Mile High NORML

Sorry Blogger but We've Moved...

2010-06-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

As much as I love blogger, I use it for my personal blog, Mile High NORML has moved on to bigger and better things. With the help of a few key people our new Blog Site is www.milehighnorml.org/MHN Please stop by and Stay High!

Press Release: Denver's Rally to Free Marc Emery

2010-05-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Re: Denver’s Worldwide Rally to Free Marc Emery

Contacts: Mile High NORML, Cannabis Therapy Institute

Denver, CO – Join Mile High NORML in its Worldwide Rally to Free Marc Emery! The Rally will be held at the Denver Federal Courthouse at 1823 Stout Street Saturday, May 22^nd from 2-5pm. Support the cause and have your voice heard! Anger and indignation should be channeled against the governments that allow the drug war to exist everywhere on Earth, and towards the politicians that makes these injustices and cruelties happen!

Marc Emery is a Canadian political prisoner about to be extradited to the United States for selling cannabis seeds on the Internet and using the money to fund marijuana legalization groups. The DEA wanted him, and now they’ve got him ordered and extradited thanks to Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada. Marc is just one of the hundreds of thousands of North Americans imprisoned for marijuana. Now is the time to STAND UP and demand an end to the destructive DRUG WAR and the imprisonment of non-violent cannabis growers and consumers!

Protest banners, signs, etc. are permitted and encouraged at this event. Sign suggestions include “Free Marc Emery,” “Google Marc Emery,” “Canada Must Bring Marc Emery Home,” “End Prohibition,” “No More Drug War,” etc. The purpose of the signs is to stir the mind of any passerby who might Google “Marc Emery,” “Prince of Pot,” or “Drug War.”

In the words of Marc Emery, “One person can undo the evil of several thousand people. You should never underestimate your power.” Expand awareness, be heard! Join Mile High NORML and the Cannabis Therapy Institute in their support of Marc Emery on Saturday, May 22^nd, at the Denver Federal Courthouse from 2-5pm. For more information please visit www.milehighnorml.org

VETO MARCH against HB-1284

2010-05-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 15^th 2010

Civic Center Park 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

East Side, between Colfax & 14^th @ Broadway

For those able to participate in the march, we will walk south on Broadway to 7^th and then walk east 4 blocks to Logan.

Governor’s Park 12:15 to 3:30

Northeast corner of 7^th & Logan

For those individuals that are sick and disabled and not able to make the 11 block walk, please meet us at Governor’s Park. This will allow time for you to get situated and be as comfortable as possible.

Peaceful gathering to OPPOSE HB10-1284

This is a gathering to actively demonstrate to our Governor that

“We the People of Colorado”

Are asking for a VETO on HB10-1284 and SB10-109

1. It is Unconstitutional; It destroys what the voters passed in 2000 for Patients and Caregivers

2. It is Monopolistic; Due to State and local fees and numerous other guidelines

3. It is Exclusionary; Caregivers and Dispensaries that provide medicine at low cost or no cost will not be able to continue helping their patients. A 5 patient limit was adopted, L.140 for caregivers that are not a dispensary model. This undermines the caregiver’s ability to produce enough to meet the needs of their patients. Caregivers will have to pay licensing fees as well as deal with Armed Revenue Auditors according to Sen. Romer.

Please bring what you need to be comfortable! Water, Chairs, Blankets & Food. Please bring something with you to contain anything you will need to throw away. Please be responsible and leave the parks as we found them! This is a ZERO Waste Event! Please bring everyone possible that you can! It’s time for our voices to be heard!!! Thank you for your time and efforts!

NO MARIJUANA ALLOWED AT THIS EVENT!!!

WEAR GREEN!!! BRING your VETO HB10-1284 SIGNS and whatever else you need to say!!!

STRONG DRUM CIRCLE * BRING YOUR DRUMS * Coalition for Alternative Healing Access

If it is raining on Saturday, everyone assemble at The Governor’s Park at 12:00 PM

Senate Gives Initial OK To Medical Marijuana Dispensary Rules

2010-05-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Mile High NORML opposes HB1284 in its entirety and URGE Everyone to contact there State Senators Immediately! HB-1284 will be heard early Thursday morning (May6th). If HB-1284 passes and we are afraid it is going to, it will destroy the medical marijuana industry creating unfair playing fields while damaging patients access.

COLLEEN SLEVIN, Associated Press
DENVER (AP) ― The state Senate on Wednesday gave initial approval to regulating medical marijuana dispensaries and growers after opening the door to waiving sales tax on pot sales to some patients.

Senators made few other significant changes to the bill, which still allows cities and counties to ban dispensaries and limits individuals, as opposed to regulated shops, from providing marijuana to more than five people. That increases the chances that lawmakers will be able to pass regulations for the estimated 1,100 dispensaries in Colorado before they adjourn next week.

Sen. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial, said the state's medical marijuana program, approved by voters a decade ago, has become a "runaway train". She warned colleagues wary of legitimizing the booming marijuana industry that inaction would usher in de facto legalization of the drug.

"If this doesn't pass there will be more recreational users," Spence said.

Currently she said there are an estimated 83,000 people who have a doctor's permission to use medical marijuana in Colorado. An exact count isn't available because the state has been inundated with about 1,000 requests a day.

Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, warned that allowing local bans violates the constitutional amendment voters passed a decade ago allowing medical marijuana. She said that would open the door to a total ban across the state.

"If all did what one did, there is no more Amendment 20," she said.

While most prescription drugs are tax exempt in Colorado, the state has been treating marijuana much like a vitamin supplement and charging 2.9 state sales tax on all sales.

The bill requires that $2 million in taxes from marijuana sales be spent on substance abuse programs. Senate GOP leader Josh Penry said the state shouldn't be profiting off patients who rely on the drug. He passed an amendment that requires the health department to come up with rules allowing doctors to exempt patients from paying sales tax when they buy marijuana.

Penry said he opposed the overall bill because it's a regulatory "quagmire". It would hire 27 enforcement agents, auditors and administrators paid for with $2 million in fees paid by dispensary owners, growers and makers of marijuana products.

Senators also backed keeping the location of grow operations secret although law enforcement agencies would still have access to the information.

Cities and counties dealing with the proliferation of dispensaries in the last year have been pushing for lawmakers to pass regulations, which will require that store owners be licensed by both the state and local governments.

Dispensary owners, meanwhile, are willing to put up with criminal background checks and audits to give them protection against possible federal drug raids. Some, though, are worried about having to pay thousands of dollars in fees while regulators finalize the details of rules that could end up putting them out of business.

A final vote on the bill is expected Thursday in the Senate. It must then go back to the House where lawmakers will have to vote on whether to accept the changes made in the Senate.

"There are MANY substantial issues with HB1284, as passed by the House. You MUST take action to meet with your State Senator and his/her staff IMMEDIATELY and urge them to vote NO on this bill. This bill contains many unconstitutional provisions that amend or modify the Constitutional rights guaranteed to you by Amendment 20. More importantly, this law will make it close to impossible for most of you to continue to help your patients." Attorney Lauren Davis

What changes were actually added to Colorado HB10-1284

2010-05-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

Below is a list of what actually was added to Colorado HB10-1284 on Tuesday April 27. Some changes are livable but others not so much... The bill will now be voted on by the full Senate. Mile High NORML is urging patient rights supporters to contact their state senators and urge them to vote No on HB1284.

L.105 -- withdrawn, Romer is planning on offering it at appropriations (this is one with the $35,000 fee)

L.106 -- withdrawn (would have required centers with 300+ patients to have massage therapist etc onsite)

L.107 -- Adopted (requires 2yr residency)

L.108 -- withdrawn (1000ft school ban)

L.109 -- withdrawn, Romer would like to offer it on the floor after he works with people on this, Newell is interested in it (edibles waiver)

L.110 -- withdrawn (excess product to nonprofit)

L.111 -- withdrawn, Romer wants to debate this one on the floor (under 21 ban in dispensaries)

L.112 -- Adopted (allows state charter banks, added in credit unions, to accept deposits)

L.113 -- Adopted (technical clean up; the second part of amendment moves violations under the criminal code)

L.119 -- Adopted, proposed by Foster, clarified language around local municipalities denying a renewal, struck lines 9-12 of amendment that dealt with public notice and hearings

L.120 -- Adopted, department of health amendment (clean up amendment, redefined caregiver and when patients card can be revoked - if knowingly went to a doc to get a recommendation and that doctor ended up losing right to recommend)

L.121 -- Adopted, proposed by Foster, state moratorium on licenses make local moratorium until state law is in effect, Newell voted no on this amendment.

"There are MANY substantial issues with HB1284, as passed by the House. You MUST take action to meet with your State Senator and his/her staff IMMEDIATELY and urge them to vote NO on this bill. This bill contains many unconstitutional provisions that amend or modify the Constitutional rights guaranteed to you by Amendment 20. More importantly, this law will make it close to impossible for most of you to continue to help your patients." Attorney Lauren Davis

"Let's hope legislators can understand even more basic economies of scale. With 100,000 voters now registered as patients and another couple million who believe strongly in medical marijuana rights, lawmakers should think twice before dismantling the dispensary industry." Attorney Rob Corry

2010 Global Marijuana March Aftermath

2010-05-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 1st 2010. The weekend outlook called for a cold rainy morning and afternoon but the weather man couldn't have been more wrong. The sun was shining, the air was warm and the buds were fresh as 100 local activists from Denver gathered in Civic Center Park.

The Denver Police were eager to march along with us as they outnumbered us 2-1 at 10:30 in the morning when we showed up. Our crowd like usual took a little while to arrive but everyone got there in time and the march left at 11am sharp!

The Denver Police issued 2 citations for smoking cannabis in public during the march after we were told that there would be no problems?!? They claimed to have warned use before the event that they would still be issuing tickets along the parade route but no time did we ever hear them say that at all. Everyone in the parade was smoking, even as the Denver Police video taped the crowd but they used "there discretion" as they were quoted saying and picked out a young lady from the crowd and who was walking a little slower and pulling up the rear of the march and gave her a citation for public consumption and let her go on her way.

Denver Global Marijuana March

2010-05-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Denver, CO -Join in the Denver Global Marijuana March on May 1^st, 2010, at 11am. Assembly will start at 10:30am at Civic Center Park and the March will commence at 11am. This is a permitted event with honorable police escorts that will be protecting our 1^st Amendment rights to free speech. The March will start at the Denver City & County Building; proceed down the middle of15^th Street, to Welton and 17^th Street, up 17^th Street to Broadway, and finishing at Lincoln Park on Colfax and Broadway in front of the Veterans Memorial. Entertainment and various speakers will follow at Veterans Memorial Park across from the State Capitol. Speak out, stand up!!

The Denver Global Marijuana March addresses many social issues, including Marijuana and the people around Marijuana Prohibition, Sexual Orientation Disparities, Immigration Disparities, Poverty Disparities, Health Care Reform, Economic Justice, Civic Engagement, Women's Rights, and other social issues. The March is key in uniting these groups through Marijuana. United we stand, divided we fall.

The Denver Global Marijuana March will feature speakers, education, and a plethora of information. The March will provide people with a voice and help them develop confidence to not be afraid of a stigma! The March is all-inclusive and also provides encouragement and support for Civic Engagement. Miguel Lopez the leader of the 420 Rally explains, "Through the Global Marijuana March, we will help these groups unite!"

The organizers of the March are asking all participants to wear white shirts. Protest banners, signs, etc. are permitted and encouraged at this event. The focus is on re-legalization with a priority for medical marijuana patients and those with medical conditions and debilitating diseases. Speak out and be heard!

This event is proudly sponsored by Rob Corry, Mile High Norml, and the 420 Rally/Miguel Lopez, Community Organizer. For more information, please contact either Tiny Martinez at 720.365.8187, or Miguel Lopez at 720.338.8766.

NORML Remembers ‘The Hemperor’ Jack Herer

2010-04-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

FROM the NORML BLOG:

NORML is saddened to report the passing of Jack Herer, the founder of the modern day hemp movement. Jack suffered a heart attack after speaking at last year’s Portland Hempstalk event, and had been in a physician-induced coma for several days afterward. The past seven months have been a struggle to recover for Jack – he awakened from the coma and had been making progress in regaining his health. Friends and family confirm that Herer, known throughout the world as ‘The Hemperor,’ passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 11:07am Pacific Time in Eugene, Oregon. He was 70 years old.

Jack began his cannabis activism in earnest in the early 1970s when he “swore to work every day until pot was legal, … or [he] turned 84.” Throughout the next ten years he led several statewide marijuana legalization efforts on west coast, primarily in California and Oregon.

