First, it is vitally important to give two fist pumps to New Jersey for doing what the sick and dying have been begging for; grant mercy to the suffering through medical marijuana protection. Now only time will tell how things will progress with their new program.
In Colorado, Senator Chris Romer is trying to pull a fast one on the dispensary industry, but more importantly his medical marijuana destruction bill (SB 109) could threaten those who need the medicine. Interestingly enough, supporters of this bill seem to think they are helping people. At least that’s the image they are portraying to the media.
Recently, Mr. Romer has given all kinds of reasons why his bill is going to help alleviate the abuses of the medical marijuana program. However, if passed, the bill would create more problems than solve any.
Let’s just take the bill, dissect it, and then maybe get a better idea of what’s really going on here. First, let’s identify the players in this judicial atrocity. Senators Romer and Spence are the original co-sponors, and Boyd, Bacon, Hodge, Hudak, Johnston, Tapia, Tochtrop have followed suit. On the house side, Massey and McCann are the primary sponsors and, Rice, Frangas, McFadyen following right along with them. Recognize any of these names? Good. Don’t forget them when election time comes around.
Now let’s see what the bill is trying to do. With a title like, “A BILL FOR AN ACT
CONCERNING REGULATION OF THE PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS,” one might wonder why a doctor-patient relationship needs to be this specific when no other treatments are mandated this heavily. This title in itself is very discriminatory against those who have no other options but marijuana to treat their ailment(s).
Let’s move on…
Mistake in language #1- The bill’s intro states, “physicians who prescribe
medical marijuana.” Okay, doctors don’t prescribe marijuana, they recommend it. Makes me wonder what kind of research went into writing this bill with such a simple wording discrepancy.
Next, The bill states physicians must discriminate the records of medical marijuana patients from those not using the medicine.
One of the most discriminatory aspects of this bill is that it would require anyone under 21 years of age to have their application approved by a special board to be appointed if the bill passes.
Now onto more arbitrary wording...
The bill would require a doctor who recommends marijuana to a patient to establish a long-term relationship with the patient, and perform a “personal physical examination.” Let’s see, what does this really mean? A personal physical exam from an eye doctor looks way different than one from a gynecologist. What does this new form of physical examination include that is any different than the current norm of reputable doctors? If I am a medical marijuana patient should the doctor see how well I take a hit? Should he palpate my chest to check for breast cancer while he’s at it? I mean that would be a thorough physical exam after all.
Next, the bill would like to create a selectively “confidential” database of patients on the registry that could be used to prosecute doctors if necessary. Then if a patient becomes ineligible for the recommendation, the bill would allow local law enforcement to be notified.
Now on to the restriction regarding where a doctor can practice. Mind you, if a doctor never writes a recommendation for a medical marijuana permit, he/she can practice basically anywhere they chose, including someone’s house for a house call. This bill would prevent doctors from having any professional association with a dispensary or caregiver, and they won’t be allowed to operate “at the location where marijuana is sold or distributed.” It doesn’t say how far away they must remain from marijuana sales though. Any doctor who violates the bill would face the possibility of losing his/her license to practice in Colorado.
If a patient is convicted of a crime while on the registry they would be required to re-apply for a permit.
Finally, the bill ends off with, “The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.” So much for the health of those who need marijuana.
I am unsure how discriminating against people based on their choice of medical treatment is going to preserve anyone’s peace, health and/or safety. If they want to impose these types of restrictions for people who use medical marijuana then they need to apply to everyone else who takes pharmaceuticals. Otherwise, this bill is nothing but a political attack based in ignorance. After all, it’s common knowledge that plenty of people abuse pharmaceuticals, yet I can walk into an emergency room and get any number of drugs comparable to heroin. Makes sense, right?
e-mail Angela at ReeferReport@att.blackberry.net
The Reefer Report with story about SB 109
Comments
Thank-you for a wonderfully well written article. The day will come this century when cannabis is treated as the healing herb it is.
I hope the voters see what a sneaky bastard this guy is and vote him out. The restrictions in that bill are beyond belief and are designed the way the feds play their game of not allowing research except by them at their facility with their own weed, which has a reputation for being the poorest in the world, and then saying it has no benefit.
These politicians and police are showing us that they don't like democracy. We vote to legalize marijuana but they want it illegal so they can make money arresting people, and also use it as a form of social control. I am sick and tired of dictators. I grow my own medicine using Advanced Nutrients and I have never let the dictators tell me what to do. It's time for all of us to stand up for our rights.
These folks need to be voted out, the sooner the better. It's time to leave cannabis and it's use for ANYTHING alone.
This bill clearly favors lobbyists and completely disregards citizens rights. If 109 passes it will force a stronger underground mmj market contingent and raise prices for mmj patients. Law enforcement will benefit as a govt agency. Watch if this bill passes how the penalties for posession and cultivation are raised leveraging the few remaining govt controlled 'non-profit' warehouse dispensaries. This is so dumb and counterintuitive. What happened to free market?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!