DUID and Cannabis…….Fox 31 News weighs in

When it comes to impaired driving a study conducted by Fox 31 News in Denver has blurred the lines when the topic is cannabis and blood ng levels.

The DUID Bill presented in Colorado’s legislative session was quite the roller coaster ride as it moved through the committees and houses. At some points it seemed legislation was competing with Elitch Gardens with all the ups and downs, twists and turns.

The bill was defeated during special session on a 17-17 tied vote, with one Senator not present. This Senator’s failure to return for special session is believed to be what killed the bill, as they would have been a deciding vote, and had voted in favor of the bill previously.

This report from Fox 31 News was released just a few days after the DUID bill was killed.

Part I KDVR http://kdvr.com/2012/05/16/your-questions-answered-driving-under-the-influence-of-marijuana/

I have pulled some screenshots from the news story to highlight a few points.

First – let’s look at the ng blood levels of the subjects in the study. The subjects were asked to not medicate at all previous to test the day of testing. Blood samples were drawn prior to any testing, and after medicating.

First up – meet “Max”

Now – Max is stated to be a daily user of cannabis for his Psychomotor agitation. As seen in the report from Fox 31 News, Max’s ng blood level for THC was at 6ng prior to any cannabis use for the day.

After medicating – Max’s blood levels for THC went up to 32ng, well over the 5ng level proposed by lawmakers.

Next up is Fran – a 63 year old Fibromyalgia sufferer.

Remarkably – Fran failed her driving test with absolutely no cannabis in her system. The fact that she claims to be a user of cannabis and arrived with product to use, it is quite apparent Fran suffered a placebo effect while driving, and she was actually failed for this test by Officer Ashby. More disturbing is the fact that the product she consumed left her with no cannabis in her system to treat her condition.

Please folks – test your products – and test them regularly. Make a habit of it. The hugest concern is for the patient. As they treat themselves, they need to know they are taking a reliable product that will help them. As more interest is shown to our industry -and trials are conducted – I suspect we will see much more of these type studies. PLEASE test your product.

Patients lives depend on it.

Next is Robert:

Robert – yet another medical cannabis user who passed the driving test. Robert passed his exam even after medicating with a 10ng blood level.

Fox 31 News did a pretty extensive study – and this was actually a two part series. This is the link to the second part – and we will break down the shocking results as we go.

Part II KDVR http://kdvr.com/2012/05/17/web-poll-driving-high-vs-driving-drunk/

Brian and Justin are the subjects in the next study – comparing driving under the influence of alcohol to marijuana.

Now – Brian clearly failed his exam – and pegged his Blood Alcohol Content at .08. Many studies have been conducted on alcohol and impaired driving. With how alcohol is metabolized in the body, it is much easier to study and have quantified answers.

Justin is the final subject – with the most shocking results.

No age was ever given for Justin – so please forgive that omission. It is not remarkable to myself to see the results of Justin’s first blood ng level. For any chronic pain patient out there  I would expect them to be very high. Cancer as well.

Justin started out at 21ng before medicating at all for the day -and went to 47ng post medication.

Yet – he was deemed a good driver – and passed his driving exam with flying colors.

Next – Fox 31 News decided to ensure the driving abilities of both, and as they put it “See if Justin is just a better driver than Brian”. So – Justin imbibed in alcohol and reported a BAC of .04.

This time – when Justin took the driving test – he failed miserably. Alcohol most certainly caused impairment – YET – under Colorado DUI law Justin was still under the .08 BAC limit and would have passed a breathalyzer test. If the 5ng limit were to have been imposed with a DUID law – he would have failed for THC levels, which when he was only under direct influence of cannabis – he passed the driving test with a 47ng blood level.

So – when you mix alcohol and cannabis – is it a fair judgement to state the person is impaired and “guilty” because of the cannabis in their system when even slight amounts of alcohol can completely skew results?

Please keep in mind, cannabis facilitates other drugs within our bodies. Folks who utilize cannabis AND pain medications find they can decrease their pain med intake as the cannabis facilitates the opioids and makes them work better – thus reducing consumption.

Also – did any of these subjects have ANY other medications in their systems? Opioids? Muscle relaxers?

Granted – the Fox 31 News story is not the greatest example of scientific, empirical evidence, but it does bring many issues to light, and exposes many issues in the thought processes of legislators when they try to impose a law with no science behind it.

