FR EE
YES WE CANNABIS You
!
ge n a h A C eathe In! r B n a C
Cannabinoids Dr. Robert Melamede, Ph.D
Cannabis & Physical Therapy
First Medical Cannabis Jury Victory
A Magazine for Medical Marijuana Patients ISSUE ONE December 2009
Proud Recipient of Two 2009 Cannabis Cup Awards
CHNM FACTOID
Publisher:
Jason Lauve
Senior Editor:
Jason Lauve
Editor:
Alex Lauve
Contributing Writers:
Mark Gomez
Doug Heckenkamp Laura Kriho Riah McBee Dana May
Doctors DO NOT write prescriptions for medical marijuana! They can only recommend medical marijuana.
Robert Melamede, Ph.D
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Why don’t we have a giant marijuana leaf on the cover? We want to make sure you feel comfortable reading our articles at your child’s hockey game, a doctor’s office, or any other place where someone may misunderstand why you are reading about medical marijuana. Education is a major part of changing the public stereotype of a marijuana user.
Contact Cannabis Health News Magazine: To place an advertisement: Information: Corrections: Letters to the Editor:
ad@CannabisHealthNewsMagazine.com info@CannabisHealthNewsMagazine.com correct@CannabisHealthNewsMagazine.com editor@CannabisHealthNewsMagazine.com
CONTACT
PATIENTS TO SUE CENTENNIAL TO GAIN ACCESS TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Landmark case challenges municipal authority to ban all Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Centennial, Colo.—For the first time in state history, a coalition of medical marijuana patients, together with their caregivers, will sue a municipal government to reopen a medical marijuana wellness center. The Centennialbased CannaMart was shuttered last month after city officials banned Medical Marijuana dispensaries within city limits. Four seriously-ill medical marijuana patients, together with their two caregivers, allege that the City of Centennial violated Colorado’s Constitution and relevant land use statutes when it forced CannaMart to shut down its operations on October 19. The coalition’s attorneys, Bob Hoban and Jessica Corry of Hoban & Feola, LLC, and Robert J. Corry, Jr., rely on well established Colorado 4 case law to argue that home rule municipalities, including Centennial, are prohibited from imposing land use restrictions on local businesses when such restrictions infringe upon rights upheld by the state Constitution as “matters of statewide concern.” Medical marijuana has been legal in Colorado since 2000, when a majority of voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing individuals suffering from debilitating medical conditions to legally consume and purchase marijuana. The amendment also legalized the sale, distribution, storage, transportation, production, and cultivation of the medicine by caregivers. By Timothy Tipton
A home movie purporting to show Marilyn Monroe smoking a marijuana joint
The original film-maker - who has asked for anonymity - said the cigarette in the footage contained marijuana.
CALLING ALL PATIENTS! We must make ourselves known to the public. We are not what the media portrays us as.
CONTENT S 6
First Medical Cannabis Jury Victory
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Castlerock, Colorado
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Medical Cannabis Growing Rapidly
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Cannabis and Physical Therapy
10 Dr. Robert Melamede, Ph.D 11 Cooking with Kief 12 Methods of Use 13 Mr. Health and Fitness 14 Jailed 15 Time to Grow 16 Brittany’s Buds 22 Dispensary Listings 27 Books
Cannabis Health News Magazine (CHNM) is intended for educational purposes only. The use of marijuana is legal for those whose doctors have recommended it under Colorado law, but it remains illegal under the laws of most other states and under Federal law. CHNM does not encourage illegal activities and is provided solely to inform adults about medicinal cannabis.� -- there being only a handful of patients who are minors, it is simpler to exclude them. .
WARNING: This information is for educational purposes ONLY and is NOT intended for illegal activities. Over 18 only, unless you currently hold a Medical Marijuana Registry card from the Colorado State Department of Health.
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First Medical Cannabis Jury Victory Leaves courtroom with By Laura Kriho 34 ounces of medicine Cannabis Therapy Institute Jason Lauve, a legal medical marijuana patient in Colorado, won a historic victory on Aug. 6, 2009 when he was acquitted in Boulder District Court of felony marijuana possession charges, making him the first medical cannabis patient in history to win a jury trial in Colorado.
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Jason, a freelance 3-D animator, was seriously injured in a ski accident caused by an out-of-control snowboarder in 2004. Jason is in severe constant pain and uses cannabis as an inexpensive and safer alternative to dangerous and addictive narcotics. Colorado’s Medical Marijuana Law, enacted in 2000, is a Constitutional Amendment that allows patients with debilitating medical conditions to use cannabis as medicine if their physician recommends it. In 2007, the police raided Jason’s home because of an “anonymous” tip. Even though Jason presented the police with his valid Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry ID, they still seized 34 ounces of medicine and charged him with felony marijuana possession. After almost a year of delays, the case finally went to trial. The prosecution argued that Jason had too much medicine. Two ounces of medicine and 6 plants are specifically exempt from prosecution under the Constitution. For greater amounts, a patient is allowed to present a medical necessity defense at trial. Jason testified that he was sifting cannabis trichomes off the buds to ingest in food, a therapy that requires a much larger amount of cannabis than smoking it does. Jason’s attorney, Rob Corry, argued brilliantly in his closing that Colorado’s Medical Marijuana Law does not set limits on medical necessity and a patient can possess any amount of cannabis that the patient feels they need. The judge specifically disallowed defense witness and cannabis expert Dana May from testifying at all about medical necessity, and the prosecution failed to present any evidence that the amount Jason had was not medically necessary. The jurors agreed with the defense. After only 3 hours, the jury acquitted Jason of all charges. His year-long ordeal was over, and Jason was allowed to leave the courtroom with his 34 ounces of medicine. In an interview after the acquittal, the jury foreman said Jason “could have had a ton”, and the jury would have acquitted him. While the jury’s verdict does not set any legal precedent, it does send a strong message that it is going to be very difficult to get a jury to convict a medical cannabis patient in Boulder County for possessing any amount of medicinal cannabis. The case was historic from a spiritual, as well as legal, perspective. The Reverend James Marks of The Hawai’i Cannabis Ministry had just arrived in Boulder from Hawai’i to open a new THC Ministry. Rev. James found Jason’s supporters waiting anxiously for the verdict to come in by Boulder Creek outside the courthouse. Continued on 30
A WELCOME FROM CANNABIS HEALTH NEWS MAGAZINE
Boulder District Attorney Stan Garnett
continues to prosecute medical marijuana patients. I guess he is “committed to having the most progressive approach to medical marijuana of any DA’s office in the State.” We need to put a stop to his attack on patients. I addressed Stan myself, soon after my trial at the Boulder Courthouse after his presentation on medical marijuana. I commented to him that it appeared as though he was ending the war on patients in Boulder. He replied to me, without looking in my eyes, that there never was one. Well whatever you want to call it, Stan is harming medical patients, physically, economically, emotionally, socially, and in many other areas including employment and housing. How do you feel about this? by Jason Lauve
FIRE the LIAR
Hello and Thank You for your interest in Cannabis Health News Magazine. My name is Jason Lauve and I am a medical cannabis patient in Colorado. I was acquitted of possessing 34 ounces of my cannabis medication in August of 2009. I am now actively moving forward to help communicate and educate those around us in understanding what cannabis is, the history of its use, and how it helps millions of people around the world to attain a decent quality of life. CHNM is aiming for a mature medical patient readership, including their caregivers, friends, family and people who want to learn more about What medical cannabis is. CHNM is something you will want to pick up from a doctor’s waiting room table, your neighbor’s coffee table, or your local newsstand. Health is a very broad topic and CHNM will be featuring many different articles on new research and findings, how to take cannabis medication, exercise, meditation, music, dispensaries, methods of growing, and many other topics. CHNM will have stories of patients, cultivators, and caregivers’ experiences. Of course we will be keeping our readers up to date on cannabis politics. Sincerely, Jason Lauve Publisher and patient
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s more dispensaries open their doors we are also seeing more moratoriums popping up. At first I thought that this was in direct opposition to the strongest surge we have seen towards legalization of cannabis in my lifetime. As I listened to a recent Town Hall meeting regarding
CASTLEROCK, COLORADO by Doug Heckenkamp
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yet another possible moratorium, I realized that the council members actually asked some very good questions of the Town Attorney, Chief of Police, and one of the Drug Task Force agents, very basic questions regarding everything from the number of plants a patient can have to “Can a patient purchase their medication at the local Walgreens?” As they asked questions the answers became more and more complicated, which naturally generated more questions. The holes in the system began to appear and several perspectives were presented to the Town Mayor and Council on the question of allowing a dispensary or commercial growing operation in the town. As the discussion continued, I thought of some of my patients, such as the 89 year old man who had undergone a knee replacement and struggled for months on end trying to wean himself from Oxycodone, and the 63-yearold retired nurse with severe allergies to prescription pain medications. Some of my patients have listed me as their caregiver for medical marijuana, mostly due to the degree in which I understand Continued on 20 their diagnosis and treatment.
