Pubdate: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 Source: Fort Collins Coloradoan (CO) Copyright: 2011 The Fort Collins Coloradoan Contact: http://www.coloradoan.com/customerservice/contactus.html Website: http://www.coloradoan.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1580 Author: Steve Ackerman Note: Steve Ackerman is a 39-year resident of Fort Collins and the president of Fort Collins Medical Cannabis Association. LET FACTS, NOT EMOTIONS, GUIDE VOTE When people hear the term "medical marijuana" these days, it likely sparks a strong reaction one way or the other. Though many "sensational" stories have made their way into the public eye via the media, much of the reality of the medical cannabis community as it stands today remains largely misunderstood by the average person. It is true that the medical marijuana program remained relatively small from it's inception in the year 2000 until the latter part of 2009 when the total number of patients in Colorado barely topped 4,000. Today, more than 137,000 patients are registered cardholders in the medical cannabis program. So what in fact changed to account for the increase in participants to the program? Many people who are not part of the community have been left with the impression that the program is fraught with abuses and lack of regulation; I propose this is far from an accurate picture of the truth. Having educated the chronically ill population in our community since early in 2008, I have witnessed the growth of the medical cannabis community firsthand. Some facts: A person must first be suffering with one of eight qualifying conditions to be able to receive a physician recommendation and apply for the program. The registration is valid only for a period of one year, after which a person's condition must be re-evaluated by a physician and the application process starts anew. During this "explosion" of the medical cannabis community that many are concerned about, countless people already suffering with a chronic condition came to learn about this mild herb that could help them to feel better with little to no side effects; they wanted to know more. It was affordable, and it was in many cases life-changing to those who came to discover its magnificent therapeutic properties. People were drawn to this option, which could effectively and sustainably treat their conditions. Though many in our Fort Collins community might not realize it, the medical cannabis community has undergone major regulatory changes during that time frame, as well. Though at one point there were not detailed rules, now extensive regulations have been put into place regarding physicians, patients, caregivers and regulated centers. All are part of a system overseen by the state and, further, by the local municipalities. The fact is the overwhelming majority of participants in the program are legitimate patients benefiting from the positive effects of medical cannabis. Because of the safe, available access, these patients are able to continue the effective therapy they have found. If regulated cannabis is banned, it will serve only to extinguish access for those who need it and push it back into our neighborhoods in an attempt to supply those who have a right to use it as medicine. Untaxed and unregulated, this is the biggest potential impact on our community. Let the state and local regulatory agencies do their jobs with clearly defined regulations to follow. Let patients continue to have safe access to something that effectively treats chronic conditions. Let your vote be guided by the facts and not emotional, fear-based arguments. Vote "No" on 300 and save patient access. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.