I stated in an e-mail to Colorado politicians this past session that they should kill the DUID bill and apply to NIDA for funding monies to conduct a truly scientific study funded by NIDA to prove the harm of driving with cannabis in your system. We have to prove harm to get the monies – but it is possible. In Irvin Rosenfeld’s Federal protocol – it is stated he can drive and operate heavy equipment as long as he is not impaired. After years of driving and a few stops as officers smelled cannabis coming from his car – Irvin has never been deemed to be impaired – or been cited with impairment.

Irvin has been smoking cannabis over 40 years. The man should bleed green.

In addition – shouldn’t the Federal government hold some responsibility for helping to determine impairment? A NIDA study could do just that – and the Federal government has the subjects to study as well – if they ever choose to.

There have been Federal medical marijuana patients for 35 years – and the Federal Government has YET to study their own patients.

Please see the poll from Fox 31 News here – and be sure to go vote in the poll. It is located at the bottom of the second story link comparing alcohol and cannabis.

Poll screenshot pulled on 6/2/12 – stats will change over time with additional votes.

The TV Show “The Dr’s” also did an impaired driving study

http://www.everydayhealth.com/addiction/0518/is-pot-safer-than-alcohol.aspx

I have left this link for people to go look at – but please note – I do not condone utilization of this study for anything other than showing the differences of the studies. In this study by The Dr’s no blood ng levels were drawn – and personally – I take issue with any driving exam that affects a drivers peripheral vision. It’s great to be sitting in a real car – but take out peripheral vision or impair vision in any way – and the test is just not very effective or representative in my mind. I was also very disappointed in The Dr’s for not having a more empirical study. One would figure a show named “The Dr’s” they would want to know what the blood levels are.

Well….that’s my breakdown folks. Please be sure to share this information, write your politicians and encourage them to pursue NIDA monies for a study, and BE SAFE out there! Please do NOT mix alcohol with cannabis – and if you are too impaired to drive – DON’T!

Please feel free to share this post and my e-mail – and save this little kernel for the next time DUID and cannabis comes up. With how Senator King pursued it this session – I can pretty much guarantee this issue will not be going away.

Patients Out of Time Clinical Cannabis Conference

I am excited to return to Colorado from Arizona, and the Patients Out of Time 7th National Clinical Cannabis Conference in Tucson, Arizona  April 26-28, 2012.

WHAT AN EVENT!

I had waited in anticipation so anxiously for over 18 months. The weeks before the conference were maddening. I felt like a child the eve before Christmas morning.

I was not disappointed either. Almost everybody a person could hope to meet on the medical cannabis side of things was there. Dr Russo and his daughter Sarah, Dr Weil, Mary Lynn and Al, Elvy, Dr Courtney, Melanie Drehrer, the list goes on and on…..please be sure to visit http://www.medicalcannabis.com for followup. The entire conference was filmed – and is available online. The CE portions will be available for a fee in the near future. Here is a video of Dr. Andrew Weil from the conference. (Click link silly – it’s active). Also – please be sure to find Patients Out of Time on Facebook.

Please be sure to add Patients Out of Time to your groups to support. This incredible conference was their 7th national clinical conference in 14 years. They hold them every 2 years. We will be rolling out a pledge program for the group – stay tuned – and please – support the science and research.

Every bit of our efforts rely on credible science and knowledge.  It is imperative we have a strong voice, and solid support for Patients Out of Time.

I had the honor of helping Jacki Rickert prepare for her day and assisting her throughout the day on the day she spoke. Jacki is an amazing woman, I was quite stunned to learn her story. Jacki was one of the 28 patients who was completely approved for the Federal IND Program, before it was shut down. She has been waiting 22 years for the Fedral Government to send her any cannabis.

For years, Jacki Rickert has been asking, “Is My Medicine Legal Yet?”

Jacki suffers from two painful and debilitating conditions, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Advanced Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, and was fully approved for participation in the U.S. Government‘s Compassionate Use Investigative New Drug (I.N.D.) Program at the Federal level in May of 1990, and by the state of Wisconsin in December of 1990.

I think she will be waiting until she dies…..unfortunately. When ol George W Sr. shut down the program, Jacki and 27 other folks were completely approved, and awaiting their first shipments. Not one of these folks ever received cannabis – as only the original 13 Federal patients were grandfathered into the program.

It is only through a series of Angels and Miracles Jacki is with us today.

22 years later – Jacki is STILL asking “Is My Medicine Legal Yet?” and is lucky to be alive. What a wonderful heart and spirit Jacki has – and i hope each and every one of you out there follow up on her story – reach out – support her and her group.

Ask the question – every day – “Is My Medicine Legal Yet?” and then fight like the devil to make it legal.

If Jacki can do it all these years from Wisconsin in a wheel chair…….we should ALL be able to fight just as hard.