Medical Cannabis Growing Rapidly
by Laura Kriho The field of medical marijuana in Colorado has been growing rapidly all year. Although Colorado’s medical marijuana law has been on the books since 2000, several factors this year created a perfect climate for medical cannabis to blossom in the state. From little more than a dozen medical cannabis dispensaries in January 2009, there are now estimates of over 200 dispensaries and collectives statewide. Beginning on July 20, the pace began accelerating when the Colorado Board of Health ruled that there would be no limit on the number of patients that a caregiver could serve. Then, on August 6, medical marijuana patient Jason Lauve, defended by attorney Rob Corry, won the first acquittal of a medical marijuana patient by a jury in Colorado. Jason’s jury correctly interpreted Article XVIII, Section 14 of Colorado’s Constitution (Colorado’s medical marijuana law) as allowing a patient to possess any amount of medicine that the patient feels is medically-necessary. Jason’s jury foreman said that Jason could have had “a ton” and the jury would have acquitted him. This effectively eliminated the use of the jury trial as a government tactic to attack medical marijuana. On October 19, the pace was quickened even further when the Obama administration announced their new policy not to prosecute people for medical marijuana as long as they complied with state laws. The rapid growth of medical marijuana businesses has caused a severe backlash from local and state lawmakers who are still afraid of medical marijuana. Many cities and counties have put temporary moratoriums on dispensaries, and some have enacted restrictive zoning laws. The state legislature plans to take up the issue in the next legislative session, which starts Jan. 13, 2010. Unlike other states, Colorado’s law is a Constitutional amendment, not a statute, and can only be changed by a vote of the people. So the ability of the legislature to affect the Constitution is limited. Continued on 21
Cannabis & Physical Therapy
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s a physical therapist working in an outpatient sports medicine clinic I see everything from back pain with sciatica to the common ACL repair, but most of my Doug Heckenkamp patients suffer from chronic M.P.T. pain or are recovering from surgery. Though I practice in one of the most conservative pockets of Colorado, I feel at ease discussing the medical use of cannabis with my patients and actively seek their opinion regarding its use. To my surprise I have yet to find anyone object to the use and legalization of medical marijuana or suspect its effectiveness, considering that the majority of these patients are over the age of 50. I have had some of my patients list me as their caregiver for medical marijuana, mostly due to the degree in to which I understand their diagnosis and treatment. I am also finding that there is a trust factor from patients regarding the quality of medicine available. Since there are no standards in the industry, the available product varies greatly, and at times foreign substances can be found in the medicine we ingest, hence the need for more sophisticated growenvironments that apply proper standards of filtration and ventilation. The final product must be tested for everything from different cannabinoids to pesticide levels. We also need a more sophisticated dispensary system that has medicine labeled with the specific levels of the different cannabinoids that address different types of diagnosis. As with any drug, there will be use and abuse. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid that has the more euphoric effects and much sought after by recreational users. However, there are other cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol), and CBC (cannabichromene) that can give a person a better quality of life in other ways. Collectively, THC and the other cannabinoids can have anti-inflammatory and/ or analgesic effects; in addition it has also proven to help anxiety and symptoms of depression. Recently authorities had to rush 10 local High School students to the hospital for recreational use of Percocet. One of the side effects of Percocet is that it suppresses the brain stem functions, which controls breathing, regulating heart rate and other vital functions, therefore an overdose of Percocet can be fatal. This is not possible with cannabis; if a person were to ingest large quantity of cannabis it wouldn’t be fatal since it has no affect on the autonomic nervous
system. It’s important to me as a caregiver to be able to suggest to my patient to try “Somango” or “Kali Mist” in the morning to help them achieve a more euphoric and alert state of mind. Since many patients recovering from an injury can also suffer from depression, I feel this is an excellent strain to start their day with. Many back pain patients have an increase in pain symptoms as the day progresses, so something different in the afternoon that has a little higher percentage of Indica in it will cut the edge off the pain without rendering them a couch potato. I feel that this is what they mean when they say that the caregiver has a significant responsibility for managing the well-being of a patient. Let’s look at how we can help the common postsurgical knee replacement patient with cannabis alone. The first few days following surgery they are typically still recovering from anesthesia, their pain is minimal but they may be a little groggy, shaky, and possibly a bit anxious. Here a Sativa/Indica 9 mix may be the place to start; a Sativa to help clear the head and an Indica to help relax the body and mind. This can be accomplished by ingesting “Pure Skunk # 1” and “Soma A+” at the same time. The patient can adjust the amount of the Sativa or Indica strain as needed. Perhaps “Soma A+” might not be physically relaxing enough or the patient may need something more heavily narcotic in nature so a mix of “Pure Skunk # 1” and “Northern Lights” might be appropriate. The possible combinations are endless. The effects of anesthesia can linger in the body for several days after surgery. Once it wears off, besides infection, pain control and swelling are the most debilitating symptoms. One feeds on the other and creates a continuous negative feedback system that works as follows: About three days after surgery the patient is significantly more mobile and continues to become so as time progresses. Mobility is a good thing, however Continued on 24
Dr. Robert Melamede, Ph.D
Associate Professor of Biology Universtiy of Colorado, Colorado Springs
The theme of this article is that in reality, marijuana should not be considered a drug, but rather a necessary nutrient.
