Sensible Colorado

Sensible Colorado Action Puts Trust in Voters

Brian — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:53:05 +0000

**Dispensary Ban Overturned (for now)**

BROOMFIELD, CO — Last night the Broomfield City Council voted to place a question on the November ballot to allow local voters to decided whether to permit medical marijuana dispensaries. This vote occurred after community members turned in over 1500 signatures opposing a ban on these centers which the City Council enacted in July 2010.

“Hundreds of sick patients who live in Broomfield deserve safe access to their constitutionally protected medicine at centers regulated by the Colorado Department of Revenue,” stated Brian Vicente, executive director of Sensible Colorado Action which provided funding and strategic support for the local campaign. “Sensible Colorado Action is proud to support the Broomfield citizens who stood up to City Council over the last month and collected the signatures necessary to force the Council to suspend it’s ill conceived ban,” continued Vicente.

“Today’s victory for patients’ safe access to medicine should be a warning to other local politicians who think they can infringe upon the constitutional and statutory rights of Colorado’s nearly 150,000 medical marijuana patients,” stated Vicente.

On November 2, 2010, Broomfield voters will decided whether to uphold this suspension of the local ban.

**Interested in helping out with the Broomfield campaign or developing a plan to fight for safe access in your community? Contact Sensible Colorado today. Click here.

ACT NOW: Stop Denver from limiting safe access!

Brian — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:59:22 +0000

On Monday August 9th, the Denver City Council will hear a first reading of an ordinance to BAN caregivers from growing medical marijuana for any patient in any residential zone district. The ordinance will make it a zoning violation for anyone to grow more than 12 plants in any residential zone district. In addition, the 12 plants can only be grown for patients who live at that address. This ordinance will effectively ban the caregiver model of safe access in Denver!

It gets worse…..

Ordinance C10-0607 is being introduced by Councilmember Jeanne Robb, who admits that she did not consult a single patient during the drafting process!

The ordinance will be heard for a first reading on Monday night at 5:30p. If it passes first reading, a public hearing will be scheduled for sometime in September, along with a final vote.

Please call you city council representative TODAY and tell them to vote NO on Ordinance C10-0607. The city council should send the ordinance back to the drawing board and draft an ordinance that regulates - not bans - small time caregivers in Denver.

Important Targets:

Councilwoman Jeanne Robb: 303 377 1807

Councilman Chris Nevitt: 720 865 8900

Councilwoman Carla Madison: 303 298 7641

Message: Please vote NO on C10-0607. This change will hurt medical marijuana patients who rely on small caregivers to provide them with low cost medicine. Please don’t act to limit patient access to medicine in Denver!

**Support Sensible Colorado’s efforts to help patients and caregivers by clicking here.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Petition Submitted to CDPHE

Brian — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:02:53 +0000

I can’t imagine anyone more worthy of public largesse than a veteran.” -Dr. Sally Satel, psychiatrist and expert on PTSD

Medical marijuana may soon be a viable medical option for veterans and others who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Colorado. Thanks to the courageous efforts of veterans and supporters from across the state, Sensible Colorado and a retired Army Sergeant, submitted an official petition to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment asking them to add PTSD to the list of qualifying medical marijuana conditions.

At a press conference earlier, state Representative Joe Miklosi spoke in favor of the petition calling for a fair and objective review process from the CDPHE. You can view Rep. Miklosi’s comments by clicking here. You can also read coverage of this event by clicking here, here, and here.

Sensible Colorado also wishes to express our deepest gratitude to those veterans who traveled great distances to attend yesterday’s event! Thank you for your service and your support!

Marijuana Reform Events this Week

Brian — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:10:01 +0000

Help our Veterans

(1) Press Conference and Rally to Support Medical Marijuana Access for PTSD Victims

WHAT: Sensible Colorado and local veterans have teamed up to submit an official petition to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to add Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, known as PTSD, to the list of conditions eligible for medical marijuana recommendations. On submission day we will be holding a rally and press conference to support this important cause!

WHEN: Wednesday July 7, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: 4300 Cherry Creek Drive, South, Denver, CO (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment)

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Attend the Rally! Tell your friends! Forward this email!

(2) Sensible Colorado Fundraiser at Quixote’s in Denver

WHAT: Music, Legal and Educational Seminars, BBQ and more! Proceeds to benefit Sensible Colorado and event organized by Denver Relief. Click for more info HERE

WHEN: Sunday, July 11 from 2:00pm to Midnight (legal seminars begin at 6:00pm)

WHERE: Quixote’s True Blue, 2151 Lawrence St., Denver 80205

(3) Medical Marijuana Update:

Please note that the Health Department has developed new “patient application forms” which are available HERE. We suggest that all new patients and renewals begin using these forms immediately.

