Medical Marijuana Colorado

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.

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.

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.