Jack received worldwide attention in recognition in the late 1980s and early 1990s for the publication of his seminal work, The Emperor Wears No Clothes, which has now sold over 600,000 copies — making it the most widely read marijuana law reform title ever published. The book’s tagline, “How hemp can still save the world,” introduced hundreds of thousands of activists to the environmental and industrial uses of cannabis, which in turn relaunched the modern day hemp movement and global hemp industry. While researching his book, Jack unearthed a copy of the long-lost United States Department of Agriculture film, “Hemp for Victory,” which documented the federal government’s previous support for domestic hemp cultivation.

Jack’s dedication to cannabis activism was the subject of the 1989 film documentary, The Emperor of Hemp. Shortly following the release of the film, Jack suffered a stroke, which temporarily limited his speech and mobility. However, by mid-2000 Herer appeared to have made almost a full recovery from his illness, a feat he credited to the power of hemp’s therapeutic properties.

Today Jack’s name and memory lives on in the hemp activism of the millions who were influenced by his words and passion. The popular cannabis strain Jack Herer also bears his name.

NORML expresses its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Jack Herer.

Denver's 3rd Annual 4/20 Rally

2010-04-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce that Allen St. Pierre The Executive Director of NORML and the NORML Foundation has agreed to spend the 4/20 Cannabis Holiday in Denver giving the keynote speech for us at the 3rd Annual Denver 4/20 Rally in Civic Center Park! Read more below in this weeks NORML's E-Zine!

FROM NORML.ORG:

Denver 4/20 Rally Fundraising Party At Casselman's! Help Fund A History-Making 4/20 Political Rally To End Prohibition!

Dear NORML Supporters in Colorado,

There will soon be more than just the smell of spring in the air on the Front Range! In just a few weeks there will be the smell of personal freedom at America's largest pro-cannabis law reform rally on 4/20!

I'm looking forward to joining the masses and speaking at this year's historic event in the state that has embraced cannabis law reform faster and stronger than any state in the last decade. The explosive growth in the popularity of Colorado's medical cannabis laws can and should be celebrated on what has virtually become a nationally recognized holiday for cannabis consumers.

Putting on massive rallies obviously takes a lot of resources and commitment from dedicated women and men who support the underlying social cause. The 4/20 rally costs a significant amount of money to properly stage, make secure, safe and clean, rent port-o-potties, promote, etc...

You can directly fund this year's 4/20 rally in Denver—the nation's largest 4/20 political rally—by attending a well-planned and exciting fundraising event at Casselman's in Denver on Friday night, April 9.

Admission costs are low ($5 for patients, $10 for non-patients) and part of the proceeds also help fund Mile High NORML's cannabis law reform advocacy efforts.

Enjoy the great entertainment at the 4/20 Rally Fundraiser this Friday and I'll see you on 4/20 in Denver.

Thanks, as always, for caring and sharing!

Kind regards,

Allen St. Pierre
Executive Director
NORML
Washington, D.C.
director@norml.org
NORML and the NORML Foundation: 1600 K Street NW, Suite 501, Washington DC, 20006-2832 Tel: (202) 483-5500 • Fax: (202) 483-0057 • Email: norml@norml.org

April 2nd and 3rd 2010: Colorado Cannabis Convention

2010-04-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Tickets are still on sale for only $15. This event is open to the public and there will be no medicine allowed on site.

Ken Gorman Marijuana Legalization Memorial Rally

2010-03-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

Ken Gorman was a marijuana activist who was shot and killed in his home on February 17, 2007 when he interrupted a burglary inside his marijuana garden and his killers have never been brought to justice. We remember Ken the best way we know how. By continuing his monthly rally at the capital. A rally that has been a proud part of our community in Denver for the last 15 years

Join us this Saturday March 27 and every last Saturday of the month after from 3-5pm @ Colorado State Capitol Building on the West Steps. Its conveniently located at the corner of Colfax and Lincoln in Denver. Signage and Costumes are always welcome!

Walmart Fires Cancer Patient for Legally Using Medical Marijuana

2010-03-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

Joseph Casias, 29, has sinus cancer and an inoperable brain tumor.

Despite his condition, he has dutifully gone to work every day for the last five years at a Walmart in Battle Creek, Michigan, where in 2008 he was named Associate of the Year.

Casias is also a legal medical marijuana patient under Michigan state law. He uses marijuana with the recommendation of his doctor to relieve the effects of cancer.

But Walmart, the world’s largest public corporation, has no sympathy for his condition or regard for Michigan’s state law. Last November, Walmart fired Casias because he tested positive for marijuana during a routine drug screening.

Here’s what a Walmart spokesman had to say:

“In states, such as Michigan, where prescriptions for marijuana can be obtained, an employer can still enforce a policy that requires termination of employment following a positive drug screen. We believe our policy complies with the law and we support decisions based on the policy.”

To add insult to injury, Walmart is now challenging Casias’ eligibility for unemployment. Simply outrageous. This is the thanks he gets for showing up to work and doing his job for the last five years, despite being stricken with a life-threatening illness. “I gave them everything,” Casias told a local news outlet. “One-hundred-ten percent every day. Anything they asked me to do I did. More than they asked me to do. Twelve to 14 hours a day.”

Sadly, the dilemma facing medical marijuana patients who still have no legal protection from being fired is nothing new.

Readers who would like to register a complaint with Walmart can find corporate contact information here.

PRESS RELEASE 03/03/2010

2010-03-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

Protest against HB-1284 at the Capitol

Event Coordinators:

Scott Greene 720-495-0766: scott@milehighnorml.org

Miguel Lopez 720-338-8766: mpedrolopez@yahoo.com

WHO: Mile High NORML, the Denver 420 Rally, the Cannabis Therapy Institute, and

the Colorado Coalition for Patients and Caregivers (CCPC)

WHAT: Protest Against HB1284

WHEN: 12PM, Thursday, March 4, 2010

WHERE: West Steps of the Capitol , 200 East Colfax Avenue

WHY: HB1284 would create an unnecessary state bureaucracy,

raise patients’ costs, and restrict their access to medicine

“My clients' lives literally depend on their access to medicine, and

we will fight any government proposal that would restrict supply

and raise costs, such as this proposal. “ Robert J. Corry

Assembly:

11:30AM Mingle with other activists

Speakers:

12:00PM Rob Corry, Cannabis Crusader and Defense Attorney

12:20PM Dr. Robert Melamede, Assoc. Professor at UCCS, CEO of Cannabis Science Inc.

12:40PM Miguel Lopez, Executive Director of Denver’s annual 4/20 Rally

1:00PM Robert Chase, Founder of CCPC

Action:

1:30PM Join us as at the House Judiciary Committee Hearing on HB1284

in the Old Supreme Court Chambers on the second floor of the Capitol

to show our opposition to the bill.

4:20PM Don’t want to spend all afternoon (and evening) in the Capitol?

Come march on the 16^th St. Mall!

Several important upcoming events this week

2010-03-01T09:27:00.000-08:00

TODAY MARCH 1

(After) 10AM: Second reading of SB109 in the House. This will be the first time there will be floor debate in the House on this bill.
This is an opportunity to hear Representatives' opinions about SB109, which infringes on the doctor-patient relationship.
Assemble in the House Galleries on the third floor. The Bill is 6th on the agenda but it should move though rather rapidly.

5PM - 6PM: Join Mile High NORML and others as they will Protest Against Denver City Council's Medical Marijuana Ordinance & Closure of Hundreds of Dispensaries in front of the Denver City & County Building, 1437 Bannock St.

The Denver City Council convenes at 5:30PM, so let's make some noise!

THURSDAY, MARCH 4

(after) 1:30PM: House Judiciary Committee Hearing on HB1284 in the Old Supreme Court Chambers.
This is the first public hearing on this bad legislation.

I have been told that all obnoxious provisions have been taken out of or soon will be removed from both bills -- I'll believe it when I see it!

Ken Gorman Memorial "420 Rally"

2010-02-27T09:48:00.000-08:00

Ken Gorman was a marijuana activist who was shot and killed in his home on February 17, 2007 when he interrupted a burglary inside his marijuana garden and his killers have never been brought to justice. We remember Ken the best way we know how. By continuing his monthly rally at the capital. A rally that has been a proud part of our community in Denver for the last 15 years

Join us Today from 3-5pm @ Colorado State Capitol Building on the West Steps. Its conveniently located at the corner of Colfax and Lincoln in Denver. Signage and Costumes are always welcome!

Colorado MMJ Patients/Caregivers URGENT CALL TO ACTION: House Bill 1284

2010-02-23T14:50:00.000-08:00

The Law Office of Robert J. Corry

Lauren C. Davis, co-counsel

600 17^th St. Suite 2800 Denver, CO 80202

(303) 634-2253 fax: (888) 319-1805

February 23, 2010

Dear Patients, Caregivers, and Supporters,

We are asking you to take action NOW to protect your rights under Amendment 20. The House Judiciary Committee will be considering House Bill 1284 at 1:30 p.m. on March 4 in the Old Supreme Court Chambers of the Capitol.

1) Mark the date on your calendars

2) Get the word out

3) Pack the room

But you cannot wait until then to make your voices heard. Lawmakers, lobbyists for large dispensaries and law enforcement are already in the back rooms making deals. You need to contact your local State Representatives IMMEDIATELY to arrange face to face meetings.

Meet with your elected officials directly or their staffs, but you must act NOW. You, the patients and caregivers, are best suited to explain how and why the bloated regulatory system being proposed will harm patients and destroy your caregiving plans.

This scary proposal:

- creates a bloated, multi-million dollar state licensing authority that will wipe you out of existence

- imposes a year-long statewide moratorium on new dispensaries and grow operations

- prohibits people convicted of any felony or drug misdemeanor, including simple possession of a joint, from being a caregiver

- allows local governments to ban medical marijuana facilities altogether

- re-imposes a Five Patient per caregiver limit

- obliterates your constitutional right against self incrimination

- violates your First Amendment rights

- provides that you can lose your medical marijuana license if any of your employees or agents violates any of the voluminous regulations or the law

- provides that patients can lose their licenses if their caregivers violate the law

- requires you to notify the State every time you hire or fire an employee, partner….

And these are just some of the horrors.

Caregivers need to educate lawmakers on why they cannot do it all. You successfully convinced the Board of Health why the mere provision of medical marijuana for a patient IS a significant responsibility. Now you need to get out there and convince your elected officials.

Caregivers who grow need to educate lawmakers about the difficulties of growing medical marijuana - the issues of strain nutrition, lighting, watering, pests, plant disease, etc.; why you need to be allowed to work with other caregivers to best help your patients (or if you ever want to go on vacation again); the hours and money involved, etc.

Caregivers that own dispensaries/ retail outlets must educate your lawmakers on the business aspects of caregiving and why you should be allowed to run your operation without government strangulation. Your business model will be wiped out of existence under this plan (all but those modeled on Harborside et.al. will be).

Patients – only you can help your lawmakers understand your plight. Why you don’t want the government to interfere in your selection of a caregiver; why you may want a caregiver who has a conviction for cultivation in his past; why you should not lose your medical marijuana rights if your caregiver violates the law.

Time is of the essence in this fight. This bill must be stopped. We will be sending out another email with additional talking points in the next few days. But schedule your meetings NOW.

To find contact information for your representatives, go to

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1165693060219&pagename=CO-Portal%2FPage%2FCXPStandardLayout Click on the search function that uses your zip code.

Forward this email, provide hard copies to your patients, and get the word out. You need to contact your State Representatives to convince them to VOTE NO on HB 1284 before it is too late. Remember, in our democracy, your elected officials work for YOU.

Gratefully Yours,

Lauren C. Davis

Robert J. Corry

Attorneys at Law

Attention Colorado: We Need You Today

2010-02-23T07:49:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week, SAFER asked you to call on Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper to replace Lt. Ernie Martinez on the Denver Marijuana Policy Review Panel after a letter was discovered in which he compared supporters of marijuana legalization to "a cancer eating away at society's resolve and moral fiber."

Hundreds of you sent messages to Mayor Hickenlooper, letting him know such a viewpoint completely contradicts the Panel's mission and that Lt. Martinez should be removed. To our knowledge he has not responded to you or to the media.

A response is needed, and if the Mayor isn't going to provide one, we will!

We need as many people as possible to attend the next meeting of the Denver Marijuana Policy Review Panel, which will be this coming Tuesday (2/23) at the Denver City and County Building (1437 Bannock St.). SAFER will be holding a news conference beforehand, which will begin at 3 p.m., so PLEASE arrive by 2:45 p.m. As Hickenlooper begins his campaign to become Colorado's next governor, we must make sure he knows...

WHAT: News conference and meeting of the Denver Marijuana Policy Review Panel

WHEN: This TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 2:45 p.m.

WHERE: In front of the Denver City and County Bldg, 1437 Bannock St. (map/directions)

WHY: To call on Mayor Hickenlooper to remove Lt. Ernie Martinez from the Panel and follow the will of Denver voters

After voters approved a new ordinance designating marijuana possession Denver's lowest law enforcement priority, Mayor Hickenlooper appointed a Panel to implement the new law "to the greatest extent possible." Why would he appoint Lt. Martinez -- an anti-marijuana crusader and the head of an organization fighting to keep marijuana illegal and wipe out medical marijuana -- to a panel that is working to reduce marijuana arrests and prosecutions?