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ikipedia “An essential nutrient is a nutrient required for normal body functioning that either cannot be synthesized by the body at all, or cannot be synthesized in amounts adequate for good health (e.g.
niacin, choline), and thus must be obtained from a dietary source.” On the one hand, marijuana could be considered a drug because of its efficacy in treating a broad spectrum of illnesses. On the other hand the question that must be asked is whether or not these illnesses arise from endocannabinoid deficiencies. If this is the case, supplementing with cannabis can be viewed simply as providing an essential nutrient. Regardless of the definition, marijuana plays a unique role compared to other foods and drugs in that the chemicals found within it are capable of activating our endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a relatively new discovery having been first identified around 1990. After a lag period of a few years while the foundational research was in progress, there has now been an explosion of research as scientists scramble to clarify the role that the endocannabinoid system plays in modulating so many aspects of human biology and in doing so promoting health. We now know at all body systems are homeostatically (biochemical balance) regulated by the endocannabinoid system including: cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, excretory, immune, nervous, muscular, reproductive, and skeletal. One of the underlying principles of biological systems is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. With
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Cannabinoids: FLP’s & BLP’s
endocannabinoids regulating so much biology, what is the nature of the whole that emerges from coordinated endocannabinoid activity? I think the answer is; a healthier organism and species. This conclusion is a based on the physical chemical principles that drive living systems. Organisms are fractals of organizational complexity in which dynamic biochemical pathways, with opposing characteristics, exist in a state of balanced tension (homeostasis). The balance between pro-inflammatory biochemistry and turning that inflammation down permeates all life. Free radicals may be viewed as biochemical friction arising from inflammatory biochemistry. They have signaling properties that indicate change, but more generally, because of their high degree of reactivity, they also disrupt the biochemical harmony that’s necessary for health. This is where the endocannabinoid system comes into play. Endocannabinoid activity can be viewed as the oil of life in that it reduces the negative consequences of biochemical friction caused by free radicals. In the past, when humans in first world countries died young due to poor public health and nutrition, they did not live long enough to suffer the consequences of accumulated free radical damage. Today we live longer and in the absence of sufficient “biochemical lubrication,” we succumb to age-related illnesses that are driven by free radical damage. We need more lubrication than is
provided by the genetically determined biochemical thermostats that regulate our endocannabinoid activity. The necessary adjustment to the endocannabinoid thermostat that is now required by the population will occur too slowly if we rely on evolution to change our genetics. Therefore, the simple and logical conclusion is that we must consume more cannabis in order to supplement what has become our endocannabinoid deficiency. There are some very important consequences that may be associated with a generalized endocannabinoid deficiency within a species. Our endocannabinoid system regulates our ability to re-learn information, in other words to replace old information with newer and better information. We call this open-mindedness. It is inevitable that within the human population, there will be those with above, and those with below average levels of endocannabinoid activity with respect to the phenotype of open-mindedness. There are consequences to this. In order to move into the future, we, as individuals and as a species, must be able to adapt to newness. Without this ability, the unknowns of the future become stressors. I hypothesize that people with below average levels of endocannabinoid activity will tend to look backwards in time where they are not challenged with the unknowns of the future (backward looking people-BLPs). Because Continued on 24
COOKING WITH KIEF: Pesto Sauce
INGREDIENTS 3 cloves garlic 2 cups fresh basil leaves 3 tablespoons pine nuts (pignolia) 1 dash salt and pepper 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Kief: Start with 1 gram and adjust to your needs 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated PREP WORK Not too much prep for this recipe. Start by peeling and chopping the garlic. Then wash, dry and remove the stems from the fresh basil. Try grating your own cheese, the flavor is wonderful. The traditional way of making pesto is with a mortar and pestle, but we are going to use a food processor. Start by adding the garlic to the food processor and mince. Then add the basil, garlic, salt, and pine nuts to the processor and grind them to a paste with pulses, so as to keep the mixture from getting sticky. Add a dash of salt and pepper; mix in the cheese and the oil until you have the desired consistency. I like mine really oily. TIP: While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in olive oil through the feed tube until all the ingredients are pureed. You may need to stop the processor every once in a while to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to get everything mixed together. If the pesto is too thick, and you don’t want to add more oil, add a tablespoon of water. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to use it. This should keep for 2-3 days in the fridge, but freezes well if you want to keep it longer. Whenever I make a batch of pesto, I keep some in the refrigerator and freeze a bunch in ice cube trays. When frozen, I remove them from the trays and store them frozen in zip lock bags. This way whenever I need a quick pasta meal or I want to add some flavor to one of my soups, I have my supply.
Enjoy, Jason Lauve
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Mr. Health & Fitness Mark Gómez MMJ needs to be re-cast as medicine Did you know that physicians prescribed marijuana more often than any other drug in the 1930s? Marijuana’s use as a remedy for a variety of conditions was well accepted by doctors and patients in the United States at that time. Of course, federal laws prohibiting marijuana went into effect in 1937, and the nation as a whole hasn’t had legal access ever since. Today, 13 states have legalized medical marijuana (mmj) to some degree, largely because its use in clinical settings has been sufficiently demonstrated. Although we’d like to have more research, the favorable evidence we currently possess for mmj is greater than that which exists for many FDA approved substances. It certainly outweighs the dearth of evidence supporting all the unregulated supplements sold at health food stores. There’s a growing list of conditions and diseases that we now know are helped with mmj, too, including: certain cancers and nerve conditions, insomnia, pain, nausea, hyperactivity, and intraocular eye pressure. These are but a few of its therapeutic uses. Why, then, aren’t more states legalizing mmj? A Gallop poll taken in October 2009 found that 74 percent of all American adults favor legalizing mmj. This shouldn’t be surprising: Support for outright legalization of marijuana has steadily climbed during the last two decades to a record 44 percent after having been stagnant at 25 percent during most of the 70s and 80s. With this sort of public acceptance for mmj— as well as growing acceptance for the outright legalization of marijuana—you’d think we’d have moved medical usage along. What’s going on? As a health educator and personal fitness trainer, I’ve witnessed the trials and tribulations of numerous clients seeking better health and fitness over a 20 year period. I’ve worked with many people who have used mmj in two different
states where it was legal, and I’ve seen how it has helped them successfully deal with a number of chronic conditions. In my mind, there is no question of its medical effectiveness. The reason mmj hasn’t been accepted nationwide is because society still views marijuana— including mmj—within a drug culture context. Even in states like Colorado where mmj is legal, attempts to demean it persist. We see evidence of this everywhere: Newspapers and magazines often refer to the medicine as “grass” or “weed,” both inappropriate pejorative terms; the media also label mmj dispensaries as “pot dispensaries”; mmj caregivers often market a hippie-stoner image on their marketing materials and all too frequently present an unprofessional image. Even the laws in mmj-friendly Colorado have made it difficult to procure quality marijuana medicine. The begrudging message that’s sent is “You’re legal, but we don’t like it so you’re on your own.” Is this how we should be thinking of a effective medical remedy that serves so many so well? If mmj is going to go the final distance and gain full acceptance as a respectable medicine, then we’re going to need to re-cast it in the same context as other pharmaceuticals. The burgeoning mmj industry will need to do a better job of presenting a respectable image to the media, and caregivers will need to project the same professionalism as their counterparts in medical clinics. Bottom line: We need less Cheech and Chong and more Marcus Welby. When we finally get the context right, we’ll position the movement in a way that can help others. These late adopters are likely to be the more reluctant souls who have previously ignored mmj, yet could certainly benefit from its use. Mark Gómez, MHSE, MA, ACSM-cPT, NSCA-CPT, is a health educator and certified personal fitness trainer. He is the owner of Four Seasons Health and Fitness (www.FourSeasonsHealth.com), a private fitness studio in Fort Collins. You may contact him at Mark@ FourSeasonsHealth. com. Copyright 2009 Mark C. Gómez All Rights Reserved
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M
JAILED
by Riah McBee