PLEASE ATTEND!

Brian — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:28:17 +0000

Press Conference and Rally Event to Support Medical Marijuana Access for PTSD Victims

WHAT : Sensible Colorado and local veterans have teamed up to submit an official petition to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to add Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, known as PTSD, to the list of conditions eligible for medical marijuana recommendations. On submission day we will be holding a rally and press conference to support this important cause!

WHEN : Wednesday July 7, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE : 4300 Cherry Creek Drive, South. Denver, CO (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment)

HOW YOU CAN HELP : Attend the Rally! Tell your friends! Forward this email! Print out and distribute the above flier to friends, colleagues, and customers.

Help Veterans Access Medical Marijuana in Colorado

Brian — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:09:37 +0000

Attention Veterans, those who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and supporters:

As you may remember during the recent debate over HB-1284, an amendment was introduced that would have added Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to the list of qualifying conditions under Colorado’s medical marijuana law. Despite the mountain of scientific evidence, and the very moving testimony of over fifty veterans at the Board of Health meeting last July, the state’s Chief Medical Officer, Ned Calonge, campaigned very aggressively against this amendment resulting in the House Judiciary Committee rejecting it by a vote of 6-5.

In response to this irresponsible disregard for our veterans’ well being, Sensible Colorado and allies have drafted a petition that will soon be submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to include PTSD as a qualifying condition under the state’s medical marijuana program.

We are seeking veterans to assist with this effort, so, if you are a veteran who supports this issue, please contact Dan at dan@sensiblecolorado.org.

We need your help in the fight to protect safe access to medicine. Please consider donating HERE to support this important work.

Join National Experts at a Free Strategy and Networking Workshop on May 30

Brian — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:46:44 +0000

May 30th Strategy and Networking Workshop

The national non-profit, Americans for Safe Access, and Sensible Colorado are hosting a Stakeholder Meeting on Sunday, May 30, 2010 from 10 am-4 pm in Denver. (RSVP here!) The purpose of this meeting is to bring medical cannabis stakeholders, leaders, and activists together to discuss:

Challenges to the implementation of Colorado’s medical cannabis laws
Develop a campaign outline for solutions to move forward
Determine how we can work together to make this law work for patients
Get an update about what is happening nationally and how CO can help

This is a wonderful opportunity to come together– and work together– to guarantee greater safe access in Colorado. Please RSVP at: https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/182/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=60719

Meeting Location: 4305 Brighton Blvd. (Exit off 70 at Brighton Blvd.& go SOUTH, the entrance is 1,000 feet south of the freeway on the right).

Date: Sunday, May 30th, 2010 10 am-4 pm

**Meeting space donated by Toni and Barry Fox – Thanks!

What do the new state medical marijuana laws mean for patients?

Brian — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:11:07 +0000

**Free statewide trainings next week!**

Attention Patients and Supporters:

Sensible Colorado will be holding a series of trainings next week to discuss the new state laws and their effect on medical marijuana patients. Learn about SB 109– the “Doctor/Patient Relationship Bill” and HB 1284– the “Dispensary Bill” and what they mean for Colorado’s 50,000+ medical patients. No RSVP necessary at these free events, however please consider donating to support our work on behalf of patients.

Denver Training

When: Monday, May 17 from 6-7:30p

Where: 1881 S. Broadway, Denver 80210

What: Free patient training on new state laws

Colorado Springs Training

When: Tuesday, May 18 from 6-7:30p

Where: Ruth Holley Library Meeting Room, 685 North Murray Boulevard Colorado Springs, CO

What: Free patient training on new state laws

Ft. Collins Training

When: Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 6-7:30p

Where: Ben Delatour Room, Main Library, 201 Peterson Street,

Fort Collins, Colorado 80524

What: Free patient training on new state laws

**Also please mark your calendar for a medical marijuana leader and activist “Stakeholder meeting” on May 30 in Denver. Join nationally recognized expert Steph Sherer (ASA) and Sensible Colorado staff in developing a grassroots plan to ensure safe access in Colorado. More details to follow soon.

Sensible Colorado would like to thank out project partners, thekindroom.org and marijuanapatientadvocates.com for helping to secure space for these events.

