality, many have cited potential dangers of Colorado cannabis. Most of the dangers cited and commonly accepted by the public are quite frankly false. Today's myth: marijuana causes brain damage. Many of the "scary" myths of marijuana have been carried over from the seventies and the refer madness craze. Several studies have shown medical marijuana shows no signs of brain damage among adults; even among heavy, long term users (available in the Journal of the American Medical Association). Other studies have even shown some positive effects of cannabis on the brain, such as reduction of brain chemicals responsible for obsessive and compulsive disorders. Opponents of medical marijuana in Colorado constantly cite myths such as these in an effort to provoke fear and doubt among the public. Unfortunately, it seems these long time accepted myths are difficult to debunk among the public, especially lawmakers. Medical marijuana in Colorado is repetitively proving the medical and industrial benefit of cannabis in the form of highly successful dispensaries providing relief to legitimate patients.Tearing down the walls of doubt will be paramount to the future success of the industry.

Disbanding the Myths of Marijuana: Part 1

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:01:00 GMT

Researching medical marijuana in Colorado reveals many truths and myths regarding Colorado cannabis. Many myths are commonly used as propaganda in an effort to create fear and doubt among the public. Analyzing and disbanding these myths are crucial to creating acceptance of Colorado medical marijuana. Today’s myth: marijuana is a gateway drug. Many opponents to medicinal marijuana in Colorado claim cannabis is a gateway drug that will open the doors for harsher drugs such as cocaine and heroin; implying the medical marijuana user will somehow feel compelled to try a variety of drugs thus becoming a complete addict of illicit drugs. Why aren’t alcohol, tobacco, aspirin, cough medicine, and the plethora of over the counter drugs available to the public considered gateway drugs? What about marijuana makes it a gateway drug? Is there some property in THC that creates a mindless drug craving zombie powerless to control the desire for heroin and other harsh narcotics? The answer, of course, is inequitably no. There is no scientific research singling out marijuana as a drug that creates a need for more drugs. Studies have shown properties of addiction can be more a function of the individual than the drug itself. Furthermore, research has shown marijuana is not physically addictive; unlike alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs readily available to the public. Medical marijuana in Colorado is a legitimate source of pain relief for those in need. Other pharmaceuticals such as Percocet and Vicodin are highly habit forming, expensive, and more dangerous to the patient. Hopefully, disbanding myths about medical marijuana in Colorado will eventually create more acceptance among the voting public, providing a legitimate medical aid for needy patients.

New Tax Can Legitimize the Industry

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:53:00 GMT

Colorado state senate is reviewing Bill 1284, which will impose an excise tax onto Colorado medical marijuana. This excise tax would be very similar to the tax imposed on alcohol. Although this might initially sound like a blow to the industry, it is actually a step towards legitimacy. Taxation of this sort implies the industry will be allowed to remain public and flourish. If the bill passes in the senate, it will be up to voter's approval. Colorado medical marijuana dispensaries could be looking at a brighter future if this tax passes; legitimate tax means legitimate business. There is still a long road ahead, especially when it comes to the federal government's view of Colorado medical marijuana. Bill 1284, however, could very possibly be the tax law voters and proprietors have been waiting for.

Strain Variance and Effects

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:21:00 GMT

Not everything about Colorado medical marijuana needs to revolve around controversy. Contrary to popular belief, cannabis contains many connoisseur properties, similar to fine wines, liquor, and tobacco. Nearly everyone knows that the active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; commonly known as THC. What most people do not know, however, is the plant produces in two basic forms: sativa and indica. There are a myriad of physical properties surrounding the two forms, but it is the effectual properties that really set the two apart. Most plants carry both traits, but for many Colorado medical marijuana patients, the percentage of sativa vs. indica in a plant has a drastic effect on the pain reducing properties as well as psychological and emotional effects. Commonly, indica plants contain heavy pain reducing properties, but also carry stronger mental effects such as drowsiness. Sativa plans, conversely, tend to hold more mentally pleasing attributes such as euphoria, but do not affect the body as much as sativa plants. Patients suffering from depression along with their physical ailments may prefer a heavier dosage of sativa. Beyond the effectual attributes, different plants also contain different flavor quality, color, density, and a plethora of qualities that can make each plant a unique specimen. Medical marijuana in Colorado can and should be allowed to help those in need. It is no crime, in contrast, to acknowledge the positives of Colorado cannabis beyond the initial medical benefit.

