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CTI - Home Page - Page 2
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PRESS RELEASE THC/DUI Bill KILLED
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For immediate release, May 9, 2011 Contact: Cannabis Therapy Institute THC/DUI Bill KILLED!!! The Colorado Senate voted on Monday night to kill HB1261,
the THC/DUI bill, in its entirety, scoring a huge victory
for patients nationwide. According to the Denver Post, the
bill cannot be brought up again this session. Earlier today, it looked like the bill was sure to pass.
Sen. Morgan Carroll said in an interview today that law enforcement
was lobbying heavily in favor of it. Sen.
Carroll didn't think the Democrats had the votes to kill the
bill. The death of the bill did not come easy, and its last minutes were filled with high stakes political drama, as law enforcement lobbyists scrambled to snatch up last minute votes on the Senate floor. On the first attempt to vote on it, the bill was laid over until the Fiscal Note could be presented. This gave the lobbyists more time. The Fiscal Note was retrieved less than an hour later, and the Senate attempted another vote on the bill. First, they voted whether or not to insert the study recommended by the Senate Judiciary Committee back into the bill, and reject ed the 5 ng THC/DUI per se law. On a voice vote, the Senate voted to adopt the study and reject the 5ng THC/DUI per se law. This amazing reversal of the language was surprising even to the Senate chair, who said "the chair is in doubt" as to which side won in the voice vote. The Senate chair then asked the members against HB1261 to stand. The chair then pronounced, "More than 18 having arisen, HB1261 fails." About 15 minutes later, there was a last ditch attempt to revive the bill by Senators Boyd and King by an Amendment from the Committee of the Whole to reverse the vote that just happened. This time, the chair called for a roll vote. The Senate voted 20 to 15 not to revive HB1261. So, now the bill is killed, and cannot be revived any more this session, in any form. "This is a huge victory for patients, who fought to uphold their rights with hundreds of letters and phone calls," says Laura Kriho, spokesperson for the Cannabis Therapy Institute, which led the fight against HB1261. Kriho credits Corey Donahue, of a group called "Crazy for Justice", for helping kill the bill. "Corey spent the whole day down at the Capitol today trying to educate the Senators. His effort was an enormous help," says Kriho. "The Senate got pressure from everywhere. Thanks to all those who helped in this effort!" Please write to the Colorado Senate and say THANK YOU for killing HB1261: SENATORS WHO VOTED TO KILL HB1261 (THC/DUI) May 9, 2011 Aguilar, Irene (D) Brophy, Greg (R) Cadman, Bill (R) Carroll, Morgan (D) Foster, Joyce (D) Giron, Angela (D) Guzman, Lucia (D) Harvey, Ted (R) Hudak, Evie (D) Jahn, Cheri (D) Kopp, Mike (R) Lundberg, Kevin (R) Mitchell, Shawn (R) Morse, John (D) Nicholson, Jeanne (D) Schwartz, Gail (D) Spence, Nancy (R) Steadman, Pat (D) White, Jean (R) Williams, Suzanne (D)
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PRESS RELEASE THC/DUI Bill Revived
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For immediate release, May 8, 2011 Contact: Cannabis Therapy Institute THC/DUI Bill Revived Colorado House Bill 11-1261, the THC/DUI bill, has been revived, with only 3 days left in Colorado's 2011 Legislative session. This is sad news for medical marijuana patients, who will become targets for increased THC/DUI arrests and prosecution and suspension of their drivers licenses. HB1261 had been amended by the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 18 to create a task force to study whether there was scientific evidence that THC causes impairment. However, on Friday (5/6) the Senate Appropriations Committee removed the study language from the bill, reverting to the version of HB1261 that passed the House on March 23. The bill now needs only to be voted on by the full Senate twice (Second and Third Readings) to pass. The 2011 Colorado Legislative Session ends at midnight on May 11. All bills will be decided one way or another by this time. Senator Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora), the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee who sponsored the study language, confirmed to CTI by email that the original bill was back in play. Senator Morgan Carroll wrote: "It is true. They pulled out the amendment we put on in judiciary, it is back to the original bill, and it appears we do not have the votes (in the Senate) to kill it." HB1261 seeks to ban patients from driving privileges by setting a limit on THC in the blood that most patients will always exceed. Any driver with an amount of THC over 5 nanograms/milliliter in their blood will be considered impaired and guilty of DUI per se and subject to loss of their driver's license and other criminal penalties. This will greatly impact patients, because many of them will test over that limit due to their chronic use, but not be impaired. For example, Westword reporter and marijuana patient William
Breathes had his blood drawn to prove that a patient would
be above the 5ng/mL limit even when sober. His
THC blood content, after 16 hours of fasting, was 13.5 nanograms,
well over the 5ng limit. Yet he was completely unimpaired.