One Love Festival/Caregivers' Cup Patient Empowerment Event

2010-02-20T23:47:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010
4:00 pm til 10:00 pm
Oriental Theater
4335 W 44th Ave
Denver, CO

The Colorado Cannabis Caregivers' Cup is a fun and humorous competition among legal patients and caregivers to see who has cultivated the "best" medicine. This competition will take place in conjunction with the "One Love, People Get Ready" entertainment event at the Oriental Theatre, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Caregivers Cooperative. So, in addition to getting to see some of Colorado's best medicines, you will get to hear great music, speakers and meet a lot of other patients and caregivers.

CANNABIS CAREGIVERS' CUP MEDICINE ENTRIES
If you are proud of your garden. here are the rules:
1) You must be a legal Colorado patient or caregiver.
2) A $50 donation or equivalent raffle items will be requested for your entry.
3) You must provide 28 grams of your medicine in a glass jar. All medicine will be photographed, so pick your most photogenic buds. Medicine will not be returned but will be donated to needy patients.
4) Entries must be received between 4:00pm and 5:00pm at the Oriental Theatre on Feb. 21.
5) Each medicine jar must have a label which includes:
Name: Cultivator's name as they would like to be credited publicly.
Strain:
Method grown:
Indoor or outdoor:
Elevation grown:
Organic or non-organic:
Medicinal testimonials: What conditions does this strain work well for?

JUDGING
Judging: The judges will be all the legal patients at the event. To be a patient-judge, we are requesting a $25 donation. Each patient will be given a scorecard. Since different cannabis strains are used to treat so many different conditions, judging the "best" medicine would be impossible. Therefore, we will judge the medicine based on aesthetic properties. Awards will be given in these categories: Most Photogenic, Best Aroma and the coveted Patient's Choice Award.

AWARD
The winner of the Patient's Choice Award will win an APPLE IPAD (suggested retail $499.)

VENDOR TABLES:
Want to table at the event? Click here to submit an application.

MEDICINE
Medicine-dispensing and medicine-combustion will not be allowed at this event. However, the Rocky Mountain Caregivers Cooperative will have vaporizers available for legal patients and "pot luck" food contributions will be donated to share.

Please note: This is a private, not a public, event. Access is limited only to legal patients and caregivers showing positive, affirmative defense as provided by the Colorado Department of Health Medical Marijuana Registry, as well as accompanying state-issued photo identification at the door. This is solely an educational gathering. Absolutely no medication will be dispensed on site. Rules prohibit any discussion of specific instances of securing medication with "no drug dealing" allowed in "any way, shape or form" onsite during this event. We reserve the right to refuse entry to this private gathering.

This event is sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Caregivers Cooperative.
http://www.meetup.com/North-Denver-Medical-Marijuana-Discussion-Group/

All proceeds will go to support the Rocky Mountain Caregivers Cooperative and the fight against repressive legislation that would deny safe access to medicine for patients.

Attention Colorado Patients Rally Today!

2010-02-17T22:39:00.000-08:00

The President is coming to town and we will joining Sensible Colorado today across the street from the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver at High NOON in Protest of the latest DEA raids in Colorado...

According to SensibleColorado.org

Medical Marijuana Patients and Supporters to Rally at President Obama Event

DENVER, CO — On Thursday, February 18, at an event to be attended by President Obama, medical marijuana patients and supporters will participate in a protest of the continuing federal raids of medical marijuana patients and providers in Colorado. This event is a response to the recent Drug Enforcement Administration raids of two front-range medical marijuana testing facilities and the Feb. 12 raid of a licensed medical marijuana grower in Highlands Ranch.

“These DEA raids are out of compliance with both the will of Colorado voters and that of the White House,” said Brian Vicente, event organizer and director of Sensible Colorado. “In particular, the recent, armed raid and arrest of licensed medical marijuana provider Chris Bartkowicz, highlights the rogue nature of the regional DEA office. “President Obama needs to be made aware of this agency’s miscreant actions.”

Colorado voters passed a medical marijuana law in 2000. In October, 2009, the Department of Justice issued a memo instructing federal agents to refrain from focusing resources on the arrest and prosecution of individuals following state medical marijuana laws. That memo is available here.

WHAT: Medical Marijuana Protest at Event Attended by President Obama
WHO: **PHOTO-OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE** with Sign-Waving Medical Marijuana Patient, Providers, and Supporters.
WHEN: Thursday, February 18 from Noon - 1:00 PM
WHERE: Across from the Fillmore Auditorium, at the corner of Colfax and Clarkson in Denver, CO.

See Everyone There!

DEA: Colorado marijuana dispensaries are illegal

2010-02-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

The Associated Press

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — The top Drug Enforcement Administration officer in Denver says marijuana dispensaries that are popping up across the state are illegal.

Federal agents raided the home of a marijuana grower who spoke publicly about his large and profitable operation in his basement. DEA agents arrested Chris Bartkowicz at his Highlands Ranch home Friday during a raid in which agents seized dozens of marijuana plants.

Denver DEA Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Sweetin says marijuana is not medicine and is still illegal under federal law. Sweetin said he's been gathering information on dispensary owners and their operations for months.

"Technically, every dispensary in the state is in blatant violation of federal law," Sweetin told The Denver Post. "The time is coming when we go into a dispensary, we find out what their profit is, we seize the building and we arrest everybody. They're violating federal law; they're at risk of arrest and imprisonment."

The raids and Sweetin's comments come nearly four months after Deputy U.S. Attorney General David Ogden sent a memo advising federal law enforcement that people using medical marijuana in "clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws" not be targeted for arrest.

Sweetin said the memo deals with medical marijuana patients and small-scale growers, not commercial enterprises. Guidelines in the memo call for examining the number of plants and the profits that exceed what state law intended in determining which ones are illegal, Sweetin said.

Parts of an interview Bartkowicz gave to Denver station KUSA-TV for a story that was to air Friday night were published in The Denver Post.

"I'm definitely living the dream now," he said before his arrest of his marijuana growing operation that he hoped would turn profits in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

U.S. Attorney spokesman Jeff Dorschner said Bartkowicz would remain in custody through the holiday weekend before prosecutors decide Tuesday whether to file charges.

Meanwhile, about 95 miles south of Denver, jurors in Pueblo Saturday were deliberating a case that could clarify limits on how much medical marijuana users could grow.

Prosecutors Anthony Marzavas and Steve Jones argued that 55-year-old Thomas Sexton used language in the state's constitutional amendment to manipulate the system to get more plants than needed. Sexton faces marijuana cultivation and possession charges.

"That's as simple as it gets," Jones said during closing statements Friday. "This is not a movement, it's a trial, and the law still exists that makes this a felony."

Police seized 128 marijuana plants when Sexton's home was raided in August 2007. Colorado's voter-approved medical marijuana law allows users to have 2 ounces of marijuana or six plants, but allows more under certain circumstances.

During his trial, Sexton told the jury that he uses medical marijuana because of pain caused by metal plates and braces screwed into his right femur following a 2004 skiing accident. Sexton said he also provided marijuana for six patients, saying he and two others had a doctor's recommendation for additional marijuana.

Two of those patients testified that they eat their marijuana or distill the plant in oil or butter and use it as a topical solution, requiring more plants than if they smoked it.

Both cases come as medical marijuana proponents call for lawmakers to establish clear rules for dispensaries.

"All we're trying to do is follow the rules," said Matt Brown, executive director of Coloradans for Medical Marijuana Regulation.

Meet Michelle Leonhart...

2010-01-31T23:18:00.000-08:00

She was the current deputy administrator and a former Bush appointee and when President Obama could find anyone to replace her, he promoted her to Chief Deputy Director.

Professional speaking she is a outstanding officer, Jim Braseth, a legendary DEA chief in the Twin Cities said, “If you could look in the dictionary for the definition of a federal drug agent, you’d find Michele’s picture.” She worked her way through the ranks as a field agent and then into the management side of the agency. She had stints in across the county and most recently in California. Where her time in Los Angeles coincided with the beginning of the federal war against California's medical marijuana law, and as acting administrator, she blocked researchers from being able to grow their own marijuana for medical research, effectively blocking the research.

As head of the DEA last year, Leonhart spent more than $123,000 of taxpayer money to charter a private plane for a trip to Colombia, rather than using one of the 106 they already own. That's right the DEA owns 106 airplanes.

"It's disappointing that we didn't see anyone other than a career narcotics officer and DEA employee get the nomination," said Allen St. Pierre NORML Executive Director "But considering that his choice is a groundbreaking at DEA, perhaps there is a certain degree of political correctness for Obama. Leonhart is acceptable to conservatives because she comes from the DEA ranks, and at the same time, as a black woman who has risen from street officer to head of the DEA, she is certainly heralded by many in the Congressional Black Caucus."

Allen St. Pierre also noted that "Since last May's executive order on preemption and the October Justice Department memo on medical marijuana, it doesn't look like the DEA has really interfered very much with these dispensaries, especially in places like Montana and Colorado, where there were none and now there are hundreds," he said. "It looks like Leonhart has abated a bit compared to the marching orders she was under when she was first named acting administrator."

"It's possible she will change her tune on getting orders from above," said Dale Gieringer, head of California NORML. "I don't know to what extent she was taking orders from above on indefensible things like deciding to disallow the research at UMass.

"We've been waiting for change ever since Obama got elected, we're still sitting here with the same Bush-appointed US Attorneys, we were hoping at least he would appoint a new DEA administrator, but no. That really shows political cowardice at the top level, I think." Gieringer said

Mile High NORML feels that the promotion of Ms. Leonhart is a slap in the face to all cannabis consumers. There were several other qualified candidates, whose way of thinking is that of a new president and his administration not of the old.

Whats with all the buzz about Casselmans Bar and Venue???

2010-01-31T11:57:00.000-08:00

Casselmans Bar and Venue 26th and Walnut is the newest indoor concert venue and soon to be Denver Medical Marijuana Card Holders favorite new watering hole on Sunday afternoons. Located just outside of LoDo nestled next to a sausage manufacture, a spa and a wellness center, The Casselmans Venue will soon help fill a void in Denver that will soon need to be desperately need to be filled. A safe place were patients can medicate and socialize in a relaxed friendly environment inside.

January Rally Tomorrow

2010-01-29T17:08:00.000-08:00

Please join Mile High NORML and The Denver 420 Rally group this Saturday January 30th on the west steps of the Colorado Capitol from 3-5pm for our Monthly Marijuana Legalization Rally!

Simple solution to everything... Grow your own!

2010-01-27T21:08:00.000-08:00

SB-109 Moves Forward

The first attempt to un-lawfully reform Colorado's medical marijuana industry moved forward today out of committee and into the Senate after 200 people pack a large courtroom and 60 people, mainly patients, spent 2 hours sharing there life story.

The first bill, sponsored by Sen Romer is SB109, and it deals only with the doctors patient relationship. The 2nd proposed bull oops i meant bill, has no sponsor (now i understand that i'm rather new at all this and i missed most of civics class but how can a bill be introduced with no sponsor???) and has not yet been proposed, as of yet. It was cleverly drafted by the County Sheriffs of Colorado Association. This bill deals with a few really key things but most importantly, the number of patients that a caregiver is allowed to have. Right now there is no limit to the number of patients a caregiver can have, but the bill will limit that number to a 5 patient limit per caregiver, thus killing all dispensaries.

Today the Senate Health and Human Services Committee only took on the doctor patient relationship and didn't touch the dispensary portion of the bill.

For the record Mile High NORML DOES NOT SUPPORT SB-109 in its entirety.

Some serious items are need to be removed and or changed before it is something that patients and future patients will be comfortable with.

One of the new provision of the bill would have forced people under 21 to get the approval of two doctors before being allowed access to medical marijuana.Luckily this provision was later removed by the members of the senate committee.

Senate Bill 109 also would redefine the term "bona-fide physician-patient relationship" from Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution (Colorado's Medical Marijuana Law).

The new definition requires the patient to receive a full physical exam by a physician in order to obtain a Medical Marijuana Registry Card. In addition, "follow-up care and treatment" by that same physician would be required every year.

This will dramatically increase the cost of of a Medical Marijuana Registry card to the medical marijuana patient. Patients who are for the most part on a fixed income.

SB109
- Raises the costs to patients by requiring extra exams and record keeping
- Raises the costs to patients by not allowing their previous medical history to be used to determine whether they would benefit from medical marijuana
- Restricts the rights of patients to use their doctor of there choosing
- Is discriminatory, because no other medicine in the state or nation is regulated so
harshly

The committee finally voted to approve the bill, 6-1

Sen. Romer pledged to work with patients to address some of the affordability issues that this bill would cause. He acknowledged that the bill isn't perfect, but said, to the displeasure of the crowd, that it is the "the beginning of the end of the wild west."

