Flash Report: Statewide Dispensary bill likely to become Law

On Wednesday, May 5, the full Senate passed HB 1284 which is now likely to become statewide law.  Sensible Colorado opposed this bill and spent considerable time and resources fighting for important changes-- many of which were ultimately adopted.  

To help prepare patients for the ultimate impact of this legislation, Sensible Colorado will be hosting a series of free trainings explaining the new law (along with SB 109, the "Doctor/Patient Bill) starting the week of May 17.  Please watch for future alerts with event details.

Important Elements of HB 1284 (**again, this is not yet law, but will likely pass its final legislative hurdle on Thurs., 5/6.)

1.  Dispensaries and edible producers will have to apply for state licenses.  After July 2011, these providers must follow new state regulations in order to continue operating.  Note there are also a number of other crucial deadlines starting in August 2010 which these providers must meet.

2. Local governments can ban dispensaries.  This damaging provision will effect innumerable patients across the state.  However, Sensible's legal team is already planning local campaigns and lawsuits to overturn bans.  Click here to support our work. 

3.  Caregivers will be limited to helping five or less patients.  Anyone helping six or more patients will have to register as a dispensary with the state-- in a process yet to be determined.  Again, we plan to take prompt action to fight this restriction.

There many other aspects of this bill which effect the rights of both patients and caregivers, and we will be sending additional updates on these changes.  A near-final draft of this bill should be available soon here.  (Search "HB 1284" and look for the May 5 version).