*Business Owners and Caregivers Unite to Defeat HB1261* Email the General Assembly and ask the to VOTE NO on HB1261 or amend it to the Senate Judiciary Committee version, which asked for a study to prove there was scientific evidence that THC causes impairment. CONTACT GENERAL ASSEMBLY Make sure you copy info@cannabistherapyinstitute.com
on any email TALKING POINTS WATCH LIVE ONLINE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOME PAGE LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP MEETING |
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May 7, 2011
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13th Annual Global Marijuana March International Day to End Cannabis Prohibition The Global Marijuana March (GMM) is a celebration of cannabis culture that occurs the first Saturday in May in over 250 cities worldwide. Denver Global Marijuana March (5th Annual) High Noon: March leaves Lincoln Park headed to La
Raza Park (aka Columbus Park) 12pm to 6pm: Music and speakers at La Raza (aka Columbus) Park March Route: Sponsor a Marcher Proceeds go to Legalize2012.com, 4th of July White House Smoke In, and the Denver 420 Rally Coalition For more information, contact: |
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May 4, 2011
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Senate Judiciary Committee This will be the final opportunity for public comment on this bill. See below for more details. This will be the final opportunity for the public to comment
in person on |
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May 4, 2011
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PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF FRANK MARZANO PATIENT/CAREGIVER
RETURN-OF-PROPERTY EVENT
May 4, 2011 Medical Marijuana Patient Frank Marzano {Ft. Collins, CO| -- Frank Marzano, a medical marijuana patient and caregiver whose 2007 marijuana cultivation conviction in Loveland was overturned by the Colorado Court of Appeals last August, got his confiscated property returned to him today. Frank's cultivation conviction was thrown out due to an illegal search. Today at the Ft. Collins Police Department, Frank retrieved a truckload of growing equipment, including 19 sets of growing lights and ballasts, three 3-foot filters and fans, a CO2 machine, a trimming machine, and many bulbs. Marzano was joined today by his attorney, Robert J. Corry Jr., who won the appeal. Under the Colorado Constitution's medical marijuana amendment, Marzano's property was not to be harmed or destroyed. However, the police refused to return any of his medicine to them, many bulbs were missing or broken, and they cut the power cords off of all the electrical equipment that he retrieved. For more background information, see: PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE EVENT AVAILABLE -- CLICK HERE
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May 2, 2011
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No on HB1043 - Caregiver Registration Bill Senate Judiciary Committee This will be the final opportunity for public comment on this bill. LISTEN LIVE ONLINE Capitol Bill Room Colorado House Bill 11-1043, the Medical Marijuana "Patient
Rights Cleanup and Caregiver Registration" bill, will
be voted on by the Colorado House of Representatives on Friday.
(4/8). The stated intent of this bill is to "clean up"
some unclear language from the medical marijuana bill that Several people have had questions about a Washington, DC-based lobbying group called the "Marijuana Policy Project", who sent out an email on Tuesday asking people to send an email to their Representatives stating they should Vote YES on HB 1043, and that the constituent would "appreciate it" if they would remove the caregiver registry language. The "Marijuana Policy Project" sample letter to legislators told people to tell their Reps: "This is really the only bad provision in the bill." CTI's analysis shows that this bill is anything but good for patients. It puts more control of medical marijuana into the hands of the Department of Revenue, instead of the health department. It does little to protect patient privacy and continues the process of setting up a massive government database to track patient purchases from "seed to sale." It eliminates Constitutional protection for anyone applying to become a state-licensed Medical Marijuana Center (MMC). And it attacks patients through their caregivers, making caregivers register the location of their patient grows and Registry ID numbers of their patients with the Department of Revenue. As a patient rights organization, the Cannabis Therapy Institute is encouraging people to contact their state Representatives and Senators and ask them to vote NO on HB1043. Here are some of the specific provisions that CTI finds worrisome.
Click 1. Eliminates Constitutional protection for the actions of MMC licensees. Licensees "shall not be subject to the terms of" Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution (Colorado's Medical Marijuana Law). (page 4) 2. Extends the moratorium on new Medical Marijuana Center applicants in the state for another year, until July 1, 2012 (page 4). This harms patients and industry by artificially eliminating competition. 3. Restricts an MMC to sell only 6 non-flowering plants to a patient every 3 months (page 11) 4. Limits Medical Marijuana Infused Products Manufacturers to 500 plants (page 15) 5. Allows law enforcement to destroy plants and cannabis that they seize, in violation of Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution, which requires law enforcement to preserve patient medicine. 6. If an MMC license is revoked, that MMC's marijuana will be immediately considered to be a "controlled substance." Presumably, then immediately the owners and employees would be subject to criminal prosecution, since the marijuana they possess would no longer be considered legal medical marijuana. (page 16) 7. Makes a list of locations of all medical marijuana grow locations in the state open to the public. (page 19) 8. Requires caregivers to register the location of their grows with the Department of Revenue. (page 20) 9. Requires caregivers to surrender the Registry ID numbers of their patients to the Department of Revenue. (page 20) 10. Allows the Department of Revenue to share locations of caregiver grows with law enforcement and local governments. (page 20) 11. Presumably makes locations of caregiver grows part of public records, as there is not provision in this bill to exempt them from public records. 12. Appropriates $1 million from the Medical Marijuana Program
Fund to hire 14.5 additional full-time employees (FTE) for
the "Circle Program", an inpatient substance abuse
treatment facility in Pueblo that only has 20 |
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April 30,2011
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Last Saturday of the Month Rally |
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Wed., April 20, 2011
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International Cannabis Day (4/20)
Boulder: Non-permitted gathering at CU-Boulder, Norlin Quad Other locations TBA. Send an email if there is an event in your town. |
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Mon., April 18, 2011
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Mon., April 18, 2011 HB 11-1261, THC/DUI Bill Senate Judiciary Committee HB1261, the THC/DUI bill, will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 18, 2011. This will be the final opportunity for public comment on this bill. LISTEN LIVE ONLINE Capitol Bill Room YOUR PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS ARE WORKING!!! WARNING: DUI/THC BLOOD DRAWS ALREADY ON THE RISE The CDPHE cannot handle this large influx in blood samples,
so currently In 2010, 29% of the samples tested had THC greater than 5ng/mL,
and some of the samples also tested positive for another drug. TALKING POINTS - HB1261 is unfair to medical marijuana patients and will
force patients back on prescription medications that do not
have nanogram levels and are not routinely tested for by the
police. Go to the state legislature's page to see the calendar or
read the bill. EMAIL THE JUD. CMTE. and Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee The Rest of the Colorado Senate (excluding Judiciary Committee) SENATE CONTACT INFO. Get on our email list for updates:
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Mon., April 18, 2011
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Mon., April 18, 2011 HB 11-1261, THC/DUI Bill Senate Judiciary Committee HB1261, the THC/DUI bill, will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 18, 2011. This will be the final opportunity for public comment on this bill. LISTEN LIVE ONLINE Capitol Bill Room YOUR PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS ARE WORKING!!! WARNING: DUI/THC BLOOD DRAWS ALREADY ON THE RISE The CDPHE cannot handle this large influx in blood samples,
so currently In 2010, 29% of the samples tested had THC greater than 5ng/mL,
and some of the samples also tested positive for another drug. TALKING POINTS - HB1261 is unfair to medical marijuana patients and will
force patients back on prescription medications that do not
have nanogram levels and are not routinely tested for by the
police. Go to the state legislature's page to see the calendar or
read the bill. EMAIL THE JUD. CMTE. and Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee The Rest of the Colorado Senate (excluding Judiciary Committee) SENATE CONTACT INFO. Get on our email list for updates:
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Wed., April 13, 2011
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Legal Panel Discussion |
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Sat. and Sun.