Colorado Senate Health and Human Services Committee

2010-01-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

We need to defeat SB109* in Committee. If we do, this may stop the onslaught of other bills coming from law enforcement. If SB109 passes, it may be the beginning of the end for patients' safe access to their medicine in Colorado, as more and more restrictive bills will be introduced. Please join us, All together in show of support!

What: Health and Human Services Committee Hearing on SB109
When: Wed., Jan. 27 @ 11:00 a.m.
Where: Capitol's Old Supreme Court Chambers
2nd Floor on the North Side of the Capitol

For last-minute updates and changes, call the Bill Room:
(303) 866-3055

SB109
- Raises the costs to patients by requiring extra exams and record keeping
- Raises the costs to patients by not allowing their previous medical history to be used to determine whether they would benefit from medical marijuana
- Restricts the rights of patients to use their own doctor
- Allows a Medical Review Board to override the decision of a qualified physician that someone under 21 might benefit from the use of medical marijuana.
- Is discriminatory, because no other medicine in the state is regulated so
harshly

Click here for a detailed analysis:
http://www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com/bills/sb109.html

Click here to read the bill:
http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2010a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont/AA035E5DDDFB3136872576A8002B8BBD?Open&file=109_01.pdf

*CALL TODAY -- CALL TODAY -- CALL TODAY -- CALL TODAY*

*Senate Health and Human Services Committee*

Senator Betty Boyd (D), Chairwoman
District 21: (Jefferson County)
Phone: (303) 866-4857
E-mail: betty.boyd.senate@state.co.us

Senator Linda Newell (D), Vice-Chairman
Distirct 26 (Arapahoe and Jefferson counties)
Phone:: 303-866-4846
E-mail: linda.newell.senate@gmail.com

Senator Morgan Carroll (D)
District 29 (Arapahoe County)
Profession: Attorney/Small Business Owner
Phone: : 303-866-4879
E-mail: morgan.carroll.senate@state.co.us

Senator Kevin Lundberg (R)
Phone: 303-866-4853
E-mail: kevin@kevinlundberg.com

Senator Shawn Mitchell (D)
District 23 (Adams, Broomfield and Weld counties)
Profession: Attorney
Phone: 303-866-4876
E-mail: shawnmitch@aol.com

Senator Paula E. Sandoval (D)
Profession: Businesswoman
Phone:: 303-866-4862
E-mail: nwden34@yahoo.com

Senator David C. Schultheis (R)
District 9 (El Paso)
Profession: Real Estate Investor (Retired)
Phone: 303-866-4835
E-mail: senatorschultheis@gmail.com

*COPY AND REPOST THIS ALERT*

Send copies of any letters you send to us at:
info@cannabistherapyinstitute.com

*CALL TODAY -- CALL TODAY -- CALL TODAY -- CALL TODAY*

Provided as a Public Service by the:
Cannabis Therapy Institute
P.O. Box 19084, Boulder, CO 80308
Phone: 877-420-4205
Web: http://www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com
Email: info@cannabistherapyinstitute.com

SAFER launches nationwide boycott of Starbucks

2010-01-24T23:38:00.000-08:00

Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee has contributed to the Colorado Drug Investigators Association, the lobbying group spearheading the anti-marijuana effort in the state of Colorado. And Mason Tvert, the head of SAFER (Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation), and everyone at Mile High NORML has called for a boycott of Starbucks Coffee and several other business around the neighborhood.

According to S.A.F.E.R.

According to a recent report in The Denver Post , state and federal law enforcement officials have been meddling in Colorado's legislative process in hopes of rolling back the state's progress toward safer, more rational marijuana laws. As a result, bills are being introduced on their behalf, which threaten to shut down every medical marijuana dispensary in the state and allow these officials to continue harassing medical marijuana patients.

In particular, the Colorado Drug Investigators Association (CDIA), the group spearheading anti-marijuana lobbying efforts, is sponsored by several local and national businesses including Starbucks Coffee, Glock handguns, and -- you guessed it -- members of the alcohol industry! This might seem a bit odd, but when you consider the fact that their Web site and merchandise features the grim reaper and military helicopters, a skull motif, and the slogan, "Death on Drugs," it all makes a little more sense. These guys are not out to protect people; they're out to fight a literal war on marijuana, ensuring alcohol -- the substance that contributes most to the crime and violence that keeps them busy -- is the only legal recreational drug available.

Reefer Madness by Congressman Mike Coffman

2010-01-24T22:56:00.000-08:00

Dear _____

Thank you for contacting my office regarding House Resolution 1866. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me on the issue and the opportunity to respond.

H.R. 1866, the industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2009, provides for the legalization of the growing of Cannabis sativa L for industrial purposes, such as for the use in the production of hemp milk. While the crop does have the potential for significant amounts of legal, positive usage, some individuals would likely abuse the legalization of the crop. It is unfortunate that the abuse of some prevents the safe and healthy usage of Americans like you. Do to the fact that marijuana is a fundamentally dangerous drug, and because it poses a threat to our youth and communities, I believe it must remain classified as a controlled substance, and therefore illegal to grow as a cash crop.

Thank you for taking the time to contact me. Please visit my website at www.coffman.house.gov if you would like to contact me on another issue, or for further information on the legislation that i am sponsoring, press releases, and my stance on other issue important to you.

Sincerely,
Michael Coffman
Member of Congress

Our friends at Ganja Gourmet brought this to our attention earlier this week...

2010-01-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

BOYCOTT Weedmaps!!!

We need your help in telling Weedmaps they screwed up by shutting down the free listing for businesses who decided not to use the paid listings and features. There are now too many competitors for Weedmaps to get away with this!

If you have a true story to tell about Weedmaps screwing with you because you wouldn't pay their extortion fees, then please join our group and tell your story!

Please join the Weedmaps BOYCOTT Group!

The Ganja Gourmet - America's First MMJ Restaurant & Dispensary, though only one month old, had already received seven great reviews by MMJ Patients that used the Weedmaps Reviews. The first week of the year a representive called the Ganja Gourmet and spoke to the webmaster and informed him that Weedmaps was going to have a new program where you could get a better listing than the free listing and it was only $295.00 per month. The Ganja Gourmet webmaster informed the Weedmaps rep that $295 was way too high a monthly price and it would not be paid and the free listing would be fine.

A little more than a week later, the Ganja Gourmet can not be found via the Weedmaps' search engine and their Ganja Gourmet page is now 404!

This is nothing more than extortion and no one within the MMJ community should put up with this! How can anyone in the MMJ community believe a "review website" if that website is swaying the information by the money it recieves by its customers?

Mile High NORML Statement on Rep. Massey Threat

2010-01-15T19:15:00.001-08:00

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Mile High NORML Statement on Rep. Massey Threat

We at Mile High NORML would like to express our disappointment at the counter-productive threat made against Rep. Tom Massey and his family. This despicable act is NOT the way Mile High NORML would like to see this debate conducted. Personal threats will not provide medicine for any patients or help people who do not understand the benefits of Medical Marijuana become any more enlightened. We respect Rep. Massey's opinion on medical marijuana. Even though we may disagree with him and his legislative actions in that regard, we certainly do not condone threats or violence of any kind. In fact those sorts of behaviors are exactly what we stand against. Our thoughts go out to Rep. Tom Massey and his family in this time. We wish only that they remain safe so that this debate may continue in an appropriate and fruitful manner.

Scott Greene
Director Mile High NORML

Marijuana advocates blast lawmakers at Denver rally

2010-01-14T18:45:00.001-08:00

We had to rebound quick and I think we did. Since our ass kicking the other night at the Denver City Council (13-0 vote to regulate dispensaries in city limits) we couldn't stand around and let State lawmakers change and or regulate any part of Amendment 20 and the Colorado Constitution.

The State would love to CAP all caregiver limits to 5 patients thus attempting to wipe out the dispensary business and several other individuals who have invested there life savings into so 250 marijuana advocates expressed there anger today over lawmakers and there decision to regulate.

Denver Post Coverage:
Marijuana advocates who rallied across the street from the state Capitol today had sharp words for lawmakers considering regulations for Colorado's booming medical-marijuana industry.

"Keep your grubby hands off of medical marijuana!" activist Robert Chase shouted toward the Capitol.

Fox 31 Pics

About 200 advocates attended the rally — which was timed to begin once Gov. Bill Ritter finished giving his State of the State speech. Many of the speakers at the rally blasted legislative proposals to strongly regulate or effectively outlaw the state's growing number of retail medical-marijuana dispensaries. A number of speakers urged cannabis advocates to contact elected officials to lobby for their cause — though they often cast the relationship between advocate and lawmaker as an adversarial one.

"We deserve a seat at that table," prominent medical-marijuana attorney Robert Corry said. "And if they don't give us a seat at that table, well, I've got a flame-thrower we can use to deal with that table."
Marijuana advocates blast lawmakers at Denver rally

AP Coverage:
Medical Marijuana Advocates To Rally At Capitol

DENVER (AP) ― Medical marijuana advocates want to let Colorado lawmakers know what they think about proposals to regulate or limit the booming pot industry.

Advocates rallied on the Capitol's West Steps at 11:30 a.m. Thursday — just as Gov. Bill Ritter should be wrapping up his annual State of the State speech inside the building.

Lawmakers are considering legislation to prevent dispensaries from paying doctors who determine who can become legal medical users of marijuana in Colorado.

Another proposal could limit the number of people a medical marijuana caregiver can supply. Attorney General John Suthers supports that approach.
Medical Marijuana Advocates To Rally At Capitol

Denver City Council

2010-01-11T14:50:00.001-08:00

Tonight the Denver City Council will hear the 2nd reading of Charlie Brown's proposed medical marijuana bill for the city. Public comment is welcomed and there will be no standing room so if you plan on speaking please arrive early.

Denver City and County Building 1437 Bannock St
Room: 450
Time: 5:30pm

Chris Romer says he's backing off MMJ regulations

2010-01-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

Late Saturday State Senator Chris Romer says in a letter written to Huffington Post, after months of trying he will back off in his attempts to regulate Colorado's fast growing medical marijuana industry. Kind of. He plans on ditching his initial 64 page bill and instead he will be sponsoring two separate bills. The first bill he will sponsor will be in the Colorado Senate, dealing solely with the need for a meaningful doctor patient relationship to get a medical marijuana referral and the creation of a 24-hour per day registry for patients. The second bill dealing with dispensaries and growing operations will start in the House and most likely will be very similar to the Sheriff Association's proposed legislation, including a five patient cap per caregiver.

Original Huffington Post Article Colorado Medical Marijuana: A Whiff of Greed May Cost Janice Her MMJ

Letter from Pat Steadman State Senator, District 31 to one of our members re: our Jan 14 Off the Steps and into the House Rally

2010-01-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

Hello Mr. Chengelis:

Thanks for contacting me to advise me of this event. Several things you should know:

First, Thursday the 14th is the day of the Governor’s annual “State of the State” address. That’s why the media will be all over the building. It also means the House and Senate will be meeting in joint session that morning to hear his address, and we won’t be able to interact with constituents during the speech. The building is always quite crowded on the day of this speech, and security is heightened. Neither chamber usually conducts business on the floor after the conclusion of the speech, and the speech sometimes extends into the lunch hour. I’m not sure why you’ve selected this date for this event, but you’re going to face some logistical challenges and the news media will be focused primarily on the Governor and your event will likely be portrayed as a side-show. You’ll get press, but the event will likely be upstaged by other news.

Importantly, I’m a strong supporter of Amendment 20 and will be working to ensure that legislation to regulate caregivers, dispensaries and growers does not restrict access or violate the terms of our state constitution. I hope you will count me as an ally. I also support de-criminalization, but I don’t see the legislature going that far this year. Instead, I will be carrying sentencing reform legislation for drug possession offenses that eases some the criminal penalties by increasing the quantities that determine the severity of the offense (e.g. increases the amount that is a petty offense up to four ounces and a misdemeanor from 4 to 16 ounces). A small step perhaps, but in the right direction.

Finally, I appreciate your instructions to the people attending this event to be prepared to be respectful and professional. I hope that will be the case. I’m sensing a certain skittishness among many of my colleagues in the legislature about the topic, and I hope this event doesn’t push people in the wrong direction. At a time when the right to medical use is facing a serious threat, I worry about overloading the legislature with messages concerning legalization or hemp.

Hope I’m not coming off as too much of a Nervous Nellie, but I thought you might like to know the context for the event and the potential for it to not be effective, or worse, backfire.