y name is Riah. I am a caregiver who was released last week after serving one month in jail as part of a five month suspended sentence; which temporarily stripped me of my children, stripped me of my rights as a caregiver, and stripped my patients their right to accessible medicine. On April 6th, 2009, Boulder County Sheriff Office (BCSO) deputies accompanied a Department of Social Services (DSS) intake caseworker during an investigation. Their purpose? They were to assist in the unsupervised interview of our 4 year old child. This was preceded by similar interrogations three days prior of our 6 and 10 year olds. The reason for the interviews, according to the DSS worker, was that on March 30th someone had reportedly witnessed a female pull a young child’s hair in the Whole Foods parking lot. That was enough to lead DSS to our two daughters at their school in Gold Hill, and then to our mountain home. The worker was introduced by the teacher as a “friend” there to ask some “fun” questions. At that time a comment came from “staff at the child’s school” about a child “smelling like marijuana.” However, this 14 was after the fact and had not previously been reported, as is required by Colorado Children’s Code C.R.S. § 19-3-304. A code that recognizes educators as trusted officials, yet neglects any protection for children’s rights, nor contains any accountability process against such divisive manipulation of children against their families. Incidentally, it was specifically told to the children and school faculty that these ‘interviews’ were not to be told of to the parents. After interviewing all three kids, the alleged parking lot report was not only uncorroborated, but the worker stated that he did not have “clear probable cause for the charges of child abuse…without further investigation of past events.” The worker also noted at that time the “residence smelled like marijuana.” The sheriff’s deputies also noted that the residence “smelled like marijuana” upon arrival, causing them to call in “a possible grow” to the Boulder County Drug Task Force (BCDTF). The initial entry and search of the house was conducted without a warrant, and exigent circumstances did not exist to justify such a search. So in spite of the deputies’ bullying tactics we were adamant we would provide no further information about an alleged grow or our status patients and caregivers. No consent was given to authorize the search, and such violation of our 4th amendment rights were finally conceded by the People in this case. But a Boulder district court judge ruled to allow the ill-gotten and overbroad search warrant, disregarding compelling case law presented in defense. In light of everything happening and an April 8th hearing for an allegation of child abuse was set; we
felt that DSS might try to take the kids. So their mother preemptively signed temporary custody over to their grandfather. This seemed to have worked. Until the school principal contacted me personally, under a false guise of concern for the children, and to patronize my grievances. But her plan in fact was to set us up to be arrested on a warrant that was in fact only being issued as we spoke. She and the DTF worked to ‘set us up’ with the specific intent of seizing our children. As stated by one of the detectives: “We were advised the suspects were supposed to drive to this address and would, in all likelihood, have three children with them. We arranged to attempt to take the parents into custody away from the children if at all possible…”
Now I’ve heard of the DTF seizing money, guns, drugs and property. But kids?!! Both of us definitely felt like deer in headlights at first, and the experience was traumatic for the kids; especially being put into different foster homes. The total lawlessness of DSS was a rude awakening. But thankfully, once the case was transferred to the ongoing caseworker things began to improve. She and the Guardian Ad Litem were far more interested in our status as medical marijuana patients and caregivers, than was shown by the BCSO or BCDTF. They also got to know our family and saw that keeping the children in custody any longer was unwarranted and unjust. Continued on 28
W
hat a funny world we live in. The journey that leads to the beginning of this new and hopefully educational column is a story worth telling. The story starts some forty years ago in California where as a small boy; I planted my first Cannabis seed. Funny, I can’t recall the outcome, but I can tell you that I have just kept on planting for the following forty-one years.
TIME TO GROW by Dana May
It has never grown old, the plant that everyone refers to as a ’weed’ is in my eyes an amazing and incredibly beautiful plant. I have grown this versatile plant a hundred different ways. I have grown in dirt and in water, on the ground and at the top of trees, indoors and out. If you’ve heard of a style of growing I have done it. I have also made every mistake, and am humble enough to know that there is always something new I can learn; my goal is to ensure that each grow is better than the last. With that in mind you would think that after forty-one years I must be capable of growing a fairly decent plant. Let me show you what the results are. The accompanying photo was taken with a cell phone camera, no special lighting was employed and no image-manipulation has been performed. So, can YOU grow these without spending forty-one years learning how? Absolutely; in the coming issues my column “TIME TO GROW” will be your guide to maximizing your growing successes. I should share with you now that I am a card holder on the Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry. Like Jason, I was once the focus of law enforcement and arrested for cultivating the very medicine recommended by my physician; the medicine that improved the quality of my life, and the lives of the patients I act as caregiver for. In April of 2004 Aurora Police, along with the DEA, stormed my home and forever changed my life. Like Jason, I believed it was my duty to stand up to fight what I felt was a violation of my rights. I started my search for legal representation, but I was told by everyone I called, that trying to fight the DEA was a lost cause. Finally, I came across a young attorney named Robert Corry who had been looking for somebody willing to take the risk of incarceration and publicly fight the system. My white-bread Republican appearance made me the ideal poster boy to combat any stoner stereotypes held by the public. That is exactly what we did, on TV, in the papers, radio, and to anyone else willing to listen. Continued on 26
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Methods of Use Jason Lauve
Smoking Smoking is one of the most efficient ways of using cannabis. When marijuana is smoked the cannabinoids vaporize and the plant material burns, forming a smoke that is inhaled. Some of the cannabinoids are changed or destroyed in the combustion, It passes through the membranes of the lungs into the bloodstream. On average 20% of the THC is absorbed through smoking (Iversen, The Science of Marijuana 2000). Joints - marijuana cigarettes. Blunts - marijuana rolled in the tobacco leaf of a hollowed out cigar. Pipes - same as tobacco pipes but the better ones are made of glass. Bongs (a water pipe) - the water cools the smoke and some say it can remove some of the irritating materials. Vaporizing Through vaporization of cannabis you can avoid burning many of the plant materials and only turn the trichomes into vapor. This results in a way to medicate that is very clean tasting and for most, it is not irritating to the lungs. Eating THC and other phytocannabinoids are soluble in fats and alcohol. Ingestion gives a much slower absorption rate and a very different feeling in the body. The effect can last up to 10 hours depending on how much was used and the way the food was prepared. Because most of the cannabinoids are metabolized by the liver before they reach the circulation system, only about 10% becomes available to the body . The most common method of preparation is to simmer the plant material in butter, margarine, or cooking oil. You can use it to make cakes, biscuits or brownies. I prefer separating the kief, the trichomes, from the plant; therefore I have a more precise way of measuring my dosages. It can also be prepared as a tea and other mixed drinks. (Iversen, 2000). Suppository Yes, this works and for some of us it is the only way to bypass our livers which are clogged with pharmaceuticals. Give it a try if you have nausea or pain. Spray inhaler There are a few companies working on this one. A liquefied plant version called Sativex, from GW Pharmaceuticals, is available in Canada. Pills Marinol is a synthetic form of THC and is absent of any other cannabinoid. It is very expensive and many people find that it does not help them.
BRITTANY’S BUDS Q: Brittany, I have little brown bugs growing from the root of my plants. What should I do?
A: It’s always a sad story with root aphids, because whether you like it or not there is just no way you can ever get rid of them completely, and if you don’t get those plants out fast they will spread to others fast. Your best bet is to start over, and remember if at first you don’t succeed try again! Q: Brittany, is it okay to have a male plant growing with a female plant? A: No matter what anyone tells you. You must not let a male grow with any female plants. In this case, girls are better than boys ;-). Q: Brittany, what is your favorite strain? A: There is a special place in my heart for Island Sweet Skunk. There’s a new strain I have yet to try called “critical mass” I think that one will be a keeper for sure! Q: Brittany I have a some spider mites on my plants what can I do to get rid of them for the time being? A: Wherever you see the webbing of the spider mites, fill a bucket with 2 gallons of water and a few drops of Dawn® detergent. Moisten a paper towel and use it to wipe off the webbing. Follow up by wiping the soap solution off with plain water. Also go to your local hydroponics store and ask them what products they may have to help. Q: Brittany, what’s your favorite way to take your medicine? A: vaporizers are the best. Not only do you taste all of what your medicine has to offer but it is very clean and smooth. I would pick the Silver Surfer vaporizer.