Dispensary Regulation Bill Likely to Become Law

Brian — Wed, 05 May 2010 23:28:42 +0000

On Wednesday, May 5, the full Senate passed HB 1284 which is now likely to become statewide law. Sensible Colorado opposed this bill and spent considerable time and resources fighting for important changes– many of which were ultimately adopted.

To help prepare patients for the ultimate impact of this legislation, Sensible Colorado will be hosting a series of free trainings explaining the new law (along with SB 109, the “Doctor/Patient Bill) starting the week of May 17. Please watch for future alerts with event details.

Important Elements of HB 1284 (**again, this is not yet law, but will likely pass its final legislative hurdle on Thurs., 5/6.)

1. Dispensaries and edible producers will have to apply for state licenses. After July 2011, these providers must follow new state regulations in order to continue operating. Note there are also a number of other crucial deadlines starting in August 2010 which these providers must meet.

2. Local governments can ban dispensaries. This damaging provision will effect innumerable patients across the state. However, Sensible’s legal team is already planning local campaigns and lawsuits to overturn bans. Click here to support our work.

3. Caregivers will be limited to helping five or less patients. Anyone helping six or more patients will have to register as a dispensary with the state– in a process yet to be determined. Again, we plan to take prompt action to fight this restriction.

There are many other aspects of this bill which effect the rights of both patients and caregivers, and we will be sending additional updates on these changes. A near-final draft of this bill should be available soon here. (Search “HB 1284″ and look for the May 5 version).

Crucial Hearing on Statewide Dispensary Bill

Brian — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:17:41 +0000

**Make Your Voice Heard**

On Tuesday, April 27, HB 1284– the bill to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries– will be heard in front of the Colorado Senate “Local Government” Committee. While HB 1284 would firmly establish dispensaries in state law, it also contains some damaging provisions to safe patient access.

This may be your last chance to publicly comment on the bill. Please attend this Hearing or contact the target Senators listed below as soon as possible.

What: Attend the Hearing to discuss HB 1284

When: Tuesday, April 27 at 2pm

Where: Old Supreme Court Chambers, 200 E. Colfax Avenue (State Capitol), Denver.

If you can’t attend, please send a personal message or paste the following message in an email to the target Senators (pasted below)

—————–**SAMPLE EMAIL**————————

Dear Senator,

While there are many positive provisions in HB 1284, I urge you to amend this bill to help protect Colorado’s vulnerable medical marijuana patients. Please consider amending this bill to:

(1) Prevent local governments from banning dispensaries. Patients need to be able to access medicine in their communities.

(2) Establish Advisory Boards within both the Health Department and the Department of Revenue to help implement this law. A diverse Panel of patients, law enforcement, medical professionals, and others can help safeguard both patients and communities

I hope you will strongly consider the needs of patients as you vote on this law.

Respectfully,

NAME

————–**END SAMPLE EMAIL**———————-

*Senate Local Government Committee Members*

Sen. Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass), Chair
District 5 (Alamosa, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale,
Mineral, Pitkin, Rio Grande and Saguache Counties)
Capitol Phone: 303-866-4871
E-mail: gail.schwartz.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Joyce Foster (D), Vice-Chair
District 35 (Arapahoe and Denver Counties)
Capitol Phone: 303-866-4875
E-Mail: joyce.foster.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Bill Cadman (R)
District 10 (El Paso County)
Capitol Phone: 303-866-2737
E-mail: bill.cadman.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Mary Hodge (D)
District 25 (Adams County)
Capitol Phone: 303-866-4855
E-Mail: mary.hodge.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Ken Kester (R)
District 2 (Baca, Bent, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas,
Otero and Pueblo Counties)
Capitol Phone: 303-866-4877
E-Mail: ken.kester.senate@state.co.us

Sen. Kevin Lundberg (R)
District 15 (Larimer County)
Office Location: 200 E. Colfax
Denver, CO 80203
Capitol Phone: (303)866-4853
E-Mail: kevin@kevinlundberg.com

Sen. Linda Newell (D)
District 26 (Arapahoe and Jefferson County)
Capitol Phone: 303-866-4846
E-mail: linda.newell.senate@gmail.com

COPY AND PASTE EMAILS:
gail.schwartz.senate@state.co.us,
joyce.foster.senate@state.co.us,
bill.cadman.senate@state.co.us,
mary.hodge.senate@state.co.us,
ken.kester.senate@state.co.us,
kevin@kevinlundberg.com,
linda.newell.senate@gmail.com