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PATIENT DISCOUNT AVAILABLE In response to a request from CTI, the organizers of the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup (April 2-3 in Denver) are giving a discount to the event for qualified Colorado patients. High Times graciously offered a 50% discount using the coupon code below. Patients can purchase tickets online for $25 for the two-day event. This gives patients unlimited access to both days of the Expo, including all cultivation seminars and activism panels, plus the awards ceremony and a gift bag. Sorry, no medical marijuana will be given out by High Times at this event. USE THIS LINK TO PURCHASE DISCOUNT TICKETS SPEAKERS FREE LEGALIZE 2012 STICKERS MEDCANCUP.COM USE THIS LINK TO PURCHASE DISCOUNT TICKETS |
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Wed., March 23, 2011 |
Colorado Legislative Update (03/23/11) We've got good news and bad news. Good News: Your grassroots lobbying effort is having an effect!!! Your emails, and especially phone calls, are working! Bad News: HB1261 passed the full House today. Colorado has seen three bills introduced this year into the state legislature that will directly attack patient rights. As a result of your efforts sending emails and connecting with your state Representatives, we are making progress! The House Judiciary Committee voted *not* to ban edibles at their hearing on Tuesday, March 15. Rep. Acree told CTI after the hearing that she had learned a lot from patients about the importance of edible cannabis therapy, and that she decided it wouldn't be fair to the patients to outlaw edibles. With regards to HB1261, the THC/DUI bill, Rep. Claire Levy indicated this morning that she might actually vote against her own bill. Levy was quoted in Westword this morning, "There was enough concern in the medical marijuana community about the impact of a per se limit, and enough uncertainty in the research about the causal relationship between marijuana and accidents, that I thought we should err on the side of caution in this very new kind of legislation." Read
the Westword article about Rep. Levy Unfortunately, HB1261 passed Colorado House of Representatives by a vote of 51 to 14 on Wed., March 23. Voting against the measure were 7 Democrats and 7 Republicans (22% of the House): Baumgardner (R), Becker (R), Court (D), Duran (D), Kagan (D), Looper (R), McKinley (R), Nikkel (R), Pace (D), Priolla (R), Rieseberg (D), Solano (D) , Sonnenberg (R), Wilson (D) In the end, Rep. Levy voted in favor of HB1261. HB1261 NEXT STEP HB1261 (THC/DUI) will now go to a Senate Committee (to be assigned) for its First Reading. If it passes the Committee, then it is on to the Full Senate for a Second and Third Reading. CALL AND EMAIL YOUR SENATORS Talking Points SENATE CONTACT INFO. Get on our email list for updates:
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Thurs.,
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Official 4-20 Rally Fundraiser Casselman's Bar and Venue Hosted by Hypnautic & King Tef Cost: $10 For more information: |
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Wed.,
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Time: 4pm til ??? Movie, Music, Speakers, Tables, Fun! For information & tickets go to: http://getlegalparty.eventbrite.com
or find the event on Facebook! Visit CTI's Table at this exciting More Green event. |
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March 22, 2011
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Closing Arguments in Court Hearing on Loveland MMC Ban Tues., March 22, 2011 Attorney Robert J. Corry, Jr. will present closing arguments for plaintiffs in a lawsuit for an injunction against the City of Loveland's ordinance banning MMCs in the town. Mr. Corry will argue that the City of Lovleand does not have the authority to ban patients from exercising their constitutional rights. If the judge grants the injunction, dispensaries in Loveland will be allowed to reopen. Presenting closing arguments for the defendants will be the State of Colorado, represented by Geoff Blue, Assistant Colorado Attorney General, and the City of Loveland, represented by Josh Marks of the law firm of Berg Hill Greeleaf & Ruscitti and John Duval of the Loveland City Attorneys Office. |
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March 22, 2011 |
HB1261: Full House to Vote on THC/DUI Bill ACTION ALERT:
SEND EMAILS TO ALL HOUSE MEMBERS LISTEN LIVE ONLINE
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March 17, 2011
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For immediate release, March 17, 2011 Feds Threaten State Dispensaries NationwideRead the Department of Justice's "Haag Memo" here: Get on the Cannabis Therapy Institute email list for updates: Protest Federal Intervention into State Medical Marijuana
Laws In a little-publicized memo, the federal government has indicated
that the The "Haag Memo" was written on Feb. 1, 2011 from United States Attorney Melinda Haag (Northern District of California) to John A. Russo, Esq., Oakland City Attorney, in response to an Oakland City Council request for guidance regarding medical marijuana and federal law. The memo was written with consultation and approval from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Read the Original Story in the Medical Marijuana Business Report The "Haag Memo" clarifies the "Ogden Memo", which was written by former Deputy Attorney General David W. Ogden on Oct. 19, 2009 for the Department of Justice. The "Ogden Memo" seemed to indicate that the new Obama administration would restrict federal prosecution of medical marijuana providers in states that had medical marijuana laws. This was heralded by many as giving them the green light to pursue medical marijuana activities, as long as they were in compliance with state law. The "Haag Memo" clears up that misconception with some very unambiguous statements. The memo says clearly that the feds will not look the other way on medical marijuana. The "Haag Memo" states very clearly that the feds will continue to investigate, arrest and prosecute medical marijuana dispensaries in every state "regardless of state laws." In addition, the memo calls prosecuting medical marijuana
dispensaries a According to the memo, medical marijuana commercial activity
is still The memo may be the cause of the recent increase in federal
raids at IMPLICATIONS FOR COLORADO "Maybe this will wake people up who think that it can't
happen here," says However, last year the state of Colorado set up a regulatory
scheme that MMC applicants also had to sign their power of attorney over
to the state MORE QUOTES FROM THE HAAG MEMO "We will enforce the CSA vigorously against individuals
and organizations "Others who knowingly facilitate the actions of the
licensees, includmg "As the Attorney General has repeatedly stated, the