State and Federal Law Collide

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:11:00 GMT

Due to the vague and cryptic nature of Colorado medical marijuana law, more growers and dispensaries are feeling the backlash from the DEA. Recently, a grower in Highlands Ranch was arrested by federal agents while his entire inventory was confiscated. What is most disturbing about this situation is the grower believed he was in compliance with state law. Regrettably, federal law supersedes state law, thus making the grower of Colorado cannabis a felon in the eyes of the DEA. This could potentially open the doors for more confiscation and firm restriction via federal lawmakers. Unfortunately, Colorado medicinal marijuana laws have been ambiguous at best from the beginning. It is becoming painfully evident that clearly defined laws and guidelines must be in place before more people who believe they are compliant end up in federal prison. Blame lies in all areas of the industry, from vague law to overzealous proprietors. Until firm and acceptable guidelines are in place, similar situations will plague the industry, causing more skepticism and fear among the public and government officials.

A Patient’s Perspective

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:40:00 GMT

As the controversy rages on about the legitimacy of Colorado medicinal marijuana, there is a significant demographic supporting the product; the patient. Opponents to Denver medical marijuana and Colorado marijuana dispensaries claim that the medical benefits are a sham used as a smoke screen to simply legalize a narcotic. A true patient would disagree. In an interview with a serious patient, some genuine medical benefits were unveiled. This patient, a male in his mid 40’s, was involved in a traffic accident; both his legs were mangled in the wreck. To him, Denver medical marijuana has provided him with an alternate pain killer. He also explained that the euphoric properties help with bouts of depression revolving around the pain and make his life experience more enjoyable in general. He complained that other prescribed pain killers were more addictive, less effective, and more expensive. To him, and thousands of similar patients, Colorado medicinal marijuana doctors have helped them find a new avenue for pain relief never before available. After listening to his story, one cannot help but realize the potential legitimacy of medicinal marijuana in Colorado.

Current and Future Challenges for Dispensaries

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:23:00 GMT

In spite of potential and projected business growth, regulation of medicinal marijuana in Colorado is simply a matter if inevitability. What is crucial, however, is how much the regulations hinder perspective growth of the industry. Recently, the City Council passed an ordinance to require licensing for Colorado medical marijuana dispensaries. Although this is a logical step in the progression of Colorado marijuana regulation, the requirements to attain a license could become a major point of contention. Currently, the Colorado medicinal marijuana dispensary owner will be required to pass a background check and pay fees totaling about $5000 (including annual fees). As time goes on, however, restrictions could become tighter and more subjective. For example, the Massey-Romer bill would allow the licensing board to establish a potential owner’s “moral character” and deny a license based on that subjective opinion. Regulations, ordinances, and perspective bills are changing on nearly a daily basis. Once again, it will be up to the public to decide on the fate of Colorado medical marijuana as a myriad of bills will surely be presented to the voting public. 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.

New Policy Announcement by Obama Administration Paves Way for Colorado Marijuana Dispensaries

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:47:00 GMT

Although medical marijuana in Colorado was legalized in 200, most dispensaries were overshadowed by the Bush administration’s rigid stance that federal laws took precedence over state laws. The new Obama administration, however, brings fresh hope with the announcement that federal agents must defer to state law enforcement when it comes to medical marijuana issues. In the last six months, Colorado medical marijuana registry has grown to nearly 10,000 and there are currently about 30 dispensaries in operation to accommodate patients. That number is estimated to double to 60 by the end of 2009. As laws open up new opportunities for dispensaries, entrepreneurs are finding more ways to cater to medical marijuana patients without the danger of harassment by federal law officials, and operations that were once forced to operate underground are now being raised to the taxable surface thanks to the new policy.

Boulder Medical Marijuana Dispensary Laws Once Again Subject of Debate

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:43:00 GMT

The Boulder medical marijuana community is facing criticism by Boulder DA Stan Garnett, who intends to file a civil lawsuit asking for injunction or declatory judgment to determine whether dispensaries are legal or not. Although efforts were made by Colorado attorney Richard Everstine to dissuade Mr. Garnett, Mr. Garnett stands by his decision to file the suit, claiming it is the best solution to what he considers a problem in the city. Letters were written to the editor of the Colorado Daily on the subject, stating that DA Garnett’s personal war on medical marijuana patients must come to an end. Mr. Garnett’s response to this claim stated that he has no intention of declaring war on patients, but is simply trying to o better define the parameters of operation for dispensaries in order to