Blessings to each and all out there in the world. Please – stay in touch – and be brave in your fight!

Hiedi

SO pleased to attend!

I was SO PROUD to be mentioned I coulda busted. Instead – I cried. This was a highlight of my career – and I hope to see many more!

Behind the Latest Bust at High Times Magazine – The Daily Beast

Behind the Latest Bust at High Times Magazine – The Daily Beast.

I must say – I find it disturbing that the DEA would look at a publication and it’s Freedom of Speech – and consider them to be “drug paraphernalia”

Although, if they were running drugs in the 70’s and 80’s I guess that would make sense.

If the folks there are running drugs now…….

I leave the rest to your though processes.

POINT:

How do YOU want to be viewed in a regulated industry in Colorado?

The outside world is watching…….

Are you a drug dealer?

Or are you a professional, medical facility?

Think about it………the outside world wants to know!

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers in Eagle CO 12-12-11

Here’s the video folks. Sorry it took a while….I can’t WAIT to get settled into someplace with decent internet speed. Took 2 days to upload the first hour. I will get the last part uploaded over the weekend. The main part of forum is in this hour.

This is hosted on my MTConnectMagazine channel – when I have permissions for larger files on my CoConnectMe channel I will transfer it. If you would like a view of some of what we went through in Montana in the 2011 session, please feel free to view any and all of the over 500 videos I have uploaded there. The highest viewed ones are of most importance to see the true prohibition. We were even called “scourge”.

Complete insanity.

Hope all y’all have a great day! Oh, and hey – that post from yesterday? Nothing is confirmed as of yet…..so please don’t get riled up. I mean, if you think about it, they are approaching Colorado completely different that California if the report is true – and in a way, by targeting the MMD’s too close to schools, are pretty much acknowledging and respecting the regulation – in their own twisted FED way. One could hope?

I’m an optimist folks…..let’s hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and walk proud, pioneering this new industry.

Each and EVERY one of you out there are warriors in my eyes….and I’m proud to walk with you in this adventure.

I will be in Colorado Springs all day today – so please feel free to call me at 720-326-6577. We will be closing ad sales at the end of the month. Be sure to lock your charter rates folks. NO whining after launch if you gag at the new rates – they go up 20% to support my staff, and work for YOU. Even if you have to get in small, it locks your rates to go as big or small in the future as you need. I need your support to do the work I want to do for you folks and get some great staff on the ground to fight and do advocacy work for our cause – all the things you folks can’t get out to do, but so desperately needs done!

Let’s set a standard folks, and showcase what you do. I cannot WAIT for you folks to see the second issue! We’re empowering women! Reaching outside our group to a new base – and new customers.

Let’s get it done folks! Talk to you soon!

Here’s the long-awaited video……..git him! But nicely ok…..no swear words, professional, and respectful. Don’t give him any more ammo…..hammer him with science and fact.

Walk Proud Warriors!

Hiedi

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers in Eagle CO 12-12-11.

Crackdown On Colorado’s Medical Pot Business On The Horizon « CBS Denver

Crackdown On Colorado’s Medical Pot Business On The Horizon « CBS Denver.

Don’t shoot the messenger on the headline folks…..I didn’t write it.

This does pose some interesting questions though…….

As they are not coming with the California model of “Shut em down or else!” – is this a form of implied approval of medical cannabis regulation in Colorado? I mean….they give them opportunity to move. Or are supposed to anyway…..nobody has seen a letter yet to my knowledge.

If you do get a letter or know of someone who does…..please have them contact me. 720-326-6577.

Here to help…..

If anybody has feedback on this – please….let’s discuss in the comments so all can be involved.

 

 

John Suthers needs no help…

making a fool out of himself that is.

I attended the Eagle River Youth Coalition “How Do You Feel About the Impact of Medical Marijuana on Youth?” forum last night in Eagle Colorado (GORGEOUS DRIVE!) with Shan and Chaz Moore, James McVaney, Audrey Hatfield, Mark Slaugh, and Jason Lauve. For asking “How do you feel?” about something, the forum was NOT designed for 2-way communication regarding how folks felt. Questions were to be submitted on 3×5 cards and read by a moderator. Police were on hand, 2 Eagle Police Officers, and the School Sheriff reserve officer. The organizers were very gracious, and gave us space for materials to place to display and hand out.

Chaz, Shan and James all squashed into the lil ol Jeep Liberty I have on loan from the insurance company (great lil rig by the way….I want one!) and got there early and had opportunity to visit with the shop owners.

