Medical Marijuana in Colorado
What seems like the first of its kind in the state, and may escalate over the upcoming months. While the federal government already conducts raids within California and other states, it has issued a stern warning to medical marijuana shops operating near to schools and academic premises.
In a move that is contrary to Obama’s initial position on the issue of medical marijuana, the government has ordered 23 dispensaries operating near to schools, to shutdown within 45 days or face criminal prosecution. The move may seem harsh, but it is the first time the administration has made a policy move, essentially deciding that dispensaries close to schools are a “bad idea”. Based on a wide range of studies, and the influence of marijuana on minors, the Netherlands has made similar moves in recent years, to restrict to operation of cafes and dispensaries close to school premises.
According to John Walsh, the U.S. Attorney for Colorado, many of these dispensaries are located just a 1,000 feet from K-12 schools. Not a good idea!
“When the voters of Colorado passed the limited medical marijuana amendment in 2000, they could not have anticipated that their vote would be used to justify large marijuana stores located within blocks of our schools,”
Similar to the issues seen in Amsterdam, there has been “a dramatic increase in student abuse of marijuana, with resulting student suspensions and discipline”, says John Walsh. The move is ultimately positive and we should applaud the U.S Attorney of Colorado, but it’s important that the fundamental rights of the medical marijuana legislation are preserved.
About Ann Flannigan
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