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Remembering the Compassionate elements of Medical Marijuana By Timothy Tipton
With a nervous crackle in her voice she exclaimed, “Oh My Gosh, my breast is leaking brown fluid!” This wasn’t the first time this had happened to the breast cancer patient, but one of the myriad of issues Malinda Lewis experiences each day as she must go out in public. She is busy, after all, and she explains having ‘cancer’ is NOT an immediate death sentence. She’s had over a decade of optimism in the face of debilitated condition. Mother. Grandmother. Legal medical marijuana patient. Legal caregiver. Pastry chef. Massage school student. Cannabis therapy expert. Hospice court support volunteer. Seizure patient. Chronic pain patient. Arthritis sufferer. Advocate. Activist. Grower. Court-Appointed legal cannabis statistician. These are only some of the numerous titles which this patient has attached to her daily existence. A testimony in fortitude immediately acknowledged by her infectiously positive attitude in the face of continued health struggles. At 38 years old, she is a woman who has seen a whole lot of life and not always the best sides of it. She has struggled through a maze of synthetic narcotic prescription drugs for numerous years, finally settling on minimizing the pills through effective legal cannabis therapy. Lewis credits some of her problems to years of synthetic pills creating problems with her liver and other vital organs. She can give personal experiences for hours about the numerous, often devastating side effects of the long term chronic pain therapy. She is known to speak of the weather affected disorder which gives her pain from the metal plates and screws in her neck, following their installation during two separate surgeries, apparently modern medicine’s answer to a limited better ‘quality of life’ for her. In the decade which has followed years of chronic pain, Lewis has had taken it upon herself to become educated in the wide variety of holistic complimentary therapies, a time consuming process. “In the early days of my debilitated condition, it was hard to find easy answers and alternatives to the pills,” reports Lewis. “Eventually, once orientated to the benefits of legal therapy through means other than just smokeable (marijuana), I began to find longer term relief for my many ailments. Continued on 25
This is a partial list of the many institutions and individuals that support medical marijuana American Medical Association endorses medical marijuana research and rescheduling from Schedule one. Endorse the use of medical marijuana for certain ailments American Public Health Association American Academy of Family Physicians American Public Health Association Australian Medical Association American Nurses Associations American Society of Addiction Medicine NY State Association of County Health Officials New England Journal of Medicine California Medical Association National Association for Public Health Policy Rhode Island Medical Society American Medical Student Association DEA administrative law judge Francis L Young Former us surgeon general of the US Joycelyn Elders
Castlerock, Colorado continued from 8 At one point the Town Attorney refused to answer any more questions because there are no answers. There are no regulations for dispensaries, caregivers, commercial grow operations or even where a patient can obtain their medicine. They can have six plants, with only three in the bloom stage and no more than two ounces of usable medicine on hand. From a grower’s perspective this causes several problems. Say I have one mother plant that tends to work really well for my pain and allows me to sleep through the night. I take five clones from the mother and put three into bloom, two I leave in vegetative state for eight weeks until my three are ready to harvest? If I read a book or two about growing or take grow classes I can be assured I am going to produce far more than two ounces from those three plants. Now I have an illegal amount of medicine on hand. I am told by a Drug Task Force agent that if I am growing in my residence for personal use or for a patient and sell to them or a dispensary then it would be considered a commercial grow operation. The problems and questions continue to escalate. Since the moratorium is also for indoor growing operations, then 20 growing in my residence would become illegal. What about my six plants? Addressing a council member after the meeting I asked about this situation; he thought that it would be fine to grow for my patients and take extra to a dispensary. However, the agent is the one that shows up at my door and determines if he is going to destroy my life or not, not the Council member. A few days passed before I decided to email the Mayor, Police Chief and Town Council members to address some of the questions that patients, caregivers and growers ask each other every day. I asked them to have some type of guidelines written in the moratorium so that
patients, caregivers and growers can understand what is expected of them to remain in harmony with not only law officials but also tax requirements. Patients and caregivers need to know where they are able to legally grow for themselves and/or their patients. If a moratorium were to be put in place would they have to stop growing for themselves or others at their residence? What constitutes a commercial grow operation? One of my attorneys pointed out that growing at your place of residence would be no different than buying a bolt of fabric from Wal-Mart and sewing children’s PJ’s to take to the local consignment store. It was also brought to my attention by the Drug Task Force agent that the waste water treatment facilities are seeing an increase in phosphorous and other chemicals due to people dumping fertilizer into the drain from hydroponic setups. Not something I really thought of, but this water does get treated and returns to us at some point as drinking water. This is when I realized that discharge water is one of those things that should be regulated. It would be an extra step for the grower to test and treat the water in their hydroponic system before dumping it down the drain but it would a wise thing to do for the environment. Instead of spending tax dollars on arresting medical marijuana patients, caregivers and growers, use the money to help them to do what they do safely. The next aspect to consider is: How does a caregiver such as myself legally get medicine to their patients? The Chief of Police indicated that he didn’t suspect that the amount of sales would decrease in the Town if there were a moratorium in place. Without some viable legal option for patients to obtain their medicine this could lead to more tax dollars being spent on arrests, destroying the lives of caregivers and patients who live in the town. However, if it were regulated the town would receive tax dollars from sales that would take place anyway. I realize that I am not against a moratorium; it’s just that these basic questions need to be considered, addressed and written into a moratorium so that patients and caregivers can live peacefully and care for others in the community without worrying about having an agent show up at their door with the SWAT team. Doug Heckenkamp M.P.T.