I am the state senator for downtown, so please make a point to try and find me while you’re there next Thursday and introduce yourself. I’ll look forward to our conversation.
___________________________

Pat Steadman
State Senator, District 31
1257 Corona St.
Denver, CO 80218
303-866-4861 (Capitol)
303-861-1514 (home)
720-530-7047 (mobile)
http://www.PatSteadman.com

January 14th Rally: Off The Steps & Into The House

2010-01-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

Cannabis re-legalization activists have been rallying on the West Steps of the Colorado State Capitol Building, also known as the State House for years. This year, the state legislature is going to try and restrict medical marijuana patients' access to their Constitutionally protected cannabis medicine. Now normally we hold our Rallies on the West Steps. We had the permit for said area but the state moved us across the street to the Veteran's Memorial in Civic Center Park (between Lincoln and Broadway to the East and West with Colfax Ave and 15th Ave to the North and South). Their reasoning being it was media day at the Capitol and our normal rally area would be full of media satellite vehicles. It's all good! We are only been moved across the street and with the media on hand, we have been basically handed the Golden Apple massive "free media!"

This rally has it's usual litany of Colorado Pro-Marijuana Speakers
Rob Corry, Brian Vicente, Mason Tvert, Dr Bob Melamede, Tim Martin, Paul Saurini, Warren Edson, and others, however here is the twist.

After the rally we are going "INTO THE HOUSE" and do a meet and greet with our elected representatives. En masse, can you dig it. We will be making marijuana history.

Now although everything I have written so appears to be medical marijuana driven, not...!!!

This event is open to all. If you are a Medical, Recreational, and Commercial (Hemp) marijuana activist, believer, voter, concerned citizen, etc, please attend. This is it folks, the stars are in our favor and the time is NOW...!!!

Rules of Engagement:

1. Come dressed to impress - Remember you will be meeting your legislators or their representatives.

2. Know your talking points when you do meet whoever.

3. Have you wants and demands in writing with your name and address so they can get back with you.

This is not a drill but the real deal!

Legalize, Regulate, Tax, medical, recreational, and commercial (hemp) marijuana with the self determination to grow your own marijuana.

This rally is sponsored by:

Mile High NORML
Cannabis Therapy Institute
Denver 420 Rally Team
Yippie
US Marijuana Party of Colorado

INVITE, INVITE, INVITE

Strength in numbers and numbers do speak...!!!

Also this is not your typical marijuana rally, kids unless you are going in to see your representatives this is not an open invitation for a pot party and a chance to skip school. We want responsibility to rule the day, the whole world is watching. Adults, plan ahead to leave or miss work...!!!

Happy New Year Colorado

2009-12-31T10:10:00.000-08:00

Its has been a great first year and we would like to thank everyone who helped make this year such a huge success for us. 2009 was the most productive year by far for NORML and Marijuana Legalization across the Nation, but the outlook for 2010 appears to be shaping up to be a even better year and we plan on being there every step of the way in Colorado! And to close the year out a grand note, there was a huge victory for patients and caregivers throughout the state yesterday in the city of southern suburb of Centennial. Colorado newest city closed the doors of Canna Mart, a medical marijuana dispensary located on Arapaho Rd. late last year. Yesterday An Arapahoe County judge Wednesday barred the city of Centennial from shutting down any medical marijuana dispensary, saying the city had no right to use federal law as a pretext for doing so. "The city of Centennial cannot use the potential violation of a federal law to order a business legally operating under our state constitution to cease and desist its business," District Judge Christopher Cross said in his ruling from the bench...

A BIG Thank You goes out to District Judge Christopher Cross and his Ground Breaking decision yesterday!

Read Full Story

Where is America’s Cannabis Capital?

2009-12-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

From NORML Blog

Because of the numerous media reports and typical Hollywood hype many close observers would immediately place the city of Los Angeles as America’s cannabis capital. Or maybe they’d guess that ever-cannabis tolerant San Francisco must be it. Possibly, ‘Oaksterdam’? but they'd be wrong...

Based on the size of the populations and number of reported medical cannabis dispensaries by each city’s respective City Council, America’s cannabis capital is….drum roll please, And the winner is

Denver Colorado

Los Angeles – 1,000 dispensaries for a population of 9,862,049 = 1 dispensary per 9,862 people

Denver – 198 dispensaries for a population of 598,707 = 1 dispensary per 3,023 people

Cannabis Hope for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

2009-12-22T08:58:00.000-08:00

With articles like, Marijuana Damages DNA And May Cause Cancer and another article that stated "New Test Reveals Cannabis Damages Young Brains More Than Originally Thought, Study Finds Hardly anything that the website, Science Daily says is creditable and its usually a bunch of B.S. but every once in a while they'll post a little gold...

ScienceDaily (Dec. 21, 2009) — Chemicals found in cannabis could prove an effective treatment for the inflammatory bowel diseases Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease, say scientists.

Laboratory tests have shown that two compounds found in the cannabis plant -- the cannabinoids THC and cannabidiol -- interact with the body's system that controls gut function.

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which affect about one in every 250 people in Northern Europe, are caused by both genetic and environmental factors. The researchers believe that a genetic susceptibility coupled with other triggers, such as diet, stress or bacterial imbalance, leads to a defective immune response.

Dr Karen Wright, Peel Trust Lecturer in Biomedicine at Lancaster University, presented her soon-to-be published work at The British Pharmacological Society's Winter Meeting in London.

She said: "The lining of the intestines provides a barrier against the contents of the gut but in people with Crohn's Disease this barrier leaks and bacteria can escape into the intestinal tissue leading to an inappropriate immune response.

"If we could find a way to restore barrier integrity in patients we may be able to curb the inflammatory immune response that causes these chronic conditions."

Dr Wright, working with colleagues at the School of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health in Derby, has shown that cells that react to cannabinoid compounds play an important role in normal gut function as well as the immune system's inflammatory response.

"The body produces its own cannabinoid molecules, called endocannabinoids, which we have shown increase the permeability of the epithelium during inflammation, implying that overproduction may be detrimental," said Dr Wright.

"However, we were able to reverse this process using plant-derived cannabinoids, which appeared to allow the epithelial cells to form tighter bonds with each other and restore the membrane barrier."

The research was carried out using cell cultures in a dish but, interestingly, when the team attempted to mimic the conditions of the gut by reducing the amount of oxygen in the cells' environment, much lower concentrations of cannabinoid were needed to produce the same effect.

Dr Wright added: "What is also encouraging is that while THC has psychoactive properties and is responsible for the 'high' people experience when using cannabis, cannabidiol, which has also proved effective in restoring membrane integrity, does not possess such properties."

Science Daily

Doctors group backs marijuana for medical uses

2009-12-21T09:26:00.000-08:00

Good Day, Hope everyone's weekend was fantastic and filled with cannabis!!!

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A leading U.S. doctors group has endorsed using marijuana for medical purposes, urging the government to roll back a prohibition on using it to treat patients and supporting studies into its medical applications.

The American College of Physicians, the second-largest doctors group in the United States, issued a policy statement on medical marijuana this week after it was approved by its governing body, the group said on Friday.

The group cited evidence that marijuana is valuable in treating severe weight loss associated with AIDS, and nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients.

"Additional research is needed to clarify marijuana's therapeutic properties and determine standard and optimal doses and routes of delivery. Unfortunately, research expansion has been hindered by a complicated federal approval process, limited availability of research-grade marijuana and the debate over legalization," the group said. Reuters

Denver Safety committee hears Charlie Brown's latest pot proposal

2009-12-16T09:43:00.000-08:00

Denver city councilman is back proposing his new medical marijuana regulation bill picking up where they left off two weeks ago on Dec2.

Since December 1st 194 medical marijuana dispensaries have filed for there city tax license and the city thinks that they need to step up regulate the area thinking themselves as pioneers creating an ordinance that other cities can follow.

First up was on-site consumption which I was personally interested because me and many others enjoy the fact that we can go into a safe and friendly place and medicate but the council members feel a bit differently Charlie Brown was quoted saying "I do not believe we should allow it," Brown says. "I do not believe that's what the voters had in mind in 2000 -- to have cannabis clubs on-site. Let's get ready for a big discussion on this one."

Patients can go to any number of dispensaries purchase there medicine and safely medicate on site out of the public view while they socialize with other patients, something that they may not have been able to do if they were got there medicine on the black market or the "streets" but councilman Brown would like to see this stopped, claiming that it is "dangerous to let them leave the site, while intoxicated, where they are likely to enter a automobile and maybe cause harm to or others and or themselves" That's when Councilman Chris Nevitt stepped up and mentioned that the city allows bars where patrons are able to leave after consuming at times dangerous levels and enter a auto no questions asked. Still the other council members didn't agree. They did agree to ban consumption on-site. Moving forward

Next on the agenda was the Buffer Zone. A date of December 1st was proposed but the date January 1st and 1,000 ft was approved. This means that a dispensary after Jan 1st will not be allowed to operate within 1,000 ft of a day care center, and level public school any libraries or city recreation centers, trying to keep them from eyes of children that use those facilities, even tho there is no restrictions on any Denver ordinances regarding restaurants that serve alcohol near any of these kinds of business. Irregardless the council approved the measure on a 5-4 vote. Moving on...

Up next was the smell. Now i know for a fact that no business in Denver is regulated by way of smell. I work hundred yards from the Purina Dog Food Plant in Commerce City and that is by far the smelliest place in and or around Denver. I can smell that horrible smell at my house downtown on some mornings if the wind is blowing in from the north. And finally the city council agrees with me. They dont regualte any other business regarding odor and they are not re-inventing the wheel here and there not going to start with the medical marijuana industry. "I don't think we do that for anyone else" Chairman Linkhart says and a spokesman from the Department of Environmental Health said "Odor is primarily a nuisance issue," he says. "We don't make a distinction as to the quality of the odor."

Next up was cultivation on site. Now this is where I tend to agree with the council members on this one. I dont like to see any kinds of grows on-site. First off if the Feds do come down on you and close the location they will not also close your grow down and then it also keeps the criminals who prey on marijuana clinics because they think there is a large amount of product or plants inside away from you and your customers but the item is removed from the proposal by Chris Nevitt proposes removing section H in 24-408, which refers to cultivation and Linkhart agreed and it was removed.

With that they concluded for the day and the year. The proposal will go to the Mayor/Council meeting next week, with a first reading at Denver City Council on January 4 and a public hearing January 11.

"In the meantime, members of the public are welcome to contact us," Linkhart concludes.

Please take the time out of your day and contact Councilman Brown and let him know what you think Charlie Brown Councilman 303-871-0601

Cannabis Holiday Health Fair

2009-12-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at the Holiday Inn in Denver, over 40 Cannabusiness, 2 lawmakers and thousands of people gathered for the first ever Cannabis Holiday Health Fair brought us by the amazing and hardworking Laura Kriho of Cannabis Therapy Institute or C.T.I.

“It’s really exciting to nurture the little seeds and introduce ourselves to the community and show how professional we are and how important we are to the economy, I think we’ve done that very successfully.” Kriho told the reporter of Denver Daily News. One of the several news agency's in the city to cover the event

And even though they might not like each other personally, The two Colorado lawmakers who have been leading the push to regulate the industry — Denver City Councilman Charlie Brown and Sen. Chris Romer, D-Denver — both made appearances at the fair.

Romer meet one on one with several patients and talked with attendees and defended his bill to an often-disagreeing crowd. Brown also made the rounds talking with businesses and attendees stopping at our table only only for seconds, to get an ear full of complaints regarding his city proposal's.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this an amazing event and one I hope to see every year here on out as we move into 2010 and another step closure to Freedom!

3 time Iditarod champ admits to using Cannabis

2009-12-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen the coldest sport on earth???

Three-time Iditarod champion Lance Mackey may have to mush without marijuana in next year’s race.

Iditarod Trail Committee officials have announced plans to test mushers for drugs and alcohol in March. Officials haven’t decided who will get tested, or when, where and how it will be done. “It might be random. It might be a group of mushers at a specific checkpoint,” said Stan Hooley, executive director of the committee.

Alaska law allows for personal possession of up to one ounce of marijuana, provided the use occurs at home. In addition, Mackey, as a throat cancer survivor, has a medical marijuana card that entitles him to use the drug legally for medical purposes.

Mackey admits marijuana has helped him stay awake and focused through the 1,100-mile race, but he insists it doesn’t give him an edge... for the rest of the story please visit ohmidog.com

Update: End of the Year Meetings and Events

2009-12-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

Hello NORML Friends!!!

The End of the Year is once again upon us and we have had great success early on, working several tables handing out free information, educating the masses, Plus helping organize the large gatherings on the last Saturday of every month at the Colorado State Capital over the past six months. We have had the privilege of working closely with The Denver 420 Rally Team, who have been out there gathering peacefully, over the course of several years, month in and month out.

1) We are having our Monthly Meeting, which is open to the public and all are welcome to attend on December 16th, 7pm at the Gypsy House 1279 Marion St (303) 830-1112 Denver, CO. Its easy to find and serve great food and herbal teas.

