Medical Marijuana DIspensary Bill Passes First Vote in Full Senate

Medical Marijuana DIspensary Bill Passes First Vote in Full Senate

A bill regulating aspects of the doctor-patient relationship as it pertains to medical marijuana recommendations is proceeding quickly through the Senate.

A bill that would impose sweeping regulations on medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state is proceeding apace through the state Senate. Sponsored by Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver), the bill passed its first full vote in the Senate on Friday.

However, two significant amendments were added to the bill. The first eliminates the requirement that the patient receive follow-up care from the doctor who recommended medical marijuana. Supporters of the amendment argue the bill would otherwise restrict patient choice and effectively bind patients to a single doctor. A second amendment requires patients between the ages of 18 and 21 receive not one, but two recommendations from physicians before they can obtain medical marijuana.

Pain Management of Colorado does not object to Romer's bill or either of the amendments. We have always believed medical marijuana dispensaries share a responsibility to both the patients and the public to act in a professional, responsible manner. That's why we've always offered follow-up care to our patients by physicians in good standing.

Medical marijuana is a powerful medicine that has the potential to dramatically reduce the side effects of cancer treatment such as nausea and help those suffering from HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, ALS, and other conditions grapple with the chronic pain with which they suffer. As one of the largest and most experienced medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado, we see cases daily of patients who have suffered for years and find relief only because dispensaries like ours exist. We are pleased to live in a state as compassionate as Colorado where the freedom to use medical marijuana is guaranteed in our state's constitution.

As the state wrestles with whether and how medical marijuana dispensaries should be regulated, we encourage the General Assembly to bear in mind the thousands of patients across Colorado who rely on medical marijuana simply to function.

We congratulate Senators Romer and Spence on the success their bill has enjoyed so far, and wish to thank them for their wise leadership on this pressing issue.