Medical Cannabis Growing Rapidly As of press time, no medical marijuana bills have yet been written, but there are promises of at least 3 or 4 bills that will be introduced Continued from 8
to “clarify” the issue of medical marijuana distribution in the state. On Oct. 29, the Colorado Court of Appeals issued a ruling creating Colorado’s first case law on its medical marijuana law. The opinion stated that medical marijuana caregivers had to “do more” for their patients than simply provide medical cannabis. Instead of dampening the medical marijuana industry, the ruling has had the effect of multiplying the number of businesses involved in medical cannabis. More dispensaries have started incorporating other alternative and holistic practitioners into their medical cannabis businesses. The Cannabis Therapy Institute has started a patient referral network to “do more” for patients, further expanding the industry. On Nov. 3, the Board of Health called an emergency meeting with only a few hours notice and voted to delete their definition of “significant responsibility” from their rules, leaving the definition of “primary care-giver” decided by the Court of Appeals the only definition, which says a caregiver must provide a patient with other services in addition to medicine. On Nov. 10, attorneys Rob Corry, Sean McAllister and Brian Vicente won an injunction on the Board of Health’s “emergency” decision. On Nov. 15, state Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver) released the first details about the medical marijuana bill he wants to introduce next year. He called the status quo “a train wreck”. Romer’s bill would require medical cannabis caregivers to: Obtain a license from state if they have more patients -wObtain a license from thethe state if they have twotwo or or more patients Develop health care plans their patients -wDevelop health care plans forfor their patients w Offer more services than selling marijuana to patients - Offer more services than selling marijuana to patients Pass criminal background checks -wPass criminal background checks The bill would also: The bill would also: w Require an additional medical -review Require an additional review board to look at medical all applicants board topatients look at all applicants pafrom who are underfrom 25 years tients who are under 25 years old. old. -wCreate a licensing system forfor largeCreate a licensing system largescale medical cannabis production scale medical cannabis production Senator Romer told the Boulder Daily Camera that he expects “well over 50 percent of the dispensaries will go out of business” if his bill should pass. Sen. Romer called the status quo “a train wreck”. The New Year will be an interesting one for Colorado. From medical marijuana and industrial hemp bills in the legislature to ballot initiatives for relegalization for all uses, cannabis will definitely be at the forefront of the Colorado political scene for the near future. Cannabis Therapy Institute P.O. Box 19084 Boulder, CO 80308 Phone: (641) 715-3900 ext. 70966# Web: www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com Email: info@cannabistherapyinstitute.com by Laura Kriho
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High Valley Healing Center
Colorado’s first medical cannabis retreat Serving all of Colorado’s licensed patients Located in Beautiful Crestone, CO Call for Reservations: 719-937-1914 frontdesk@highvalleyhealingcenter.com
Dispensaries in Colorado THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LISTING: PLEASE EMAIL CHANGES TO dispensary@CannabisHealthNewsMagazine.com Dispensary City Alternative Medicine of Southeast Denver Denver BC Inc. Denver, Cannabis Medical Denver Capitol Hill Alternative Medicine Captiol Hill Medicine Shoppe Denver Caregiving Friends Cherry Creek Health Colorado Cannabis Services The Healing House Pharmacy and Club Denver Herbal Connections Denver 22 Herbal Wellness Highland Health Denver Local Caregivers of Colorado Medical Cannabis Metro Cannabis Denver Metro-Cannabis 2 Denver Mile High Quality of Life Southeast Denver Mile High Remedies Denver Mile High Wellness Denver Pain Management of Colorado Denver Patient’s Choice of Colorado Denver Peace in Medicine Center Denver The Releaf Center Denver Rockbrook, Inc. Denver Colorado Patient Coalition Federal Heights Green Medical Northglenn The Healing Center Westminster Herbal Remedies Cannabis Kindness Center Wheat Ridge DenCo Wheat Ridge, CO 80212 Green Tree Medical LLC Lakewood A Kind Place Wheat Ridge Mr. Nice Guys Lakewood Meadows Wellness Center Lakewood NatuRx Wheat Ridge AlternaCare CannaMart Inc. Greenwood Village Green Mountain Care Littleton The Hatch Wellness Center Highlands Ranch The Kind Room Littleton The Apothecary Longmont Botanic Labs Longmont Boulder County Caregivers Boulder Boulder Alternative Medicine Boulder
Phone 720 941-8872 720-323-2383 303-912-2013 303-882-6173 303-993-5777 720 999-0486 303-388-0086 720-984-6543 720-389-6490 720 999-6295 720-299-1919 303-455-0810 720-233-5482 720-629-3476 720 771-9866 303-305-9625 720-933-1857 303-419-3896 720-382-8516 303-423-7246 303.862.5016 720-242-9308 303-458-5323 303-756-0595 303-667-6032 303-495-5000 303-412-0200 303-430-0420 303-431-4994 303-518-0303 720-838-1652 720-569-1666 303-233-6423 720-435-3830 303-420-9427 303-386 5865 303-771-1600 303-953-9231 303-470-9270 720.266.3136 720 210-3986 303-260-8203 303 495-2195 720-210-4021
Cannabis was a part of the American pharmacopoeia as an over the counter remady.
Dispensaries in Colorado THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LISTING: PLEASE EMAIL CHANGES TO dispensary@CannabisHealthNewsMagazine.com Dispensary City Phone The Skinny Pineapple 970 497-0559 Grateful Meds Nederland 303-258-7703 One Brown Mouse Nederland 303 258.0633 Green Belly Co-Op El Dorado Springs 720 381-6187 New Options Wellness 720 266-9967 Organic Medicine Club Erie 303-800-4196 Alliance For Cannabis Therapeutics Fort Collins 970-308-5496 Colorado-Chronix 970-227-3366 In Harmony Wellness Windsor Natural Alternatives for Health Loveland/Fort Collins 970-412-1573 Nature’s Medicine Loveland 970-461-2811 Magic’s Emporium Loveland 970-397-1901 Tranquility Healing Center Loveland 970-215-3519 Cannabis Therapeutics dispensary Colorado Springs 719-633-7124 CannaCare Colorado Springs 719 596-3010 Colorado Cannabis Center East Colorado Springs 719-574-4455 Colorado Cannabis Caregivers Colorado Springs 719-634-7389 Front Range Caregivers 719-321-2442 The Highlands Cooperative Colorado Springs 719-442-6737 Marisol Therapeutics 800-584-6274 Pikes Peak Alternantive Health and Wellness Colorado Springs, 719-575-9835 Trichome Health Consultants Colorado Springs 719-635-6337 Mile High Medical Gardens Castle Rock Golden Alternative Care 303-278-8870 A Kinder Place Evergreen 303-567-2235 Mountain High Wellness Center Evergreen 303-243-4457 Generations Natural Medicine Greeley 970-353-2839 Mary’s Medicine 719-778-5620 Top Hat Enterprises Saguache 719-221-3373 Colorado Mountain Dispensary Carbondale 970-948-6404 High Valley Healing Center Crestone 303 877-7452 Natures Medicine Grand Junction 970-424-5293 Geronimos Gardens Boulder MMJ 720 457-5546 NRAD AlterMeds Louisville 303 931-6200 Tea Alchemy Nederland 303 258-3561 Stone Mountain Longmont 303-803-3062 Green Docs LLC 303 339-0214 Cannabis Medical Therapeutics 303 880-1563 High Country Caregivers Grand County 970 531-3129 Cannameds Boulder 877 420-6337 High Grade Alternatives Boulder Medicinal Gardens Fort Colins 970-372-9135
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Before
marijuana/cannabis
was made illegal in the United States in 1937, it was used in over 600 medical products.
Cannabis & Physical Therapy continued from 9
24
many patients expect too much too soon and push it. There is a point of diminishing returns where being on your feet for more than 4–6 hours will typically lead to significant swelling in the knee and leg. As the knee swells it places more pressure on the nerves, arteries and veins. Pressure on the nerves causes an increase in pain and pressure on the arteries and veins restricts the blood flow, much like parking your car on the sprinkler hose. Without blood flow there is no delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissue. White blood cells cannot remove the damaged tissue which increases scar tissue production and the end result is a measurable loss of range of motion in the knee. Now the physical therapist has to work harder on the surrounding tissues and joint, resulting in more inflammation and pain. It would benefit this patient to have a Sativa in the morning and an Indica after therapy in the afternoon; this will slow them down and allow them to put their leg up, which will decrease inflammation. When it’s time for bed a knock out Indica such as “Original Misty,” would enable them to spend their time in bed sleeping, not tossing and turning in pain. When the body sleeps
it uses most of its energy to repair itself, allowing a sleeping body to heal faster; this is one of the reasons why they take critically injured patients and place them into a drug-induced coma for several days. We could get even more specific within our choices of strains by looking for one that produces the highest amounts of the CB2 cannabinoid which aides the immune system and interacts with anti-inflammatory receptors. The fact that there are so many different strains gives us endless possibilities for different diagnoses and for different people. What works for one person may not have the same effect for someone else. We find this in traditional medicine as well. Every effect that a medicine has is a side effect; it’s just that the greatest side effect is what the drug is marketed for. Some effects may be experienced by some patients but not others. The same applies to any of the cannabis strains; “Lavender” may be perfect for before bed for one person but may work better in the late afternoon for another.