Sweetleaf Pioneer is the LONE dispensary in Eagle, and what a unique position they are in. They are the only MMD in the city of Eagle. They have had to go to great lengths to maintain their business in Eagle, and have worked diligently with the town council. Well…..Eagle has a population of about 4,000 – and population density wise – I felt like I was right back in Lincoln Montana. Small town, small town mentality.

Some new town council members were elected this past spring – and all hell broke loose for Sweetleaf. Suddenly, they are “evil” and must be banned, after jumping through ALL the hoops and spending all the money. Social ostracism is a huge problem for patients in Eagle, and supporting the MMD has been strong, but very down-played, as the patients do not want to suffer persecution.

Sure would be nice if we could get past all this “judging” stuff and just be who we are huh?

Anyways…….I understand the situation, being from itty-bitty-ville myself. It’s not one you go storming the barn on. If we woulda showed up there waving signs all over and raising a big stink, we would not have done Sweetleaf Pioneer or their patients ANY favors. Please folks, when you go do advocacy, get the feel of the situation before you open your mouth. Trust the folks you are helping with their feel for the community. What works in Denver or Colorado Springs will most certainly not always work in smaller communities. That’s why these folks live here……to get OUT of the city and big city ways.

So…..back on topic. We opted for NOT having a big scene outside – and groaned along with the audience. We had made contact previous to arriving – and pretty much stunned them with fact. They agreed to briefly introduce Chaz at the forum, as it had all been “scripted” before, and we felt lucky for that!

Guess what? You too – can groan along and yell at the screen. As soon as I get the videos uploaded, I will share. I may have to upload them to my MTConnectMagazine acct on YouTube as my CoConnectMe one isn’t approved for anything over 15 minutes yet. Be sure to like and follow them both on YouTube.

I hope you folks will take Southers to task – and do it PROFESSIONALLY. Calling somebody names and threatening them is not conducive to open dialogue.

I believe we all feel it went very well actually. After the hours of lies and mis-information, we were released, and went to the hall where the display tables were.

I have to tell each and every one of you out there – I am SO PROUD of Chaz Moore. That young man has come a long way – and Cannabis is serious medicine to him and he represents as well. The high school superintendant spent quite a bit of time questioning Chaz, and in the end said “I believe of all the people I have met using marijuana, you most certainly are a definite candidate I can support and get behind.”

That was the High School Superintendent. I was SO TICKLED! Chaz was phenomenal and has become a GREAT advocate to speak on patients rights. The youth there flocked to him after the session, and the two young men spent quite a bit of time questioning Chaz and his father. I spoke with them after they left Chaz and the Cheerleader cross country runner girls went to talk to Chaz and Shan. The young man I spoke to wants to be a pilot in his future, and was a VERY sharp young man.

His eyes were opened people. I simply reinforced it with “You’re bright – go check your facts. You can look up anything that was said here tonight on the internet. Go make your own decisions based on fact and knowlege.”

He already had…..after talking to Chaz. This is a young man who just talked about losing his peers to drugs. Not as in death, as in pals, and change of interests. Seeing and meeting Chaz was monumental to him, and witnessing one of Chaz’s seizures cinched it for those kids. I really enjoyed listening to them question Chaz and Shan. The girls were very concerned about what Shan goes through being Chaz’s parent….and asked GREAT questions!

SO SO PROUD OF YOU CHAZ! You were a ROCKSTAR last night!

Keep it up buddy!

Videos seem to be loading on the MTConnectMagazine Channel……More coming soon!

I hope you folks will pat Chaz on the back. That young man is going to do WONDERS for our community. He is coming a long way – and has more at stake here than MANY of us. If you ever see or witness one of Chaz’s attacks – you will never question him again. EVER.

It kind of bothers me that anybody would ever question treating children……with what the alternatives are out there. If we TRULY believe Cannabis is safe and effective, why would we not want our loved ones or most precious to have the benefit? Cashy Hyde is on my mind and in my heart every day with his brain cancer, please meet him at http://www.cashhydefoundation.com

He is my special boy….and so is Chaz. THEY are who will truly be our emissaries……as children will be who change our future.

Kids are NOT stupid……it’s about time we treated them with respect and give them knowledge and power to educate and win. Those kids from the DADS campaign last night convinced me of that. They’re eyes were opened……WIDELY.

Thank you Chaz……love ya buddy and proud to have you on board! If you folks don’t know Chaz – or need more info – please visit his site here: http://www.iambillsmith.com/

http://www.csindy.com/IndyBlog/archives/2011/02/04/school-reverses-course-student-told-to-stay-home-after-using-mmj

The Moore family plus a guy