Department of Justice READ THE DOJ MEMOS "Haag Memo" (Feb. 1, 2011) "Ogden Memo" (Oct. 19, 2009) DONATIONS NEEDED EMAIL LIST Please copy and redistribute this announcement. |
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March 22, 2011
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Dept. of Revenue Releases New Regulations {Denver} -- The Colorado Department of Revenue has promulgated 77 pages of new rules relating to Medical Marijuana Centers (MMCs) in Colorado. These new rules will go into effect July 1, 2011. You can read the rules here: It appears the DOR has tried to address security and privacy concerns of patients, but they still fall far short of what is necessary to ensure patient confidentiality. The new rules state that "Surveillance recordings and clear still photos must be made available to the MMED and law enforcement upon an administrative or law enforcement request demonstrating that the information sought is relevant and material to a legitimate regulatory or law enforcement inquiry." There is no definition of the word "legitimate", so this would probably require MMCs to give patient surveillance recordings to the DOR or any other law enforcement agency on demand, unless the MMC was willing to go to court to challenge the "legitimacy" of the request. CTI is still analyzing these new rules and will have more comments soon. SIGN UP FOR LEGAL TRAININGS
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March. 16, 2011 Board of Health Public Rulemaking Hearing |
Board of Health Public Rulemaking Hearing Restrictions on Physicians and Caregivers Time: Approx. 1pm. Suggest arriving at noon to make sure
you don't miss anything. ACCORDING TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH: Times stated are approximate. The agenda may be modified at the discretion of the Board. Rulemaking hearings may be continued at such times and places as the Board may determine. At the discretion of the Chair, oral testimony during public rulemaking hearings may be limited to five minutes or less, depending on the number of persons who wish to testify. Testimony will be taken in order of the sign-up sheet for each public hearing. |
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March. 15, 2011 |
Update on Edible Medicine Ban Vote on Tuesday (3/15) The House Judiciary Committee voted not to ban edibles at their hearing on Tuesday, March 15. Instead, House Bill 11-1250 was amended to allow the Department of Revenue to write requirements that will make medical marijuana edible packaging child-proof. Congratulations to the dozens of people who called and emailed their representatives! The pressure from patients and caregivers certainly had an effect on Rep. Acree deciding to drop her original idea for a ban. Rep. Acree told CTI after the hearing that she had learned a lot from patients about the importance of edible cannabis therapy, and that she decided it wouldn't be fair to the patients to outlaw edibles. However, in a bizarre twist, Rep. Acree displayed the below example of a medical marijuana infused product label that she would like to see. The sample label includes the wording "Legal and governmentally approved statement describing that pot is bad, M-ok."
This is a clear reference to the "Drugs are Bad, Mkay" South Park comedy animation skit from Comedy Central. Read the Westword Blog: Medical marijuana hearing nods to "Drugs are Bad, M'Kay" South Park ep?
WATCH THE SOUTH PARK VIDEO:
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March. 15, 2011 |
Edible Medicine Ban Hearing on Tuesday (3/15) House Bill 11-1250 might outlaw all medicinal cannabis edible products in the state, overturning the licensing scheme for Infused Products Manufacturers that was created by the state legislature last year. Amendments have been proposed to lessen the impact of this bill, but nothing is set in stone. All options remain on the table, and new, unseen amendments have been promised by the sponsors. No public comment will be taken at this hearing, so even though many people testified about an edibles bill on March 1, the bill will be significantly changed and the public will not be allowed an opportunity to comment on it. LISTEN LIVE ONLINE *** IMPORTANT: HAVE REAL-TIME IMPACT ON THIS HEARING *** HEARING ON CANNABIS EDIBLE BAN DATE: Tues., March 15, 2011 LOCATION: Room 0107, Basement, state Capitol Building, 200 E. Colfax, Denver, CO TIME: 1:30pm Email House Judiciary Committee members: COPY AND PASTE EMAILS OF HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE AND
BILL SPONSORS Capitol Bill Room Go to the state legislature's page to see the calendar or
read the bill. See background article: March
1, 2011: HB1250 in Limbo: Committee Delays a Vote |
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Thurs., March 10, 2011
ROOM CHANGE: Old Supreme Court Chambers, 2nd Floor, state Capitol Building
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UPDATE: Bill passes: 6 to 2Read the Denver Post Article about the Hearing Read the Westword Article About the Hearing with Photos from CTI HB 1261 Hearing: THC/DUI Bill Medical Marijuana Patients May Lose Driving PrivilegesCALL AND EMAIL HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Click here for details THC/DUI Bill Hearing on Thursday (3/10) House Judiciary Committee Hearing on HB 1261 DATE: Thurs., March 10, 2011 TIME: 1:30pm NOTE ROOM CHANGE: Old Supreme Court Chambers, 2nd
Floor, state Capitol Building, 200 E. Colfax, Denver, CO (Note,
this room only seats about 40 people so arrive early. There
are 3 other bills on the agenda before the DUI bill.) Capitol Bill Room (for last minute changes): (303) 866-3055 Attire: Dress to Impress Sign up on CTI's email list for updates: LISTEN LIVE ONLINE *** IMPORTANT: HAVE REAL-TIME IMPACT ON THIS HEARING *** Colorado House Judiciary Committee Emails bob.gardner.house@state.co.us, mark.barker.house@state.co.us, BACKGROUND YIPPIES
SHAME POLICE TO PATROL CAPITOL
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Wed., March 9, 2011
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CTI PUBLIC
MEETING & Wed., March 9, 2011 Free and open
to the public. Schedule:
7:00pm to 9:00pm LEGAL PANEL PARTICIPANTS Robert J. Corry Jr. (Denver) Danyel Joffe (Denver) William Lahey (Littleton) Sean T. McAllister (Summit County) Craig Small (Boulder) For more information about these bills, go to the Cannabis
Therapy Institute. WORKING PRESS: Receive complimentary food and drinks courtesy of the Cannabis Press Association. Check in at the CPA press table. More information: Cannabis Therapy Institute Legalize 2012 Patient and Caregivers Rights Litigation Project Cannabis Trade Council Cannabis Press Association |
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HB 1250 in Limbo: Committee Delays a VoteAre Cap'n Crunch and Izze the New "Medical Marijuana Menace" for Colorado Children? |
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March 3, 2011 (Thurs.)
