Regional
(2010-02-04)
DENVER, CO
(KUNC) -
Medical marijuana advocates have filed a proposed initiative that would amend the state constitution's medical marijuana provision, and force the state legislature to implement a set of regulations for pot dispensaries and grow houses. The move is in response to a proposed regulatory bill now before lawmakers that advocates say would restrict patients' access to medical marijuana. "We know that the people of Colorado believe in letting sick people have safe and legal access to medical marijuana," says Brian Vicente, executive director of Sensible Colorado, and author of the proposed ballot measure.
"And we're not convinced that the current bill would guarantee that right," he says.
The current bill is a state house proposal sponsored by Representative Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs). It aims to crack down on the proliferation of dispensaries, by requiring them to be non-profit health centers.
Vicente says he's open to working with lawmakers, but plans to move ahead with filing the initiative, should the bill not be amended in the group's favor.
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