Sensible Colorado: Working for an Effective Drug Policy

**Current Schedule I classification prevents research and development of cannabinoid based therapies**

A recent editorial published by the New England Journal of Medicine argues that the Schedule I classification of marijuana prevents the much needed research and development of cannabinoid based medicines.  And, that such research would also provide some clarity to lawmakers in the 14 states that have passed medical marijuana laws.  Unfortunately, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Office of National Drug Control Policy continue to block all attempts at rescheduling marijuana.

In a follow-up article by ABC News, Sensible Colorado’s volunteer patient outreach coordinator, Dan Pope, was quite clear about the need to reclassify marijuana and make it more available for research purposes. “I certainly think the current Schedule I classification is ridiculous,” Pope said. “I have muscular dystrophy and by using medical marijuana…I can find immediate relief from my muscle spasms.”  A spokesperson for DEA declined to speak to ABC News about this story.

After extensive lobbying efforts by Sensible Colorado, the state House has rejected an amendment to SB-109 that would have required adults aged 18 to 23 to obtain an additional doctor’s recommendation when applying for a medical marijuana permit. The bill now heads back to a conference committee.

**Joins Denver and Breckenridge**

The town of Nederland has become the third locality in Colorado in the past five years to remove criminal penalties for adult marijuana possession.  Passing by more than 54%, the measure removed all criminal penalties for buying, selling, possessing, consuming, growing, and transporting marijuana for adults 21 and older.  Having passed similar measures in Denver in 2005, and Breckenridge in 2009, the voters of Colorado continue to show their support for ending marijuana prohibition.  Riding the wave of public sentiment that marijuana is safer than alcohol and should be treated in a similar manner, the group Safer Durango is leading an effort to bring the issue of marijuana legalization before the voters of Durango, CO this November.