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.