Written by Christopher Meyer | 6:07 pm on December 3, 2011

We trust our health to doctors. They have a position of stature and respect. Unfortunately that trust is manipulated by a healthcare system which focuses more on profit than on well being, and the repercussions of this neglect manifest themselves in public policy, politics, and in our own bodies.

Data from a study conducted between 1999-2004 by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicated that accidental poisoning was second only to automobile accidents as the listed cause of death. What’s shocking is the amount of increase for prescribed drugs.

‘Rates for drug poisoning deaths increased 68.3%, and mortality rates for poisonings by other substances increased 1.3%. The largest increases were in the “other and unspecified,” psychotherapeutic, and narcotic drug categories.’

How is this allowed to happen? It is a common misconception that the FDA actually tests the drugs that it is charged with approving. In fact, clinical trials are performed by pharmaceutical companies themselves and the data is passed onto the FDA for approval. This situation is the epitome of a potentially lethal conflict of interest. (more…)

Written by Christopher Meyer | 10:17 am on November 26, 2011

Political candidates shape themselves to appeal to the lowest common denominator. Appealing to emotions, the hot topics become issues about which people have very strong opinions.

No matter what level of public service, every elected official must attempt to assess the wants, needs, and opinions of their constituency in order to appeal to the greater share.

Since morality often creates the strongest opinions, subjects that are seen as criminal, unwanted, or improper such as socialism, Islam, and ‘illicit’ drug use will generate bad press for a candidate if they advocate for them outspokenly. Such press will harm their chances of being elected. (more…)

Written by Christopher Meyer | 10:43 am on November 10, 2011

This blog was nominated for the 2011 Westword Web Awards for categories ‘Best Activist Blogger’ and ‘Best Use of Social Media by a Medical Marijuana Center’. Truly the nomination is an honor in itself. Thank you Denver for the recognition.

I would like to take this occasion to explore the future of such activism and what we can expect from the marijuana movement in the year to come. (more…)

Written by Christopher Meyer | 4:09 pm on October 19, 2011

Throughout the world the search to cure cancer surges on in university labs and private pharmaceutical companies.

Naturally occurring cannabinoids found in medical marijuana that interact with the immune and nervous systems have been shown to have anti-tumor properties.

Even with an abundance of supporting evidence, the US still limits research on cannabis in US labs with a heavy hand. Despite the concerted effort of a wide range of cannabis activists, the US will not reschedule marijuana to Schedule II where medicinally valuable controlled substances are grouped including cocaine, used as an anesthetic, and opioid pain killers. (more…)

Written by Christopher Meyer | 6:16 pm on October 5, 2011

Last week the Denver Post published a map of Colorado medical marijuana centers and infused product manufacturers in the crime section of their blog.

What crime is it to open a business that’s been approved by Colorado voters and legislators?

Denver Relief pays taxes, fees, and obeys regulations so that we can be legal, yet almost every day selling medical marijuana is treated as criminal behavior.

 
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Written by Christopher Meyer | 1:39 pm on August 24, 2011

Dispensary Business News and Denver Relief want your opinion.

Your experiences matter and can help the medical marijuana industry better suit patient needs.

The survey is anonymous and takes just 2 minutes. We would greatly appreciate your taking a moment to share your thoughts.

Click here to take the patient survey

Written by Christopher Meyer | 11:22 am on August 19, 2011

“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

- Tenth Amendment

This is the second part in our series exploring how the advancement of the marijuana movement does more than just erode prohibitionist attitudes, and has far-reaching benefits in many aspects of our society.

Ending marijuana prohibition in Colorado isn’t just about the medicine. The ability of states to set laws that govern what goes on within their borders as provided by the Tenth Amendment is also at stake. (more…)

Written by Christopher Meyer | 1:36 pm on July 15, 2011

Opinions, like bad rumors, are extremely difficult to dispel once created.

Opinions about marijuana today were formed at a time when anti-drug propaganda included images of dumb, loser stoners who can’t remember their name and can’t go more than a few minutes without toking.

This along with the media attention marijuana receives lately has led to opinions being formed about dispensaries that have about as much truth as the stoner stereotype.

With the regulation of recreational marijuana on the Colorado ballot in 2012, to succeed the marijuana movement must break down these myths.

What follows are reasons that opponents of medical marijuana cite when they argue against dispensaries or marijuana legalization.

 
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Written by Christopher Meyer | 7:42 pm on July 7, 2011

Two years ago, the company I work for began with three partners and a modest investment in some of Colorado’s finest medicine.

They had no storefront so Denver Relief’s owners Adam, Ean and Kayvan, began a delivery business by placing an ad in the Westword and getting a unique phone number.

For many months, Denver Relief operated this way and built a loyal patient base through word of mouth about outstanding medicine and service.

This is where I came in. I was driving a taxi at the time and the transition into delivering medical marijuana was a welcome change from long hours in a cab. I know the city well and enjoyed meeting new people.

It’s strange to recall how insubstantial the business felt then, how little we knew about what we were getting into, but with the vital support of our patients we have made it this far.

Without patients who are willing to take the steps to visit their doctor and pay the fees to get legal not only would Denver Relief not exist, but medical marijuana in Colorado would not have the prominence it does today.

The number of medical marijuana patients in Colorado and around the country is an indication of just how many people support safe and legal access to this effective medicine.

With several ballot initiatives for legalization coming in 2012 it is imperative that as a community we do not let down the people who have supported us up to this point. (more…)

Written by Christopher Meyer | 7:29 pm on June 21, 2011

Almost imperceptibly the change began taking place, but marijuana is entering the mainstream conversation in ways that it hasn’t in the past.

Even the recently crowned Miss America is on board with medical marijuana, and Miracle Grow wants to produce nutrients for the industry.

With many influential politicians and public policy makers becoming outspoken about the failure of the drug war, other countries are beginning to notice (like in this simple New Zealand story), and whether you are for or against marijuana, it is undeniable that buzz about cannabis is everywhere. (more…)