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Department of Public Health and Environment
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HB1250: Edible Ban Public Hearing Tues., March 1, 2011 ROOM CHANGE:
LISTEN
LIVE ONLINE
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Edible Medicine Ban Hearing on Tuesday (3/1)House Bill 11-1250 will outlaw all medicinal cannabis edible products in the state, overturning the licensing scheme for Infused Products Manufacturers that was created by the state legislature last year. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Cindy Acree (R-Arapahoe and Elbert Counties) and Sen. Scott Renfroe (R-Weld County). This bill has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee. The public hearing on the bill has been set for March 1, 2011. This will be the public's ONLY TIME TO COMMENT on the bill, until it is moved to the Senate. PLEASE BRING ALL YOUR PATIENTS TO SPEAK OUT AT THIS HEARING. This is a serious attack on patient rights, and we must show the Committee that will not allow them to prohibit this important cannabis therapy. HEARING ON CANNABIS EDIBLE BAN Tues., March 1, 2011 LOCATION: ROOM CHANGE: Now in Old Supreme Court Chambers, 2nd Floor, state Capitol Building, 200 E. Colfax, Denver, CO TIME ESTIMATE: According to the official House Calendar, the hearing on HB1250 is scheduled to begin "upon adjournment". This means when the Representatives adjourn from their morning session on the House Floor, they will start the hearing on HB1250. What time they start the hearing all depends on how many items are on the House calendar for that morning, so there is no way to say the official start time of the hearing. It would be safest to show up earlier, maybe around 9am or 10am. Our guess is that testimony will be taken from around 10am to 12noon. The hearing will break at noon for lunch, and then reconvene at 1:30pm only if there is more testimony to hear. Capitol Bill Room Go to the state legislature's page to see the calendar or
read the bill. Attire: Dress to Impress LISTEN LIVE ONLINE CALL AND EMAIL HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Click here for detailsYIPPIES
SHAME POLICE TO PATROL CAPITOL
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Feb. 16, 2011 |
BIG PATIENT PRIVACY MEETING WED. Board of Health Meeting At CTI's request, the Board of Health is holding an informational briefing on the current status of the state's confidential medical marijuana registry and plans to replace the CDPHE Registry with a non-confidential Registry run by the Department of Revenue. Representatives from the CDPHE, the Colorado Attorney General's office and the Department of Revenue will present a briefing to the Board. The Board of Health will also discuss CTI's petition for rules to protect patient privacy. At their January meeting, the Board denied CTI's petition on an emergency basis, saying their was no imminent threat to the confidentiality of the Registry, but they agreed to hold a hearing on whether to set the rules over for formal rulemaking. According to their website, "The Board will only discuss and decide whether it will grant the petition and set the proposal for a future rulemaking – the Board will not be hearing CTI’s proposed amendments this time. Click here to read CTI's proposed rules to protect patient
privacy: Click here for more information on the Board of Health IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT PATIENT PRIVACY, PLEASE ATTEND THIS MEETING.
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Feb. 11, 2011 LAST CHANCE TO COMMENT |
UPDATE ON DOR RULEMAKING PUBLIC HEARINGS: Click here for photos and video
New Medical Marijuana Criminal Law Enforcement
Logo Introduced at First "MMED" Public Hearing DEFEND THE REGISTRY CAMPAIGNDOR Proposes New Rules Violating Patient Privacy COMMENTS DUE BY Feb. 11, 2011 at 5:00pm SAMPLE COMMENT Send comments to: Please send a copy of your comments to the Cannabis Therapy
Institute: IMPORTANT: Your comments will become part of the official rulemaking record and will be important when courts decide if the rules are valid. Click here for more info and updates on the DoR Rulemaking Hearings |
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Hearing on HB 1043 State Capitol Building Old Supreme Court Chambers LISTEN
ONLINE
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Photos and Update from Hearing on HB 1043 (2/10/11)
HB 1250: Edible Cannabis Medicines to Be Outlawed in ColoradoHearing today at 1:30pmState Capitol
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Feb. 10, 2011
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Department of Public Health and Environment Public Comments to the Advisory Committee: cdphe.MMRAdvisoryCommittee@state.co.us Please send a copy of your comments to the Cannabis Therapy
Institute: |
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Feb. 9, 2011 |
Legalize 2012 Monthly Networking Meeting Wed., Feb. 9, 2011 Free and open to the public. Schedule:
7:30pm to 8:30pm
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Jan. 28, 2011 |
Chris Bartkowicz Sentencing Chris Bartkowicz is a Colorado caregiver who received
5 years in federal prison for a medical marijuana grow
that was legal under Colorado law. BRING A PHOTO ID TO GET INTO COURTHOUSE. |
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Jan. 27-28, 2011
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Department of Revenue |
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Jan. 28, 2011 DoR
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Update Jan. 28. 2011:UPDATE ON DOR HEARINGSDEFEND THE REGISTRY CAMPAIGNDOR Proposes New Rules Violating Patient Privacy COMMENTS DUE BY Feb. 11, 2011 at 5:00pm SAMPLE COMMENT Send comments to: Please send a copy of your comments to the Cannabis Therapy
Institute: IMPORTANT: Your comments will become part of the official rulemaking record and will be important when courts decide if the rules are valid. |
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Jan. 27, 2011 |
Department of Public Health and Environment Public Comments to the Advisory Committee: cdphe.MMRAdvisoryCommittee@state.co.us Please send a copy of your comments to the Cannabis Therapy
Institute: |
