Pubdate: Tue, 21 Oct 2014
Source: New Haven Register (CT)
Copyright: 2014 New Haven Register
Contact:  http://www.nhregister.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/292
Author: Colin Souney
Page: A8
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n801/a05.html

STATE'S MARIJUANA RULES NEED SOME WORK

I'm a medical marijuana patient registered under the Connecticut 
Department of Consumer Protection guidlines. I'm writing in hopes of 
conveying my concerns regarding Connecticut's current regulations. 
I'm also curious if there's national interest in our battle with 
these ridiculous regulations? A brief review by anyone who knows the 
languages used in these regulations will reveal a complete disregard 
for patients' rights.

In Connecticut, there's a current petition reguesting that product 
not be offered in its "homogenized" form. While I do agree with this, 
I feel the issues only begin there. Under current regulations, 
patient-to-patient care or trade is illegal, this is in direct 
conflict with just about every other compassionate model I have 
reviewed, and possibly the palliative care act. There's no 
compassionate care system for less fortunate people, and at the 
current rate of $95 for five grams, I'm sure you can identify the 
host of issues here. My final and primary concern lies in patient and 
co-op grows. Patients have fought for these rights, patients are the 
consumers until legalization, patients won't get registered if 
product is not only less expensive on the street and if the state 
doesn't support them. I can't say for certain, but I'm pretty sure 
that a consumer of marijuana will grow better medicine than counters of money.

I like my state, it's been my home my entire life. Why should I feel 
like I'm being forced to move to more compassionate states?

I would like to know if anyone has any interest in supporting our 
fight here in Connecticut. If we don't fight this battle here, other 
states will adopt these laws and patients' rights will become less 
important to these legislators. Please just take a moment to review 
the climate of the country and I think CT has a huge issue that needs 
nipping in the bud.

- - Colin Souney Adviser to executive director of CTNORML

Guilford
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