Doug Heckenkamp M.P.T.
Cannabinoids continued from 10 BLPs share a common vision for the future, restoring their vision of the past, they gain power. As a result, angry, aggressive, narrow-minded people naturally wind up running the country. They tend to not take in the new information, i.e. environmental science that would allow our so called leaders to create policies that would attempt to minimize man’s impact on our environment (pollution). In other words, we as a species need to elevate our endocannabinoid activity levels, not only for individual health, but also for the sake of species survival. In conclusion, we are engaged in a genetic battle between BLPs and FLPs (forward looking people). Our health and longevity, as individuals and as a species, are now dependant on replacing BLPs with FLPs. We are experiencing evolution in action and mankind’s very existence is at stake. Dr. Robert Melamede, Ph.D
Associate Professor of Biology Universtiy of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Regulation from the grass roots
Remembering... continued from 18 This is something I enjoy helping others in making a smoother transition to success.” Lewis embraces edible therapy, 1800’s style ‘ancient’ recipe tincture therapy, and a variety of nutraceutical oils, lotions, foods, and other mixtures. “When I first became legal, over six years ago, there was little opportunity to be educated, only a couple of dispensaries, and a patient collective, which finally gave me a clear understanding of ALL the therapy options, rather than just a storefront perspective. The first few months, I was only able to secure cannabis from street dealers. Times have changed considerably.” In an effort to help ‘pay back’ for her positive enhanced education about legal cannabis therapy, Lewis began volunteering time at the Ole RAD Reasonable Access Denver facility which used to be located in Denver on Colfax across from the famous Lake Steam Baths, a short distance away from Mile High Stadium. “It was a breath of fresh air, to be able to get consistent quality medical therapy services and on a regular basis,” said Lewis. “Eventually, I was able to alert my physician that I had cut down on my prescription narcotic pain medications to about one third. I actually felt more active, and was able to consequently be more active also.” So, in spite of a third round of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer tumors and having had three previous lumpectomies, Lewis finds her self busy with a new chapter in her life, keeping a
positive focus on massage school and her second semester of training. She hopes to incorporate massage into her wellness services effort and would like to see more provided than just marijuana from dispensaries or collectives. Legitimate legal cannabis therapy patients in Colorado deserve continuous compassion. This includes compassion from the community at-large, the government officials, and even law enforcement. This is especially true in the face of the media’s barrage of Multi-Billion Dollar “Cannabusiness” frenzy and a statewide apparently feverish response by local and county municipalities as they scramble to tighten up land use ‘prohibition’ and other code ordinances. Lewis was recently told that although the doctors are recommending a double mastectomy following reoccurring tumors, she has been told that her current Medicaid insurance coverage will NOT include reconstructive surgery. So she continues her struggle. With stress exacerbated by the uncertain future of her constitutional rights while the 2010 legislature gears up to address concerns. Will she be listened to? Timothy Tipton, a career photojournalist, has been named a court-appointed subject matter expert in Cannabis in ten jurisdictions across Colorado as well as being an Appeal Bond Supervisor in Larimer County. He can be reached at commjexpert@gmail.com.
Time to Grow Continued from 15
Alliance for Cannabis Therapeutics
Medicinal Purposes Only
The outcome was a national precedent-setting case where I became the first person in U.S. history to have marijuana growing equipment returned by the Federal Government. All charges were dropped and I returned to my passion. I should have been satisfied with that, but the story continues. I subsequently became a court-certified expert witness in marijuana cultivation and medical marijuana. I felt it was my duty to help others who found themselves fighting the same battle. As an expert witness in this arena, I’ve noticed that most defendants decide to take a plea bargain rather than risk being jailed. Jason Lauve, however; did not take a plea. Like myself, he felt a since of duty and a moral obligation to fight for his rights. Jason’s attorney? Robert Corry, the very one I had found years before. When Robert asked if I was willing to act as expert witness for a young man in Boulder, how could I say no? That is how I met Jason. We formed an instant friendship, bound by a common belief that those in the right will prevail. I thereby testified again as an expert witness in Jason’s precedent-setting case. As a result of Jason’s case it is now the patient who decides how much medicine is medically necessary. Two people who stood up for what was right — two precedent setting cases. And now I have this forum to share the knowledge I have gained over these last forty years. The thought taking all this knowledge to the grave with me without sharing it gives me pause almost daily. Starting in the following is26 sue you can expect to see my column “TIME TO GROW”; my attempt to pass on the knowledge you need to be a successful grower without enduring the heartache, expense, and lost time due to all the mistakes I have made over the past forty years. We will cover outdoor growing but living in Colorado with the short summers and early freezes most of us will be doing our work indoors. In a very short amount of time, you will learn how to recreate the great outdoors and then how to enhance it for cannabis cultivation, without spending extra money on grow books that may contain extraneous and confusing information. Our first installment will start with providing the perfect environment, whether it is a closet or a warehouse. Before you know it you’ll be growing those buds in the bowl. Dana K May Licensed Caregiver
970-308-5496
Professor Marijuana
Mother’s Nature The Human Condition lives in the art of Nature. She is the Life Force of Creation. Each flower, plant and tree nourished by the water that flows with in and without. Every surface of the Earth is covered in the mystery of the Divinities. Mother’s Nature reveals the Mysteries of each season, displaying Her beauty for all to see.
Artwork from the STUDIO/2009 27
Recommended Books
Understanding Marijuana: A New Look at the Scientific Evidence By Mitch Earleywine ISBN-13: 978-0195138931
The Science of Marijuana By Leslie L. Iversen ISBN-13: 978-0195328240
All told, the children were held for 70 days and then returned home, and the case worker wants to close the case but “has been waiting for the criminal matters to be addressed first.” Jailed continued from 14
So, if using or growing medical cannabis might not be so evil in the eyes of all DSS or the children’s courts, then where and when do we make this a clearer policy? There are no clear policies: What about BCDTF commander Tom Sloan saying “we’re not bothering or harassing medical marijuana dispensaries without a valid complaint.” This contrasted with another statement of his that “we’re only going after profiteers.” Of course there also was Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett’s comment that “we’re not waging war on patients.” This sentiment is not shared by all in his office, particularly not by assistant DA Chris Estoll. In our case he admitted that Garnett might not agree with his tactics or plea offer, but that he wanted to “make an example out of us.” In this offer, the DA would drop over half a dozen felonies and other misdemeanor charges against each, and of course the child abuse charges. We would however have to plead guilty to felony cultivation, with a deferred judgment sentence. I would have to plead guilty to two counts of possession of 1-8 ounces of medicine and a jail sentence of 5 months with 4 months suspended. We would both receive 2-3 years probation. The final stipulation, snuck in at the last minute, was we were to forfeit our rights as caregivers, abandoning several patients.
28
Besides the thousands in potential legal costs, the extreme pressure for preservation of our family forced us to ‘tap out’ and agree to take the plea offer, while still contesting the legality and politics behind stripping patients of their legal licensed caregivers. This is certainly unconstitutional and will be appealed for reconsideration. by Riah McBee
Contacting the Colorado Legislature
T
he next legislative session convenes on January 13, 2010. We are urging all patients, caregivers, advocates, family and friends to contact their state senators and representatives and tell them what you would like to see in a medical marijuana bill and how cannabis has helped you as a medicine.
