Attorney General speaks on medical marijuana debate
Posted : Feb 24, 2010 5:22 PM
With medical marijuana a hot topic in the state legislature, Colorado Attorney General John Suthers is speaking out. He says he doesn't like where medical marijuana is heading in our state.
"We've gone from 1500 to 40,000 (medical marijuana) registrants. There are about 40,000 in back log. We're going to have 100,000 in no time. We get about 1,000 applications a day."
Those in the industry say they're as legitimate as any other medicine and a better alternative to prescription drugs. "For people who are making a healthy choice to move away from those narcotics and move to a healthier alternative, I don't think that should be a bad thing." says Tanya Garduno, a Director with the Colorado Springs Medical Cannabis Council.
Suthers biggest worry lies in all of the dispensaries popping up which are still technically illegal. "Only the patient growing small amounts for themselves or a caregiver doing it for them is sanctioned." he explains, "There's no commercial sale of marijuana sanctioned in Amendment 20." Garduno disagrees saying the dispensaries are viable and growing businesses. "You can't just assume that people are going to have the means, the time or the ability to grow for themselves." she says, "That's why we have the caregiver model."
While both make their arguments there's still a lot of legislation to decide a very hazy subject. "All marijuana use is in violation of Federal law." says Suthers, "But right now the Federal authorities are waiting for some greater clarification as to what Colorado law is."
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jc at Mar 1st 2010 12:11 AM
It's too bad if Attorney General John Suthers "doesn't like it". It is the law and its time to face the reality that it is here to stay. The people voted in support for this and they are now not afraid to come forward and sign up. These people are going to use marijuana whether it is legal or not. Why not make it easily available for the people in real need. This prevents crime so these users aren't out on the streets trying to get it from criminals. On top of that the state is generating huge revenues on the $90 application fee as well as the taxes they are collecting. This is merely the first step towards full legalization. Trying to suppress this is only going to push more of it underground, the state will lose revenues, and it will create more crime.