Pubdate: Thu, 29 Dec 2011
Source: Colorado Springs Independent (CO)
Copyright: 2011 Colorado Springs Independent
Contact:  http://www.csindy.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1536
Author: Debbie Kelley

CannaBiz: LEGALIZATION VOTE LOOMS

Legalize it?

Coloradans may get to vote next November on legalizing recreational
marijuana use. At an info session in Colorado Springs last week,
organizers of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol said
they've collected more than enough signatures.

Among medical marijuana business owners and patients in attendance,
said Jessica Hogan, spokeswoman for the Colorado Springs Medical
Cannabis Council, there was one major concern: What will happen to MMJ
if recreational marijuana is legalized for anyone over age 21 to buy?

The answer: Nothing, really.

"There would be separate dispensaries for recreational shops," Hogan
said, "and medical marijuana centers already set up would get priority
to get licensed and open recreational centers."

A public announcement for the statewide ballot measure is expected
soon.

Phoenix tears of joy

Is cannabis curing Bob Crouse's cancer? He thinks so, citing his
latest blood tests.

Earlier this year, the Indy related the story of 63-year-old Crouse, a
Colorado Springs resident who has been charged with two felonies as a
result of an MMJ-related paperwork snafu ("Fight for your right,"
ReLeaf, Sept. 29). A motions hearing is set for Jan. 27 at the El Paso
County Courthouse.

On Dec. 23, Crouse reported to Colorado Springs Medical Cannabis
Council that half the leukemia in his original 2007 diagnosis is gone.
The only medication he's been taking in recent months: the cannabis
oil concentrate known as phoenix tears. Lab results show important
indicators of the disease have diminished. He also has new cell growth.

"Considering Bob takes no other medications for his cancer, science
would have to summarize that the CBD (cannabidiol) from his medicine
is indeed causing apoptosis, which sends a suicide signal to cancer
cells while leaving his healthy cells alone," says Mark Slaugh,
membership director for the local Medical Cannabis Council, in an
e-mail to the Indy. "This is great news and should make the District
Attorney, Dan May, think twice before prosecuting sick patients who
need medical marijuana."

An app for that

Got an iPhone or iPad? Americans for Safe Access has launched a new
application for MMJ projects, actions and policies.

The app provides updates on local, state and federal issues across the
country, as well as access to news feeds, political action alerts,
video advocacy trainings, newsletters and legal manuals. It connects
users to a legal hotline and enables them to sign up for raid alerts
and activist phone trees.

The app currently is accessible for Apple products but will be
expanded to Android and other devices. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D