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Sensible Colorado: Working for an Effective Drug Policy

Sensible Colorado continues to call for reclassification of marijuana

**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.

SB-109 heads back to committee

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.

4/20 Activism Week: Join Sensible Colorado in Colorado Springs and Denver

We’ve never been closer to ending the War on Drugs and removing the stigma attached to medical marijuana.  Join staff from Sensible Colorado at these exciting activist events next week.


Colorado Springs, Sunday (4/18)
Colorado Springs Medical Cannabis Expo from 10a to 5p at the Antlers Hilton Hotel (3 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, 80903.)  Sensible Colorado’s Brian Vicente will be speaking about “The History and Future of Marijuana Activism” at 3pm.  For more information contact 719 339-2606 or garduno1946@comcast.net.


Denver, Tuesday (4/20)
Join the “Green Team”!  In an effort to nurture a positive image for the medical marijuana community, a group of volunteers will be gathering in Civic Center park during the 4/20 rally to clean up trash.  For more details on this volunteer opportunity contact Denver Relief.


Denver 4/20 Rally.  Enjoy speakers and musical acts from 10a to 7p at this large annual rally in Civic Center park.


Denver, Wednesday (4/21)
Free “Legal and Know Your Rights” event presented by Sensible Colorado from 5:30p to 7:00p at the Apothecary of Colorado (1730 Blake St., Suite 420, Denver 80202).


If you support ending marijuana prohibition in Colorado, consider becoming a monthly donor to Sensible Colorado today! Donate Here.

Nederland votes to legalize adult marijuana possession

**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.

Events in Durango and Denver, and a Legislative Update

First, a big “thank you” to everyone who contacted their legislators concerning HB 1284– the dispensary regulation bill.  Your efforts made a big difference (See legislative update below)


Upcoming Events


DURANGO: Two free events this week featuring attorneys from Sensible Colorado!
(1) This Thursday (3/25), Know Your Rights training at Ft. Lewis College starting at 6:30pm.  Room TBA.  For more details contact:  sensibledurango@yahoo.com
(2) This Friday (3/26), Medical Marijuana Legal Seminar from 1-4pm at the Durango Public Library.


DENVER: Sensible Colorado will be tabling and giving a presentation at the Colorado Cannabis Convention on April 2-3 in Denver.  See details here.


Statewide Legislative Update


On Monday, March 22, the Colorado House Judiciary Committee passed HB 1284, which will now continue to wind its way through the state house.  Thanks to pressure from Sensible Colorado and other activists, HB 1284 is in better shape and does not include a number of onerous provision including local dispensary bans and limits on where patients can live (i.e. near schools).  An updated version of this bill is available here.


However, our fight is not over.  This bill still has a number of provisions which hinder safe access for patients, and we will continue to monitor and influence this bill moving forward.  Please consider supporting our important work by becoming a monthly donor today.


Finally, despite hearing from many concerned citizens, the provision which would have allowed veterans and other victims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to access medical marijuana, lost by one vote.  You can read an overview of this vote, with a quote from Sensible’s Brian Vicente blasting the Health Department’s opposition to this amendment here.

Read more on these and other Colorado Marijuana Initiative projects.

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