2) Our friends at the Mile High Wellness Center (6740 E Hampden suite 100 Denver CO 80224 720-382-8516 http://www.milehighwellness.net) are having a Charity Dinner to help raise money for a local orphanage in Denver this Holiday season. The event will be at Mile High Station, on Dec 17th. Cocktails will be served at 6 with dinner @ 7:30 and the silent auction will end at 9. Tickets can be ordered online for $30 at milehighwellness.net, semi-formal attire if you can help please bring any and all donations. They can be brought to the store or by contact us!!

3) Join Mile High NORML and the Denver 420 Rally Team on Saturday December 26th from 3-5pm on the West Side of the Capital Steps where we will be peacefully protesting the Criminalization of Marijuana, with local guest speakers, great music, vendors and dispensaries passing out educational pamphlets.

4) Join us January 14, 2010 from 11:00am - 2:00pm on the West Side Steps of the Colorado Capital as we address the Colorado General Assembly on the upcoming marijuana issues. List of confirmed speakers for the 14th:

Shawn Hauser: DU Law Student and President of the newly formed DU N.O.R.M.L chapter, Rob Corry: Stanford Law Grad, Most experienced criminal marijuana and civil liberties lawyer, Mason Tvert: Executive Director S.A.F.E.R. Member of Denver Mayors Marijuana review policy panel, Carlos Valverde: Executive Director Colorado Progressive Coalition, Dr. Robert J. Melamede: Ph.D. Chairman of the Biology Department of the University of Colorado Conducting Scientific research on Cannabinoids, Paul Saurini: Marijuana Radio Host, Shannon Smith: Metro State College Student plus several other noteworthy speakers Sean McAllister: Founder of Sensible Colorado , a drug policy reform nonprofit, Warren Edson Defense and Marijuana Law Attorney in Colorado , Brian Vicente, Miguel Lopez, Damian Lagoy, Larry Frieling and Dan Pope

Denver Councilman Charlie Brown presents his 'pot' proposal

2009-12-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

Early today on a cold snowy morning, The Denver City Council Safety Committee meet today to discuss the blooming industry of Medical Marijuana and how to regulate them within the Denver city limits... Councilman Charlie Brown, not the famous Peanuts character has drafted a ordinance in which HE THINKS will help the city regulate the industry.

There are several things wrong with the councilman's proposal. I have highlighted some of the items that we here at Mile High NORML are most concerned with...

1) The council will not try to define the term caregiver. They will leave that up to the Colroado Dept of Health, they plan to define the defination there next meeting, Time TBA

2) In Sec. 24-403 section (a) On and after [March, 1, 2010] it shall be unlawful for any person to sell or otherwise distribute any marijuana for medical use without obtaining a license to operate as a medical marijuana dispensary pursuant to the requirements of this article. This licensing requirement shall apply regardless of whether or not a medical marijuana dispensary has commenced operation prior to said date...

The only problem I for see in this is the price of obtaining the license itself 1. Application fee is $2,000 2. Criminal background check fee, per person checked 3. License fee, per year is $3,000

3) In Sec. 24-405 - Application (a) Application for a medical marijuana dispensary license shall be made to the director upon forms provided by the director for that purpose. In addition to the information required by Chapter 32 of this Code, the application shall include the following information: #'s 1 though 4 are basic standard application stuff all but number (4) Name and address of any manager or managers of the medical marijuana dispensary, if the manager is proposed to be someone other than the owner. The application shall also contain 24-hour contact information for the manager or managers of the licensed premises which shall be made available to the general public in order to provide a prompt response to public questions and concerns about the operation of the licensed premises

We are pleased to announce that this was slashed down after 10 minuets or so of debating. In no other buisness is there a need for the owner to have 24 contact info. If in the middle of the night something happens the police will not have any problems locating the owner/s of the building. Actually the whole Application section is filled with quarky things. They are just trying to make it as hard as they can.

4) In 24-408. Requirements related to licensed premises (a) No marijuana shall be smoked, eaten or otherwise consumed or ingested on the licensed premises....

FUNK THAT. We should be able to use our medicine where ever we fell the need.

in the same section

(g) The licensed premises shall be monitored and secured 24-hours per day including, at a minimum, the following security measures:

Just another cost that will be passed along to the consumer.

***They stopped only after 7 pages of simple debate and agreed to reconvine the meeting and discuss the rest of the proposal, two weeks from now on 12/16/09.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Denver Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licensing Ordinance
Amend Chapter 24, D.R.M.C. ("Health and Sanitation") by adding a new Article XI, to read as follows:

Article XI. Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Sec. 24-401. Purpose and legislative intent. Although the possession and use of marijuana is and remains unlawful under Federal law, Section 14 of Article XVIII of the Colorado Constitution ("Amendment 20") provides an exception to prosecution under state criminal laws when marijuana is possessed and used for medicinal purposes by a patient who has been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition and by the patient's primary caregivers. Amendment 20 does not, however, contain any provision for the lawful sale or distribution of marijuana to patients and, to date, the State of Colorado has failed to adopt laws or regulations to clearly explain how and whether marijuana may be lawfully sold or otherwise distributed to patients. As a result of this ambiguity in the State law, unregulated medical marijuana dispensaries have proliferated in Denver and elsewhere in Colorado. The purpose of this Article is to license and regulate medical marijuana dispensaries in the interest of public health, safety and general welfare. In particular, this Article in intended to regulate the sale and distribution of marijuana in the interest of patients who qualify to obtain, possess and use marijuana for medical purposes under Amendment 20, while promoting compliance with other state laws that prohibit trafficking in marijuana for non-medical purposes. Nothing in this article is intended to promote or condone the sale, distribution, possession or use of marijuana in violation of any applicable law. Compliance with the requirements of this article shall not provide a defense to criminal prosecution under any applicable law. Persons who cultivate, possess, sell, distribute, purchase, or use marijuana, whether for medical or non-medical purposes, do so at their own risk of prosecution under any applicable federal, state or local law.

Original Article Denver Westword

Marijuana Has Probably Has Been Studied More Than The Atom! Allen St Pierre NORML

2009-11-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

Untitled:

2009-11-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

ooh i hate those bastards for all the suffering they cause. Everyday the death machine sends out its brain police to murder freedom wherever it may grow.

They don't hate you because you are a criminal -

They hate you -

for being free.

A Poem by Lou C the Professor

Colorado justice commission suggests lighter penalties for drug possession

2009-11-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

There is more and more cannabis related news breaking daily some good and bad... And also some HUGE steps in the right direction. Sunday the Denver Post reported...

"A commission of Colorado criminal justice leaders voted Friday to recommend reduced penalties for possessing marijuana and other illegal drugs.

If Colorado legislators adopt the recommendations, possessing up to 4 ounces of marijuana would become a petty offense instead of a criminal misdemeanor, and possessing 8 to 16 ounces would become a misdemeanor instead of a felony.

The Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice also favored lower-level felony charges for possessing a few grams of cocaine or methamphetamine and reducing the charge for illegally possessing various prescription drugs from a felony to a misdemeanor. It excepted possession of "date-rape" drugs, which would remain a felony." Denver Post

Now granted this is a great start. Being personally arrested over ten times in several Colorado cities it is good to see that the judges agree that is time to re-think the drug laws not only in this state but throughout the country. It is although not good enough. We will not be happy unless any and all laws regarding cannabis are removed.

Great News Today in the Denver Court...

2009-11-10T13:23:00.001-08:00

Today Marijuana advacates all over Colorado celebrated today as Denver Judge Larry Naves took 2 hours to come to the conclusion that last weeks emegency Colorado Board of Health hearing was invalid and now void...

"By the evidence presented here today, I find that the defendants have violated the court order when, in November, there was a meeting without notice that complied with the law and the parties changed the rules," says Naves. "I find that there was no emergency. The justification for an emergency was a Court of Appeals decision that was not even final. And the Court of Appeals could not use the [Board of Appeals rule in question]...

"It appears from the transcripts from the meeting on November 3rd [that they] did not understand how Court of Appeals decision even worked, even though it was suggested here that the explanation was given off the record...

"Even though the Court of Appeals had an opportunity to say in the ruling that this new rule was in conflict with this decision, they did not do that...

"[I had a concern] two years ago, and it appears that the board did the exact same thing they promised not to do. One of the reasons they violated the rules is that they seem to forget the plaintiffs in this case. In the transcript, there isn't any mention of the plaintiffs in the case... These people have, without dispute, serious problems for which they have prescriptions for medical marijuana... There was no mention of the impact of this change on these people... There is no consideration of how plaintiffs and others who need medical marijuana would obtain it...

"So, again, I find that the board in their November 3rd meeting violated the law. Therefore the rule change they enacted is invalid and void....

MPP’s Aaron Houston on Fox Freedom Watch 11/09/2009

2009-11-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

MPP Director of Government Relations Aaron Houston appears on Fox Freedom Watch to talk about the advances in marijuana policy and the failure of the drug war with Judge Andrew Napolitano. 11/09/2009

The Drug War and the Constitution

2009-11-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

I think I may have found the best argument on the web with regards the drug war and how it violates the very principles of our Constitution and The Bill of Rights. The Aurthur Paul Hager is the 2000 Libertarian Senate nominee of the Indiana Libertarian Party. Hager received 33,992 votes for 1.6% of the total vote.

I'd like to draw your attention to companion notes that I put together for this talk. They're located on the tables out back there, and I think that those of you who are doing CLE have them in your manuals.

Well, I'm going to attempt to descend into the murky depths of political philosophy and Constitutional analysis. At the outset, I do have a caveat: the arguments I am going to be presenting have never been endorsed by Congress or the courts and I hope that during the question and answer session we can get into this in a little bit more detail.

The thesis that I want to advance today is that the drug war and the laws that prohibit the private consumption of certain drugs are un-Constitutional. Prohibition laws, themselves, violate every tenet of limited government that is embodied in our Constitution.

To begin, let me pose a question: why was it necessary to amend the Constitution in order to prohibit the drug alcohol? And, while you are cogitating on that: how is it possible to prohibit other drugs without going through the formal amendment process? Well, I think, in order to answer these questions, it's necessary to take a look at what the Constitution is supposed to be.

At the recent confirmation hearings of Judge Clarence Thomas (uh, Clarence Thomas, by the way, -- he and I have at least two things in common: we're both ex marijuana users [chuckles from the audience], and we're both married to attorneys) -- in any case, there was a lot of discussion at the hearings about natural law and natural rights. Just about all of the participants seemed to agree that our system recognizes the existence of "inalienable" natural rights and that government exists to "secure" those rights for its citizens. It's just as well that they agreed on that -- the architects of our system of government, in fact, had that principle in mind, and they viewed the Constitution as being a blueprint for a limited government in which those powers that were to be made available to the federal government would be listed. If a power is not listed in the Constitution, it is not supposed to be available to the Federal government. Two hundred odd years ago, when the Bill of Rights -- which we're here to celebrate -- was being debated, there were those who opposed the Bill of Rights on the grounds that, uh, they're completely unnecessary. It's redundant -- the rights already exist and therefore they don't have a place in the Constitution. In fact, they made the argument that a Bill of Rights is dangerous because at some future point in time, people would get the idea that if a right wasn't to be found in the Constitution -- like privacy -- it did not exist. Perhaps the best articulation I've ever seen of this principle is to be found in The Federalist Papers...

The rest of this excellent article can be found at the Drug War Library

David Nutt: Governments should get real on drugs

2009-11-05T13:29:00.000-08:00

IF THERE is one thing that politicians can and should do to limit the damage caused by illegal drugs, it is to take careful note of the evidence and develop a rational drug policy. Some politicians find it easier to ignore the evidence, and pander to public prejudice instead.

I can trace the beginning of the end of my role as chairman of the UK's official advisory body on drugs to the moment I quoted a New Scientist editorial (14 February, p 5). Entitled, fittingly enough, "Drugs drive politicians out of their minds", the editorial asked the reader to imagine being seated at a table with two bowls, one containing peanuts, the other the illegal drug MDMA (ecstasy). Which is safer to give to a stranger? Why, the ecstasy of course.

I quoted these words in the Eve Saville lecture at King's College London in July. This example plus other comments I have made – such as horse riding is more harmful than ecstasy – prompted Alan Johnson, the home secretary, to say that I had crossed the line from science to policy. This, he said, is why I had to go.

But simple, accurate and understandable statements of scientific fact are precisely what the advisory council is supposed to provide. Why would any scientist take up some future offer of a government advisory post when their advice can be treated with such disdain?

As well as ignoring its own advisers, the UK is falling out of step with international trends. When Portugal softened its drugs laws in 2001, drug use remained roughly constant, but ill health and deaths from drug taking fell. Decriminalisation quietly crept up the agenda in Vienna this year at a meeting of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, where governments heard new, independent evidence on how the harms of criminalisation were outweighing the benefits. In August, President Felipe Calderón of Mexico approved a law decriminalising possession of small amounts of marijuana and other drugs. And just last month, Eric Holder, the US attorney general, instructed federal prosecutors to stop hounding medical users of marijuana in the 14 states where such use is legal.