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Jan. 19, 2011
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Wed., Jan. 12, 2011
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The Patient & Caregiver Rights
Litigation Project Wed., Jan. 12, 2011 Free and open to the public. Patient and Caregiver Rights Litigation Project |
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Jan. 12, 2011
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Big Rally in Favor of Patient Rights Spread the word! State Capitol Building Note: This is a non-smoking event. On January 12, the state legislature convenes. Last year, the legislature gutted the Constitutional amendment that gave patients in Colorado the right to use cannabis as medicine. Under the guise of "regulation", the legislature passed two bills that greatly restrict patients' access to their Consitutionally-protected medicine. Patients, caregivers and advocates are called upon to unite to protect the Colorado Constitution and defend Colorado's patients. Lobbying tours of the Capitol will follow the rally, so this will be an opportunity for you to meet your state lawmaker and urge them to pass laws that protect patient privacy and their right to safe access. Lobby Tours Rally sponsored by Denver 420 Coalition. |
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Tues., Jan. 11, 2011
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Department of Public Health and Environment On the agenda for this meeting is the permanent elimination of physicians who have "conditions" on their licenses from the ability to write medical marijuana recommendations, even though they are qualified to practice medicine in Colorado in other areas. Also to be discussed is the new requirement for recommending physicians to have a relationship with their patients that is not exclusively related to medical marijuana. This new rule would require patients to make the physician that is willing to sign their recommendation their permanent primary care physician. This is another attack on patients' right to choose their physicians and will increase the cost of getting a medical marijuana recommendation dramatically. See website for draft proposed rule: WHAT YOU CAN DO: Public Comments to the Advisory Committee: cdphe.MMRAdvisoryCommittee@state.co.us Please send a copy of your comments to the Cannabis Therapy
Institute: |
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Jan.
5, 2011 Patient and Caregiver Rights Litigation Project |
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Dec. 17-19, 2010 |
KushCon II |
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Sat., Nov. 13, 2010
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Irvin Rosenfeld Talk and Book Signing |
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Sun., Nov. 14, 2010 |
Annual 420 Rally Fundraiser |
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Thurs., Nov. 18, 2010 |
Department of Revenue Rulemaking Advisory Board Meeting |
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Thurs., Nov. 18, 2010 |
Medical Marijuana Business Alliance Monthly Networking
Event |
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Sun., Nov. 21, 2010 |
Caregivers' Cup 2010 |
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Wed., Nov. 3, 2010
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Legalize 2012 Campaign Kickoff Event The Politics of Cannabis Relegalization FREE and open to the public Click here for more info: |
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Sat., Oct. 30, 2010 |
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Oct. 25, 2010 |
Denver City Council
Debates Banning Caregivers |
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Wed., Oct. 20, 2010 |
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Sept. 30, 2010 |
Department
of Revenue Makes Patients Wait for Medicine |
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Runs Aug. 27 thru Sept. 18 |
Reefer Madness: The "Hit" Musical "Highly recommended. It's not what you expect." |
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September 24-25, 2010 Plant Medicine Expo CTI Instructor Deanna Gabriel will give four classes. |
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Wed., Sept., 22, 2010 |
Rally for Chris Bartkowicz DEA -- GO AWAY!!! Chris Bartkowicz is a Colorado caregiver facing federal charges for growing medical marijuana. He is the first caregiver in Colorado to be targeted by the feds. If his prosecution is successful, he won't be the last. Sensible Colorado has organized a protest and rally for him
at the Federal Courthouse in Denver on Wed. (9/22). |
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Thurs., Sept., 16, 2010 |
Department of Revenue Rulemaking Meeting Department of Revenue Rulemaking Meeting The Department of Revenue is holding their second rulemaking "workgroup" meeting on Thursday morning at the Department of Revenue. According to the Department of Revenue, "Workgroup members will engage in a discussion concerning draft rules pertaining to HB 10-1284. The public is invited to attend and observe the discussion of the workgroup. There will not be an opportunity for non-workgroup members to participate in this meeting." DATE: Thurs., September 16, 2010 TIME: 9:00 or 9:30am (??) LOCATION: Note: This is a very small room with limited seating capacity. The first workgroup meeting was attended by over 100 spectators, with many spilling into the hallway. Despite many complaints from the public, the Department of Revenue has refused to secure a larger venue for these meetings. The DOR received over $10 million in application fees from the medical marijuana community in July and August, so they certainly have the funds to rent a larger room. Since so any of our community are disabled, the lack of effort to accomodate patients by the Department of Revenue is especially appalling. Please arrive early if you want a seat. It would be safest to assume the meeting starts at 9am. BACKGROUND Click here to watch a video of Matt Cook, head of the new
Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division of the Department of
Revenue, describing the system. DRAFT RULES COMMENTS Go to the Department of Revenue's website for more info.