Tell your lawmakers that any medical marijuana legislation needs to address these areas to adequately protect patient rights: - Patients desperately need access to a 24/7 phone number for law enforcement to call to check if a person is on the Register - Patients need a Bill of Rights to protect them from discrimination. - Patients and caregivers need greater protection from prosecution. - Suppliers of caregivers need immunity from prosecution. - Caregivers should not be limited to the number of patients they serve. - Caregivers should not be subject to background checks. Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver) will be one of the main sponsors of legislation, so cc: him and CTI on any letters or correspondence: sen.romer@gmail.com and info@cannabistherapyinstitute.com
Find a directory of the Colorado General Assembly: www.CannabisTherapyInstitute.com/advocacy
Events
*Cheesecake Charity Ball for Indigent Patients* When: Sun., Dec. 6, 2009 Time: 4pm-11pm Where: Cervantes, 2637 Welton St. Denver CO What: A charity event to raise money for indigent patients this holiday season. Sponsored by: Jessica LeRoux <lady@twirlinghippy.com> *Start a Medical Marijuana Business in Colorado* Legal Seminar with Rob Corry, attorney When: Wed., Dec. 9, 2009 Time: 6:30pm to 9:30pm Where: Holiday Inn Denver-Central, 4849 Bannock St., Denver, CO For more information: www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com/classes/
*AMMSA General Meeting* When: Fri., Dec. 11, 2009 Time: 7:00 pm Where: Armadillo Border Grill 700 Ken Pratt Blvd #200, Longmont, CO What: Discussion on upcoming legislative session and lobbying strategies. Sponsored by: American Medical Marijuana Standards Association Contact: Linda Smoke <smoke1@att.net> For more information: www.ammsa.info/ *Cannabis Therapy 101 Class* When: Sat., Dec. 12, 2009 Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Where: Private Retreat, Boulder, CO For more information: www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com/classes/ *Medical Cannabis Cultivation 101 Class* When: Sat., Dec. 12, 2009 Time: 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm Where: Private Retreat, Boulder, CO For more information: www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com/classes/
*Cannabis Holiday Health Fair* When: Sun. Dec. 13, 20009 Time: 10 am to 4 pm Where: Holiday Inn Denver-Central, 4849 Bannock St., Denver, CO What: Patient and legislative outreach. All cannabis businesses invited to attend! Sponsored by: Cannabis Therapy Institute For more information: For more information: www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com/chf/ *Free Music Therapy Sessions* When: Dec. 14 Time: 7pm to 8pm Where: Portland Place Healing Arts, 1143 Portland Pl., Suite 3, Boulder, CO What: Complimentary music therapy groups focusing on grief and loss/transition offered free to members of the medical cannabis community For more information: Faith Halverson-Ramos Phone: 303-521-2791 Email: soundwell_musictx@mac.com Web: www.soundwellmusictherapy.com *Board of Health Rulemaking Hearing* When: Dec. 16 meeting has been POSTPONED Make sure to come to this meeting We, as patients NEED to be heard! For more information: www.cdphe.state.co.us/BHRulemakingPostponement.pdf *Sensible Colorado Stakeholder Meeting* When: Sat., De. 19, 2009 Time: 1-4pm Where: TBA What: Stakeholder Meeting to craft a unified legislative agenda for 2010. Sponsored by: Sensible Colorado Contact: Brian Vicente: info@sensible.org For more information: www.sensiblecolorado.org/
Has successfully represented dozens of patients, caregivers, and dispensaries
600 Seventeenth St., Suite 2800, Denver 80202
– National Law Journal
www.RobCorry.com
“Friend of Reform” award winner SAFER and Sensible Colorado Stanford Law Graduate America’s Top 40 Attorneys Under 40
Robert J. Corry, Jr.
First Medical Cannabis Jury Victory continued from 6
Rev. Marks performed an anointing ceremony with Jason, where he blessed Jason with Hawai’ian Cannabis anointing oil, created from a formula found in the Old Testament. Literally seconds after Jason was anointed, the phone rang with the news the verdict was in. It seemed a truly divine intervention that Jason’s jurors reached their verdict near the exact moment that Jason was being anointed with Cannabis oil. The THC Ministry arrived at the perfect place and time. Jason’s trial was attended by dozens of supporters. Out of these supporters trial, the Cannabis Therapy Institute was born, to promote cannabis education, research and advocacy. For more information, go to: www.cannabistherapyinstitute.com
Attorney and Councilor at Law
(303) 634-2244 e-mail: Robert.Corry@Comcast.net
By Laura Kriho Cannabis Therapy Institute
Make the Cannabis Therapy Institute’s Always Buy Colorado Cannabis Pledge www.CannabisTherapyInstitute.com
Full Spectrum Laboratories Allowing a patient to customize their dosage for a more precise treatment
Testing for patients safety
We report on: 3 types of THC, active, acid, and V 3535 Larimer Street 2 types of CBD, active and acid Denver, Colorado 80205 CBN (303) 335-0227 Pesticides and fungus High Performance Liquid Chromatography
www.fullspectrumlaboratories.com
FREE MARC
R E N O S I R P L A C POLITI This is INSANE. Marc is being extradited from Canada, to serve a 5-year sentence in a US prison!
FOR SELLING SEEDS TO PEOPLE LIKE US!
If it wasn’t for Marc Emery, we would not have the medical cannabis options that we do today. Thank you Marc!
M
arc Scott Emery (born February 13, 1958) is a Canadian cannabis activist. He is the publisher of Cannabis Culture magazine. He also ran for mayor of the city of Vancouver in 1996 and 2002. On July 23, 2006, Marc Emery married Jodie Joanna Giesz-Ramsay. He is formerly a retailer of cannabis seeds for cultivation, having started Marc Emery Direct Marijuana Seeds in 1995, which he ran until it was closed by a raid by Vancouver police acting on the request of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on July 29, 2005. He currently faces extradition to the United States where he faces a 5 year sentence for selling marijuana seeds and "laundering" the profits into pro-cannabis legalization activities. His outspoken advocacy in favor of legalizing cannabis led the media to dub him "The Prince of Pot," a nickname he embraces. Marc Emery openly sold cannabis seeds in downtown Vancouver, BC for over a decade from a storefront to finance peaceful organizations and activities opposing the US “War on Drugs.” Marc Emery contributed $4 million to various organizations in the anti-marijuana movement, and publicly condemned the draconian US Drug War as a horrendous failed policy with disastrous political and social consequences. There were never any objections from the public concerning Marc Emery’s activities.
Marc and his wife Jodie
Photo credit: Jeniffer Zimmerman
Marc Emery participated in numerous Canadian elections and continues to appear regularly in domestic and international media. The Canadian Government was always well aware of Marc Emery’s activities, and Revenue Canada and Revenue BC accepted his “marijuana seed vendor” income tax payments for years. Every issue of Marc Emery’s 13-year-old publication Cannabis Culture Magazine is sent to each Member of Parliament, and for 10 of those years the magazine carried his extensive cannabis seed ads. Every Member of Parliament knew what Marc was doing, and never objected at any time.
LOUISVILLE
COLORADO
l fresh coffee l eclectic music l great food l old town charm l
908
Main
Street, Louisville, CO Phone 303.665.9761
80027