No one doubts that heavy users of marijuana are risking trouble with their mental health. What I have simply pointed out is that we need a consistent policy, recognising that heavy users of alcohol and tobacco are more numerous and are causing themselves – and others – even more trouble through their indulgence.

Policies that ignore the realities of the world we live in are doomed to fail. This is true for just about all the biggest issues that we confront, from energy and climate to criminal justice, health and immigration. I'm not arguing that science dictate policy; considerations such as cost, practicality and morality also have a role. But scientific evidence should never be brushed aside from the political debate.

The current British government has said repeatedly that it wants its policies to be evidence-based, but actions speak louder than words. On ecstasy, for example, it made policy first, sought advice second – and cynically rejected the advice it was given. The result is shambolic policy-making which gives great cause for concern if that is how governments operate more generally.

The results of a government inventing its own reality and acting on it can be seen in the appalling consequences the George W. Bush presidency had for world peace, the environment and human rights. The message for the British government is a simple one: don't exclude rational argument in order to exploit a visceral public response. Politicians have to win the hearts and minds of their electorate. If your policy is informed by an underlying moral imperative, be open about what that is, and don't try to disguise it with a veneer of pseudo-science. We ignore scientific evidence at our peril.

Original Article New Scientist
David Nutt, professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, was chairman of the UK government's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs until he was dismissed last week by the UK home

Health board changes MMJ "caregiver" rule

2009-11-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

The smoke has cleared and when everything was said and done I think that its not that bad of an outcome today.

In a 9-0 vote the Colorado Board of Health voted today to temporarily revise rules governing medical marijuana in order to comply with a court decision that said a 'caregiver' must do more than give patients medicine.

For the consumer, they will receive different services that may not have been offered to them in the past. We think that this is something that should have been happening years ago but. Now if you look at it from the caregivers side... they now have to provide other services that have expenses, and it will have a price tag that will most definitely be passes along to the consumer. And it will also 'weed' out (pun intended) the bad shop and force the other 'non players' back into the underground system with possibility of being busted and clogging up the justice system.

The next hearing will be on December 16th and the Time is TBA but this is a cant miss event and something that everyone should and i think will attend.

CO. Health Board plans emergency vote to Weaken Medical Marijuana Law!!!

2009-11-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

In an underhanded move, the Colorado Board of Health will be voting to weaken the medical marijuana law at an "emergency" meeting on Tuesday, November 3 at 10:30am in Denver. At this stealth meeting the Board will be voting to redefine what a "caregiver" is to require such individuals to provide supplementary-- and often unnecessary-- services beyond simply providing sick patients with medical marijuana.

"This is like requiring my pharmacist to give me a massage or make me a sandwich," said Dan Pope, muscular dystrophy patient and medical card holder. "I can do those activities myself. I need a caregiver to give me medicine. End of story."

This meeting, which was announced in a late afternoon email to a small handful of patient advocates, is another example of the state engaging in underhanded tactics in their effort to undermine the medical marijuana law and the will of the Colorado voters. Please help hold them accountable.

Here's How You Can Help:

(1) Attend the Meeting. This meeting will occur at 10:30am on Tuesday, November 3 in the Snow Room, 1st Floor Building A of the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek Dr. South, Denver CO.

(2) Call-in to the Meeting. While we strongly prefer that you attend in person, you can also call-in at 1-866-899-5399, conference code *3529725*

(3) Spread the Word. Please tell friends and family to attend the meeting and forward this alert widely!

THC: Think Hemp Colorado

2009-10-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

There has been so much goings on in the past week and not only in this great state of Colorado but all across the country in regards to cannabis. I heard one reporter on FOX news no less, say that the memo released on Monday from President Obama and the D.O.J. was in comparison to the Berlin Wall falling in the mid eighty's. Having said this we here at Mile High NORML are rejoicing but we also think that its only the beginning and the final chapter has yet to be written.

On Tuesday the day after the historic memo was released. Colorado Attorney General John Suthers came out and lashed the president publicly using harsh words of criticism. Suthers thinks that the Federal Government should "stay out of Colorado affairs regarding medical marijuana" because the laws are so vague. He would like to see clarification in the subject but with Colorado's medical marijuana law a part of the state constitution it makes it nearly imposable to amend. Which is exactly how the authors designed it.

On Wednesday Dem. State Sen. Chris Romer announced plans to introduce a medical-marijuana bill next year clarifying regulations involving pot-using patients. Denver attorney Rob Corry, who handles medical-marijuana cases, was quoted in saying, he is leery of lawmakers adding more government regulations "But if Sen. Romer is approaching this from the perspective of making medicine more accessible to patients and at a lower price, I'm less concerned about it," Read the DP article on Sen Romer

I read the Denver Post everyday and everyday i see the stories regarding marijuana and i am not sure how i should take it. The DP editorials dept support medical marijuana but by the sounds of its writers Reefer Madness is in full effect. This week article by Mike Mcphee in the paper really showed the true intentions of the paper. DEA Claims that the Mexican Cartels are supplying the Dispensaries here in Denver "dispensaries are popping up like mushrooms" And whats it doing is trying to scare the public away from medical marijuana. Now I have meet several growers recently around here and none of them are Mexican nor do they have any ties with any cartels. And quite frankly the pure racism is incredible hard to swallow. Read the DP article on Cartels This is not the first time that the DP has made comments against Mexicans. Over the summer the DP reported that the Forrest service released a statement saying "If you come across people listening to Mexican music drinking Hecate and eating tortillas there is a good chance that they are Mexican cartel members growing marijuana illegally??? Really

And finally with over 12,000 documented studies on Cannabonoids archived by the U.S. Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health the US Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske on Fox Business High Noon yesterday he still said that there is no medical use for marijuana??? Really Gil Really???

Obama to sign new medical marijuana policy

2009-10-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

AP NEWS BREAK - WASHINGTON — The Obama administration will not seek to arrest medical marijuana users and suppliers as long as they conform to state laws, under new policy guidelines to be sent to federal prosecutors Monday.

Two Justice Department officials described the new policy to The Associated Press, saying prosecutors will be told it is not a good use of their time to arrest people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict compliance with state laws.

The new policy is a significant departure from the Bush administration, which insisted it would continue to enforce federal anti-pot laws regardless of state codes.

Fourteen states allow some use of marijuana for medical purposes: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

California is unique among those for the widespread presence of dispensaries — businesses that sell marijuana and even advertise their services. Colorado also has several dispensaries, and Rhode Island and New Mexico are in the process of licensing providers, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, a group that promotes the decriminalization of marijuana use.

Attorney General Eric Holder said in March that he wanted federal law enforcement officials to pursue those who violate both federal and state law, but it has not been clear how that goal would be put into practice.

A three-page memo spelling out the policy is expected to be sent Monday to federal prosecutors in the 14 states, and also to top officials at the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The memo, the officials said, emphasizes that prosecutors have wide discretion in choosing which cases to pursue, and says it is not a good use of federal manpower to prosecute those who are without a doubt in compliance with state law.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the legal guidance before it is issued.

"This is a major step forward," said Bruce Mirken, communications director for the Marijuana Policy Project. "This change in policy moves the federal government dramatically toward respecting scientific and practical reality."

At the same time, the officials said, the government will still prosecute those who use medical marijuana as a cover for other illegal activity. The memo particularly warns that some suspects may hide old-fashioned drug dealing or other crimes behind a medical marijuana business.

In particular, the memo urges prosecutors to pursue marijuana cases which involve violence, the illegal use of firearms, selling pot to minors, money laundering or other crimes.

And while the policy memo describes a change in priorities away from prosecuting medical marijuana cases, it does not rule out the possibility that the federal government could still prosecute someone whose activities are allowed under state law.

The memo, officials said, is designed to give a sense of prosecutorial priorities to U.S. Attorneys in the states that allow medical marijuana. It notes that pot sales in the United States are the largest source of money for violent Mexican drug cartels, but adds that federal law enforcement agencies have limited resources.

Medical marijuana advocates have been anxious to see exactly how the administration would implement candidate Barack Obama's repeated promises to change the policy in situations in which state laws allow the use of medical marijuana.

Shortly after Obama took office, DEA agents raided four dispensaries in Los Angeles, prompting confusion about the government's plans.

AP NEWS BREAK

Another Stiletto Stoner Story: Elle Magazine on marijuana as anxiety relief

2009-10-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

We are seeing a barrage of Main Stream News articles of the past few weeks regarding marijuana and here's the newest... First there was the Stiletto Stoners in Marie Claire followed by Coverage of the article on The Today's Show with Matt Lauer and now this. Elle magazine looks into the benefits of marijuana when suffering with or from anxiety. Elle Magazine

"Each time I went to pick up my dosage at a dispensary, I weighed the costs of medicinal marijuana. While the literal cost was roughly the same as street weed (on average, $55 for the standard 3.5 grams, known colloquially as “an eighth”), I did pay a price in that all of a sudden, my pot smoking was a habit to be discussed with others. My parents resisted the idea at first; my mom handed me more than her usual share of newspaper clippings on the harm smoke inflicts on the lungs or the latest DEA dispensary raid. I got good at relaying what I’d read in studies—that modulation of my cannabinoid system may alleviate anxiety disorder more quickly than SSRIs and with fewer side effects—to the point that people usually agreed to let me go about my own business, as long as it made me feel better."

2009 National NORML Conference

2009-09-29T17:32:00.001-07:00

I'm back from San Francisco and the 2009 National NORML Conference. I also brought back with me some gross kind of illness that put in bed for two days. My body ached my head hurt and i was freezing but i made the best of it and i feel much better today.

For those who haven't had the privilege of attending a NORML Conference let me tell you what your missing. Depending on the event there are 300 - 500 Lawyers, Doctors, Teachers, Students, Mothers, Daughters, Brothers and Fathers get together and discuss the marijuana movement. Its 24 hours of meetings and lectures but don't worry, it isn't all talk... Just outside the hotel doors usually in the large open patio dozens of people come to talk and medicate. Its a chance for everyone to meet up, smoke, get some sun or just talk outside without interrupting the conference. The hotels that are chosen are very laid back and respect the fact that we are going to smother the hotel in marijuana smoke.

Paul Armentano started the conference off the first day which strictly focused on medical marijuana. Throughout the whole conference over 40 doctors and attorneys spoke for the crowd, including Colorado's own high profile attorneys Rob Correy (pictured here) and Warren Edson. All three days were great. Some many people so little time. I reached out to everyone I could introducing myself and the chapter.. More pictures to come soon...

Attention We Need Your Support...

2009-09-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

Three weeks before the 2008 4/20 Rally, Miguel Lopez and Team 420 were soliciting contributions for the 420 rally in front of the Denver Pavilions in Downtown Denver when Security Guard Gus Rupel came out to complain about there presence on the 16th Street Mall. Security Guard Rupel ridiculously claimed to Denver Police that the group was "trying to get kids high." Later On April 8th of that same year. Miguel Lopez went into the Pavilions to purchase some rolling papers when Rupel physically assaulted Lopez and charged him with trespassing. Miguel was not soliciting nor had he been warned not to enter the Pavilions, so his presence there was legal; he did not trespass.

Rupel commented false arrest and lied to Denver Police. He targeted Miguel because of his political views and violated his civil rights in an attempt to silence him. The Pavilions still employs Rupel and has failed to repudiate his outrages conduct.

PLEASE CALL TODAY THE GENERAL MANAGER REED BENNETT at 303-260-6001 AND DEMAND THAT THEY FIRE RUPEL AND APOLOGIZE FOR ASSAULTING ONE OF ITS PATRONS. PLEASE BOYCOTT ALL BUSINESS IN THE PAVILIONS UNTIL THERE MANAGEMENT COMPLIES.

PLEASE COME SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR MIGUEL!!!
WHERE: COURTROOM 150F, DENVER CITY HALL, 1437 BANNOCK ST.
WHEN: WEDS. SEPT 23 AT 8:30AM. PLEASE ARRIVE AROUND 8:15

Recap: Marc Emery Rally @ Skyline Park

2009-09-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

Thousands across this country and all over the world protested the incarceration of Marc Emery on Saturday the 19th and the turn out in Denver was fantastic! Thanks to all who came and voiced there opinion.

At 4:20 the place was packed and the speaker at the time Attorney Rob Corry took a moment to recognize the time, The crowed cheered and a hush fell over the place and the air was quickly filled with a Grey haze. The police were absent and there were no altercations as people smoked freely on the busy outside mall, all except for one lonely motorcycle cop that sat in the back at the mouth of the outside mall, he didn't bother anybody but watched closely and scribbled a few notes. So be it.

Again thanks to everyone who came out and we will see you at the end of the month on the west steps of the capital! The link to some great pics are coming soon!