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Fri., Aug. 27, 2010 |
TWO RULEMAKING MEETINGS DATE: Friday, August 27, 2010 TIME: 9:00am MEETING #1: Department of Revenue Workgroup Meeting This is the rescheuling of the secret
meeting that the Department of Revenue tried to hold that
CTI helped expose a few weeks ago. Go to the Department of Revenue's website for more info. ---------------------------------------------- TIME: 1:00-3:00 p.m. MEETING #2: Joint Department of Revenue and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Meeting According to the CDPHE, "The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Department of Revenue will hold a joint public meeting on Aug. 27, 2010, to receive public input on emergency rules adopted by the Department of Revenue and to be provided with an update from the industry, caregivers, patients and other stakeholders regarding the industry's current status." Go to the CDPHE website for more info. LOCATION
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Tues., Aug. 24, 2010 |
Preliminary Hearing in Denver Child Abuse Case Help Protect Parent/Patient Rights! |
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Sat., Aug. 21, 2010 |
Cannabis Festiva Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010 All day music and cannabis education event. Cannabis Festiva will be held at Dick's Sporting Goods Park
Stadium, the largest professional soccer stadium and complex
in the U.S. conveniently of I-70 and just 9 miles from downtown
Denver.) Click here for more info.: |
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Thurs., Aug. 19, 2010 |
Medical Marijuana Business Alliance When: Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010 Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m. Topic: New Medical Marijuana Regulations Guest Speakers Location: Sponsored by the Medical Marijuana Business Alliance |
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Aug. 14 and 15, 2010 |
Signature Drive This Weekend in Broomfield Help Overturn Broomfield's Ban on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries |
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Mon., |
ACTION ALERT: Denver City Council Debates Banning Caregivers CALL AND EMAIL TODAY!!! |
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Mon., |
Colorado Department of Revenue Cancels Activists call for openness in the process. |
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Mon., |
Aug. 2, 2010 Department of Revenue "Emergency" Rulemaking Hearing |
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July 24, 2010 |
July 24, 2010 Bringing Nationalism Back to Denver Event Skyline #2 Park In order to welcome back the Colorado contingent that celebrated Independence Day in Washington, D. C. at the annual 4th of July Hemp Coalition rally, there will be a gathering in downtown Denver this Saturday in Skyline #2 Park, next to the historical Daniels and Fisher "clock tower" building. The purpose of this event is to educate the marijuana community on knowing their rights to be effective in advocating for the legalization of marijuana on the local and national fronts as well as to energize marijuana enthusiasts, activates, and advocates for the upcoming year and 2011 Denver 420 Rally. 2012 is the goal for the re-legalization of marijuana in Colorado and by knowing our rights and how to affectively lobby legislation, re-legalization of marijuana is less than a couple years away. This means collectively we have a lot of work to do in the next year and a half. 10am to 4:20pm: Speakers including Attorney Robert J. Corry, Jr., Attorney Tae Darnell, Professor Bob Melamede, Cannabis Science CEO and Miguel Lopez, community organizer 4:20pm: Social Hour 5:20pm to 8:20pm: CopWatch Training - 3 part program 8:20pm: Outdoor showing of two movies: Grass and War on Drugs Sponsored by Mile High NORML |
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Appeal
of the case of Frank Marzano |
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July 9, 2010 |
Medical Marijuna Business Applications Available Applications Due August 1, 2010 |
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Legalize 2012 |
Re-Legalize 2012 The freedom-based initiative is Legalize 2012, a grassroots
campaign to place an initiative on the Colorado ballot to
relegalize cannabis and hemp in Colorado for adults for all
uses. While it is vital that Colorado create a system of distribution
for patients that works, at this point, we believe the best
way to accomplish this is by full relegalization. The ballot
initiative will be modeled after freedom-based models to legalization,
which reject the sin taxes and over-regulation promoted in
other models. The Re-Legalize 2012 Project is currently forming
a fundraising board & ballot initiative language committee.
Please contact us to get involved or donate.
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PANEL DISCUSSION |
Mon., May 24, 2010 Join this unprecedented gathering of Colorado medical marijuana attorneys in an important panel discussion about the current legal situation in Colorado. Attorney Panelists are Clifton L. Black (Colorado Springs), Jessica P. Corry (Denver), Tae Darnell (Denver), Lauren C. Davis (Denver), Jeffrey Gard (Boulder), Richard Gee (Blackhawk), Charles T. Houghton (Colo. Springs), Danyel Joffe (Denver), Craig Small (Boulder), Ann Toney (Denver) FREE and Open to the Public |
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May 19, 2010 |
Medical Marijuana Action Alert
Vol 21 May 19, 2010 Failure to Meet Deadlines May Be Treated As Criminal Offenses and Prosecuted. All Medical Marijuana Centers that are operational, or have applied to Local Licensing Authorities before July 1, 2010, will be allowed to continue to operate (or start operation) after July 1, 2010. (However, Please Note Conditions Listed Below.) If you have not applied for a local license or are in a community that has a Moratorium extending past July 1, 2010, then it will be very difficult to open a Medical Marijuana Center until after July 1, 2011. Colorado will impose a Moratorium on new Medical Marijuana Centers from July 1, 2010 through July 1, 2011. If you are operating a Medical Marijuana Center, the following Deadlines apply to you. If your application for a local license is not approved until after August 1, 2010, you will have 30 days from licensure to meet the deadlines. On or Before August 1, 2010, you must fill out forms from the Department of Revenue and pay a fee (unknown amount) to continue to operate. Failure to meet the deadline will result in either shutting down or facing criminal charges. Further, If You Miss The August 1 Deadline And You Stay Open, That Fact Will Be Proof You Are Of Unsatisfactory Character And You Will Be Denied A License. On or Before September 1, 2010, Medical Marijuana Centers must certify to the State that they are cultivating at least 70% of necessary medical marijuana. You must apply for a license with your local government and
with the State before July 1, 2011. All the rules and regulations
for Medical Marijuana Centers and Infused Produce Centers
and Growth Centers take effect. (This is more complex then
it seems. You should seek legal counsel if you might be violating
any provisions on July 1, 2010.) |
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May 13, 2010 |
Medical Marijuana Action Alert Vol 19 May 13, 2010 While numerous legal challenges will probably be mounted to challenge HB10-1284, the lawsuits will take a long time to move through the Courts. In the meantime there are many troubling issues about this law which can have direct and often destructive impact on everyone involved in this field. The bill is complex and detailed and easily open to misinterpretation. Before making any decisions based on a possibly erroneous or questionable interpretation of this law, be certain that you know what will work and what might be an extremely costly error. While there are many traps and pitfalls for the unaware,
there are also many seemingly insurmountable problems that
have creative solutions. For example, depending on the needs
of the dispensary, there are ways a dispensary can maintain
an adequate, fresh supply of product without going over the
federal 100 plant limit. Likewise, although dispensaries will
not be allowed to buy from growers, there are ways that dispensaries
and growers can work together, within the bounds of the new
law, so that the growers can focus on growing and dispensaries
can focus on getting product to market. In order to make sure
you are in compliance with HB10-1284, and to implement creative
problem solving, you need to start taking action now. You
cannot wait to see what happens. Do not allow yourself to
be one of those frightened out of business. |
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May 12, 2010 |
Final Versions of the Bills HB1284: Medical Marijuana Dispensary Regulation SB109: Physician/Patient
Relationship |
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May 11, 2010 |
HB1284 Passes the Colorado General Assembly Ask Governor Ritter to VETO HB 1284 and SB109 MARCH AND RALLY CALL AND EMAIL THE GOVERNOR |
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May 11, 2010 |
Legislative session ends May 12 URGENT NOTICE TO COLORADO DISPENSARY OWNERSIf HB1284 passes the state legislature and is signed into law, it will completely change the rules for anyone involved in medical marijuana in Colorado. There are a few important deadlines that are approaching that businesses must be aware of. July 1, 2010: You must be operating an established medical marijuana center or have applied for a local license. August 1, 2010: State registration fee due (amount unknown at this point). Sept. 1, 2010: A medical marijuana center must be producing 70% of its medicine either onsite or with separate licenses for "optional premises cultivation." July 1, 2011: State licensing fee due (amount unknown
at this point). Sign up on our Email List for more upcoming legal seminars and trainings:
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May 3, 2010 |
HB1284 Will Shut
Down 80% of Dispensaries in Colorado |
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April 23, 2010 |
Hearing on HB1284 Tuesday, April 27, 2010 Call and Email the Senate Local Government Committee Attend the Hearing on Tuesday.
