On Thursday, March 4, starting at 1:30pm, the Colorado State Legislature will hear the first reading of a bill which seeks to regulate dispensaries-- and weaken patient rights. This bill, HB 1284, which was largely authored by law enforcement, threatens to cripple the state medical marijuana law in a number of ways. (Note a version of this bill will be posted on our website shortly.)
Here are a few of the most damaging provisions of the bill:
- Prohibits patients from living near schools. Patients could not possess medicine within 1000 feet of a school, which means patients could not live near schools.
- Patients could not join together with family members or others to share grow space.
- Would allow cities and towns to ban dispensaries-- forcing sick patients to "get on the bus" to find medicine.
Here's how you can help fight HB 1284
Attend the Thursday Hearing. Legislators need to hear from patients and professionals about how damaging HB 1284 will be. This Hearing should begin around 1:30 at the State Capitol in Denver in the Old Supreme Court Chambers (2nd floor). Please show up, dress nice, and spread the message to "vote no on HB 1284."
Call your state legislator
Every state legislator should hear how bad HB 1284 is. You can find and contact your state legislators here. Note you will need to enter your nine digit zip code to find your state rep and senator. Find your full zip code here.
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