For more info on other rallies across the globe:
Cannabis Culture

HUD Agrees to Give Medical Marijuana Patients a Second Chance

2009-09-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

An agreement has been reached in the case of Colorado licensed medical marijuana patient Bill Hewitt and The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The agreement allows for the reinstatement of Mr. Hewitt’s federal housing voucher provided he agrees not to engage in the illegal use of a controlled substance as defined under state and federal law.

Mr. Hewitt, who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy, had his housing voucher rescinded shortly after being featured in an article in the local newspaper regarding his use of medical marijuana. Mr. Hewitt then filed a discriminatory complaint against the Montrose Housing Authority and the Colorado Division of Housing alleging that by rescinding his housing voucher they had failed to make reasonable accommodations for his disability.

This precedent setting case is very important to medical marijuana patients who are receiving federal housing assistance and unknowingly violate the terms of their housing agreement by using medical marijuana in their homes. Thanks to Mr. Hewitt and his attorney, Bradley Switzer, medical marijuana patients who are receiving federal housing assistance now have second chance!

According to Sensible Colorado's blog

'Marijuana is SAFER' book review

2009-09-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

This book is a MUST Read for Everyone in America!

I finished reading the book "Marijuana is SAFER... So why are we driving people to drink?" for a second time just recently and literally I couldn't put the book down reading it a second time with a yellow highlighter in hand.

This book is Absolutely Fantastic! This should be a real eye opener for anyone who is still hypnotized by "Reefer Madness". This book Exposes the Lies, Racism and false propaganda that is responsible for much of today's crime and gang problems, responsible for the extreme petroleum era damage to our earth, and the ruining or ending the lives of 100's of Millions of People Worldwide.

The book is authored by 3 of the great minds on the subject of Prohibition today. Steve Fox MPP, Paul Armentano NORML'S Deputy Director and Mason Tvert of SAFER based here in beautiful Denver, Colorado. With a wonderful forward by Former Police Chef Norm Stamper now a Director with LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition)

This in-depth book is broke down into 3 parts...

Part One: The Choice: Marijuana vs. Alcohol
According to a study 90% of Americans have drank alcohol while 45% of Americans have smoked marijuana. Being that marijuana is still illegal, it is hard to come up with accurate numbers on users nation wide but in the study America came in, of course #1 in marijuana uses by adults world wide. Americans spend just over $130 billion a year on alcohol making it the number 1 way Americans alter there natural state. The marijuana industry in American alone tops an estimated $110 million and that's with $0.00 in advertising giving alcohol a run for its money.

Part Two: Choice, Interrupted
"Prohibition... goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." Abraham Lincoln (1809-65) 18 Dec. 1840, to Illinois House of Representatives

Part Three: Freedom to Choice
In this chapter they have an excellent vision of the future with a story of someone getting off a long hard day at the office, driving home stopping at the movie store then heading to the local marijuana store. A licensed and regulated business that sells locally grown cannabis by the gram to legal aged adults. Its a great vision of the future and I know after reading this book i am ready to fight for it as well. Are you?

Sept 19th World Wide Rally for Marc Emery

2009-09-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

Marc Emery is a well-known activist, Vancouver retail store owner, and editor of Cannabis Culture Magazine. He was raided by Canadian police and the US DEA on July 29th, 2005, and arrested for selling marijuana seeds over the Internet.

Marc is expected to be sentenced in the Seattle Federal Court of Ricardo Martinez on or around Monday, September 21. The plea agreement is for a 5-year sentence in US Federal Prison. The global rallies in support of Marc will be on Saturday, September 19th @ Skyline Park (16th Street Mall and Arapahoe) Downtown Denver from 3 - 5 pm with guest speakers and great music Skyline Park Info

Fine for pot in Denver could go down to $1

2009-08-27T08:50:00.001-07:00

Thanks to 9NEWS in DENVER -

A city panel in charge of overseeing marijuana possession crimes in Denver recommended on Wednesday that the fine for possession be set at $1

If Denver's presiding judge accepts the recommendation from the Denver Marijuana Policy Review Panel, the fine would be the lowest in the entire nation for marijuana possession.

The panel was created by Mayor John Hickenlooper in December 2007 after voters passed an ordinance that made it so adult marijuana possession is the city's "lowest lawn enforcement priority."

In May 2008, the city attorney's office made it so those cited for the crime can mail in their fines instead of having to appear in court. At that time, the city attorney's office assigned the value of the fine at $50.

"By setting the fine at just $1, we are sending a message to Denver officials that the era of citing adults for using a less harmful drug than alcohol is over. It's simply not worth the city's time or resources," said panel member and SAFER Executive Director Mason Tvert, who coordinated the successful Denver marijuana initiatives.

Lt. Ernest Martinez with the Denver Police Department is also part of the panel and voted against lowering the fine.

"There's no indication that there's a problem with the fine schedule," Martinez said. "The panel is going outside the bounds of the language of the ordinance."

Martinez thinks there should be more dialogue about the changes.

9NEWS

New Medical Marijuana States to Come

2009-08-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

Medical Marijuana is steamrolling along and I believe along with many others that 2010 will be a great year but we are not there yet. We still have a few states lagging behind, slowing the rest of us all down. If all 50 states have some sort of medical marijuana law, then the Feds would have to listen!

Currently, 14 new states Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin are actively working on Medical Marijuana bills with Idaho and Oklahoma having initiatives and/or bills being formed.

While there are 14 states having medical marijuana protection, there are still 22 states doing absolutely nothing. If you live in one of these states please visit NORML.ORG For help in getting bills started and passed!

July 16th Rally for Caregivers!

2009-07-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Marijuana Activists, Caregivers, and Patients:

If the city gets there way, they will limit the number of patients that a caregiver can have to 5. And in a time where the economy needs any and all the help it can get, it will then destroy almost 100 business throughout the state and it will cost more than a hundred people there jobs. All they want to do is provide a valuable, and much needed service!

If you are like us and find this absurd please show up on July 20,2009 and show your support.

Hearing Location:
Tivoli Student Union
Turnhalle Conference Room 250
Auraria Campus, 900 Auraria Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
9am - 4pm

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PATIENT TO ATTEND & SUPPORT!

The Colorado Coalition of Patients and Caregivers is demonstrating next week, Thursday, July 16 at the CDPHE and the Attorney General's office to publicize their attack on Amendment 20 of our Constitution (the Medical Marijuana Amendment). Please read and make copies of the attached press release and flyers and go viral: we need your help to turn out as many people as possible to our protest! Please help by posting notice on any websites, blogs, boards; tell all your friends, patients, loved ones; anything and everything you can do to help us get the word out is much appreciated. I realize that this is short notice, but if we work together we can really help set the stage for and complement what Sensible Colorado and NORML will say to the Board of Health on July 20.

Directions and Time to follow shortly!

Important Hearing: Colorado Dept of Health to Limit Patients of Caregivers

2009-07-12T08:53:00.001-07:00

If the State gets there way, they will limit the number of patients that a caregiver can have to 5. And in a time where the economy needs any and all the help it can get, it will then destroy almost 100 business throughout the state and it will cost more than a hundred people there jobs. All they want to do is provide a valuable, and much needed service!

If you are like us and find this absurd please show up on July 20,2009 and show your support.

Hearing Location:
Tivoli Student Union
Turnhalle Conference Room 250
Auraria Campus, 900 Auraria Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
9am - 4pm

Click here for more info!
Colorado 420

LAPD: Fire-gutted building housed pot farm

2009-07-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

This article was from the A.P today

Pot Farm on Fire!

If Marijuana was legalized this wouldn't happen! Am i wrong??If "it" marijuana was legal, the fire department like all other business, would have inspected the farm and told the owners of what they were doing wrong and what needed change.

LOS ANGELES — Police hauled bags of marijuana out of a fire-gutted warehouse Thursday after firefighters discovered a full-blown pot farm inside, authorities said.

About 1,000 plants with a street value of $1 million were found after firefighters doused the blaze, police officer Tenesha Dobine said.

It was unclear how much marijuana might have been destroyed in the fire, she said.

The immature, 4- to 6-inch-high plants were grown in an elaborate hydroponic setup and investigators were trying to determine whether electrical equipment used in the operation may have sparked the fire, police and fire officials said.

"They had lights and an air conditioning system for the plants and a whole water circulation system," Los Angeles fire Capt. Henry Amaran told KCAL-TV.

No arrests were immediately made.

Flames and heavy smoke were pouring through the roof when firefighters arrived at the one-story commercial building near the Los Angeles River shortly after 6:40 a.m., fire Capt. Steve Ruda said.

It took 75 firefighters about 40 minutes to douse the blaze.

The roof collapsed and the 100-by-150-foot building was gutted but no firefighters were injured, Ruda said.

Ruda said half of the building was vacant and had a "for lease" sign up.

The other half of the building contained the marijuana farm.

Denver Post's Greene: What is state smoking?

2009-07-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

This article appeared in the local section of the paper today!

Denver Post

On good days, Jason Young walks with a cane or uses a wheelchair. On bad ones, he can't get out of bed.

"The pain overwhelms me without something to take care of it," says the 33-year-old multiple sclerosis patient from Denver.

At first, he treated his muscle spasms with prescribed Percocet, which made him drool. Then he switched to Vicodin, which made him dumb.

Finally, Young turned to a different treatment — daily fixes of high-grade marijuana. Now he's having more good days than bad.

"The law works," he says. "The state is trying to fix a policy that isn't broken."

Young is one of 7,630 Coloradans registered under a voter-approved law legalizing marijuana for people with medical problems. The state doesn't track the number of so-called caregivers designated to grow and dispense the "medicine."

(Turns out that terms like "dealer" and "pot" are frowned upon by health officials.)

The caregiving business has boomed since Barack Obama signaled that his administration won't prosecute medical users or suppliers who follow state laws. Some 30 dispensaries have opened in Colorado since he took office.

One of the busiest is Patients' Choice on South Broadway, offering 18 organic strains to take the edge off everything from broken bones to nausea. Its "A-Train" herb offers a peppy buzz that's light on the lungs. I'm told. And "Maui Wowie" promises sleep for insomniacs.

Young is partial to a prescribed blend of "Endless Sky" and "Island Sweet Skunk," and to orange-flavor hashish lollipops that ease pain smoke-free.

Co-owner Jim Bent claims his shop has 300 customers; he and partners opened it in February.

To keep business budding, he and fellow caregivers are rallying against a proposed policy to limit their clientele to only five patients per provider. The reforms also would redefine "caregiver" to mean someone who also cooks, cleans or gives rides to sick users.

The first attempt to curb legal dealing went up in smoke.

That was after the Board of Health passed the five-patient cap in 2004. Legalization advocates persuaded a judge to overturn the policy because the meeting was held in secret.

The board has scheduled a hearing on its proposed rule changes for July 20. It has taken the unusual step of renting a bigger room to accommodate members of the public, 350 of whom already have commented by e-mail.

Oddly, the same officials pushing the reforms refuse to discuss the rationale behind them.

"We just don't get out and beat a drum and make a case of what the department's position is going to be," says health spokesman Mark Salley in a statement that sounds pretty paranoid to me.

Meantime, critics are fuming, arguing the changes stray from what voters passed in 2000.

"They would block safe access, limit choices and rip patients from their caregivers," says Brian Vicente of Sensible Colorado, a nonprofit pushing for legalization.

Advocates also argue the proposals would steer sick people to black-market cannabis that could be moldy, laced with chemicals and expensive. Caregivers take umbrage at the suggestion that cultivating marijuana isn't caring enough. They gripe that the redefinition diminishes their talents.

"I grow medicine, top-notch, with unparalleled professionalism," says Todd Young, a self-described "urban shamanist" from Boulder.

"No one would ever think of making a neighborhood Walgreens pharmacist prepare food and wipe up after patients."

Susan Greene writes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach her at 303-954-1989 or greene@denverpost.com.

Happy Independence Day !

2009-07-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

July 4 1776, 233 years ago our country DECLARED it Independence. We have come along way. Help us carry her over the hump. Mile High NORML's Independence Day Rally at the Capital from 3:30pm - 4:30. Come Celebrate your freedom of speech by DECLARING that the Federal/State agencies CEASE its war against adult cannabis consumers. See you there!

Sunday @ the Capital

2009-06-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from a good crowd on Sunday. We go there kind of late and i heard that the Troopers were messing us for a little bit but they left before 4:20. Remember last weekend of the month @ 4:20 at the west end of the capital! Feel free to come and join us. Now is the time the wind is at our backs.

Video: Marijuana Expo Draws 20,000

2009-06-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Rally at the Capital

2009-06-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hello to all.

On the last Saturday of every month at the State Capital People have been gathering since the mid 90's to express there First Amendment rights and protest for legalization/decriminalization of Marijuana not only in Colorado but the rest of the Country as well. Feel free to come join us next month!

Hello World

2009-06-23T21:26:00.001-07:00