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April 22, 2010 |
Last Chance to Call House Members |
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April 21, 2010 |
Letter from CTI to District Attorney Stan Garnett Regarding 420 Prosecutions in Boulder |
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April 21, 2010 |
KILL HB1284 and SB109 TAKE ACTION NOW! ACTION ALERT: Auditors with Guns will Control Medical Marijuana in Colorado Video: Auditors with Guns by the People's Cannabis News PRINT THIS FLYER: Printable PDF Action Alert
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April 20, 2010 |
Watch Grassroots Cannabis Lobbying Training Video
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April 16, 2010 |
Appropriations Committee
Hearing on HB1284 |
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April 15, 2010 |
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April 20, 2010 |
Upcoming Cannabis Events and Fundraisers Note: One Love Event at the Oriental on 4/18 has been CANCELED. |
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March 23, 2010 |
HB1284
Passes with Amendments |
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March 22, 2010 |
Monday, March 22, 2010 |
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March 4, 2010 |
Call your Senators and Reps today! Thursday, March 4, 2010 RALLY AT NOON ON CAPITOL STEPS! |
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March 2, 2010 |
Tues., March 2, 2010 LOCATION: |
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March 4, 2010 |
Call your Senators and Reps today! Thursday, March 4, 2010 |
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Feb. 21, 2010 |
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Feb. 13, 2010 |
Rogue DEA Agents Bust
Medical Marijuana Grow in Colorado |
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Feb. 4, 2010 |
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Jan. 27, 2010 |
SB109 Passes HHS Committee 6 to 1 |
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Jan. 27, 2010 |
HEARING ON SB109 SET FOR
WED., JAN. 27 at 10am |
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Jan. 23, 2010 |
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Jan. 15, 2010 |
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Jan. 13, 2010 |
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Jan. 14, 2010 |
January 14, 2010: BIG RALLY AT STATE CAPITOL Free "I'm a Patient and I Vote" stickers will be given to the first 300 patients, compliments of the Cannabis Therapy Institute.
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Jan. 10, 2010 |
BREAKING: Sen. Romer Withdraws Restrictive Medical Marijuana Bill |
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Jan. 8, 2010 |
Rob Corry Debates Sen. Romer on Jon Caldara's Indpendent
Thinking show. |
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Jan. 7, 2010 |
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Jan. 3, 2010 |
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Jan. 2, 2010 |
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Jan. 1, 2010 |
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Dec. 15, 2009 |
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Dec. 15, 2009 |
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Dec. 8, 2009 |
CTI Invites Sen. Romer to Cannabis Holiday Health Fair - Dec. 12 update, Senator Romer and Councilman Brown will Attend! |
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Dec. 8, 2009 |
ACTION ALERT: Medical Marijuana Bill Will Shut Down Dispensaries - Write you state reps TODAY! |
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Nov. 25, 2009 |
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Nov. 18, 2009 |
Benefit Tonite for Medical Cannabis Defendant Nicholas Paloshek |
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Nov. 16, 2009 |
Formal Opinion of Attorney General John Suthers Regarding Sales Tax and Medical Marijuana |
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Nov. 15, 2009 |
Public Hearings in Denver, Ft. Collins, Grand Junction, Loveland, and Pueblo County This Week |
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Nov. 15, 2009 |
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Nov. 15, 2009 |
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Nov. 15, 2009 |
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Nov. 11, 2009 |
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Nov. 10, 2009 |
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Nov. 5, 2009 |
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Nov. 3, 2009 |
Board of Health Emergency
Hearing |
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Nov. 1, 2009 |
Legislator Education Campaign: Help us teach Colorado legislators about medical marijuana |
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Nov. 1, 2009 |
Draft Bill: Colorado Medical
Cannabis Patient and Caregiver Protection Act |
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Oct. 29, 2009 |
Court of Appeals Decision
in Clendenin Case |
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Oct. 22, 2009 |
Sen.
Chris Romer to Introduce Colorado Medical Marijuana Bill in
2010 |
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Oct. 6, 2009 |
Draft Ordinance and Medical Cannabis Economic Development Report Released |
Read Patient Stories and Medical Cannabis Testimonials
Medical Marijuana in Colorado
The Cannabis Therapy Institute contains information on medical marijuana in Colorado for patients, caregivers, advocates and policymakers. Medical marijuana is a Constitutional Right in Colorado, and the CTI pledges to defend and uphold that right for all patients.
Cannabis Therapy Institute
Phone: 877-420-4205
Web: www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com
Email: info@cannabistherapyinstitute.com
