COLORADO LAWMAKERS BACK AGE LIMITS FOR MEDICAL-POT USERS

Two state senators vowed Sunday to restore age restrictions on young
medical marijuana patients to a bill regulating the relationship
between doctors and their pot-seeking patients. Sens. Chris Romer and
Nancy Spence want patients younger than 21 years old to first see a
substance abuse counselor before getting a recommendation for medical
pot from a doctor.

Doctors who override the counselor's nonbinding recommendation would
be reported to the medical board of examiners for review.

Throughout the medical-marijuana debate, advocates and lawmakers have
batted down age restrictions based on constitutional language saying
anyone 18 years old or older should have access to the medication with
one referral from a doctor.

Romer, D-Denver, said Sunday that the additional steps for young
patients would help flag those with a history of substance abuse and
ensure that only the sickest teens get access to a drug while they're
still growing.

"We are talking about kids having the right to walk in every day and
buy some of the most potent product (under current rules)," said
Romer, one of the sponsors of Senate Bill 109.

Romer estimates there are about 2,000 people between the ages of 18
and 21 who carry medical marijuana cards. Through another pot bill, he
also plans to ban dispensaries from advertising to teens and to bar
young patients from dispensaries altogether.

Denver lawyer Rob Corry, who specializes in medical marijuana law,
said the age restrictions would put an undue burden on young patients
and would be unconstitutional.

"Debilitating medical conditions don't know age limits," Corry said.
"I don't see any burning reason to treat people in that small age
bracket any differently."

Adolescent-substance-abuse counselor Christian Thurstone of Denver
Health pointed out that using pot as a youth can cause an array of
problems, such as anxiety disorders and psychosis later in life.

He said he would make sure young patients had exhausted all other
forms of treatment before agreeing to recommend pot.

Bill co-sponsor Spence, R-Centennial, and Romer decided Friday to ask
for a conference committee instead of agreeing with some House changes.