Today, the Colorado Board of Health approved a series of rule changes impacting the use and also distribution of medical marijuana. Some have criticized these changes are pro-law enforcement. Supporters of the changes argue the changes merely “clarify” the language of Amendment 20, while opponents argue that the changes seek to undermine Amendment 20.
Amendment 20, which legalized medical marijuana in Colorado, was passed in 2000. That amendment defined a primary caregiver as an individual over the age of 18 who “has significant responsibility for managing the well-being of a patient who has a debilitating medical condition.”
The portion of that definition which has been “clarified” is the word “significant”. Prior to the changes approved today, that word was interpreted to mean that the caregiver had only to provide the medical marijuana and consult on the benefits of its use. Following the newly approved changes, to be implemented starting at the end of July, caregivers will need to do a lot more than that – perhaps even providing housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation services. No guidance, however, is provided as to how these rules will be enforced.
For more information about the author, visit Denver Criminal and Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Kimberly Diego’s website today.
