ACT4CO
Association of Cannabis Trades for Colorado
We go where our members need us. Our business doesn’t happen at the Capitol, although we show up when we need your voice to be heard.
- State & Local Grassroots Lobbying
- Patient Defense & Advocacy
- Industry Bridge-Building
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Pingback: - January 23, 2012
PATIENTS, below is an email to send to your U.S. Senator or Congressperson.
January 23, 2012
[Insert appropriate Congressperson’s name and address]
Dear
I have been diagnosed with [state your condition] and am a Colorado medical cannabis patient. [describe how cannabis helps your condition] I am writing because of concern over the recent actions of U.S. Attorney John Walsh’s decision to force the closure of Medical Marijuana Centers in Colorado.
The voters of Colorado adopted a constitutional amendment to authorize the use of marijuana by adults for medicinal purposes. Our Genral Assembly has subsquently adopted the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code and established the Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division to supervise the production and distribution of cannabis. Under Colorado law, local governments have the authority to allow or ban medical marijuana centers and enact by ordinance zoning restrictions that meet the standards of their community.
The Department of Justice has indicated that using limited resources to prosecute indiviuals in compliance with State law would not be an enforcement priority. This message was re-affirmed by Attorney General Holder at the House Judiciary Committee’s Oversight Hearing on the United States Department of Justice on December 8, 2011. It would appear that the actions of Mr. Walsh to use his limited resources to intervene in local zoning is at best misguided and at worst in direct contradiction to the stated policy of the Department of Justice.
I am deeply concerned that the actions of the U.S. Attorney to shut down tightly regulated businesses will only increase the demand for marijuana from unegulated sources and empower street dealers who will target vunerable populations.
I am as concerned about children getting access to illicit drugs as Mr. Walsh and I’m sure you share this concern. The regulated and secure model of Medical Marijuana Centers is the best firewall against marijuana coming into the hands of minors.
I urge you to ask Mr. Walsh to act consistently with Mr. Holder’s statement to Congress and our shared commitment to keeping children safe and reducing crime. Colorado’s regulatory model has accomplished the goals of providing patient access while also creating jobs and revenues that our state has used to fund drug treatment programs. The goal of protecting children is best achieved by asking the Departement of Justice to continue the commitment it has made to honor the laws adopted by the people of the State of Colorado. After all, it is our local communitties that can best protect our schools from illicit drugs.
Sincerely yours,
______________________________
Here is an alternative last paragraph if you do not want to sign your name:
Regrettably, I choose not to sign this letter out of fear of reprisal from the federal government. It is a sad day for our republic when Colorado citizens following Colorado law cannot exercise their right to openly seek redress of grievences from the U.S. government.
Posted by Nick | January 23, 2012, 9:21 PMCANNABIS INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES, here is an email to send to your U.S. senators & congressperson on 1/25
January 23, 2012
[Insert appropriate Congressperson’s name and address]
Dear
I work in Colorado’s medical marijuana industry as [state your job] . I am writing because of concern over the recent actions of U.S. Attorney John Walsh’s decision to force the closure of Medical Marijuana Centers in Colorado. I fear that it is merely the first step in trying to eliminate the industry I’m working in.
Mr. Walsh’s actions and apparent intention puts at risk 800 local business and 8,000 to 10,000 Colorado jobs, and costing local governments millions in lost revenue. An industry survey revealed that over $400,000,000 has been contributed to Colorado’s economy by the medical marijuana industry and millions in state and local tax revenue.
In a time when jobs are scarce and over 15% of the workforce is out of work, the center I work for enables me to make a living wage and provide for myself and my family. It is grossly unfair to single out the medical cannabis industry over unsupported fears of diverting cannabis to our youth.
Colorado’s MMCs operate within the rules established by the state and are not a threat to children in the neighborhood. Children are not allowed in dispensaries and I have never seen any children hanging around the center. Under Colorado law, communities have the option to ban these businesses, but many communities have approved this business and issued them licenses to operate. If any business or person is ever caught selling marijuana to children, they will be criminally prosecuted by our local and state regulatory authorities in conjunction with the local District Attorney.
I am deeply concerned that the actions of the U.S. Attorney to shut down tightly regulated businesses will only increase the demand for marijuana from unegulated sources and empower street dealers who will target vunerable populations.
I am as concerned about children getting access to illicit drugs as Mr. Walsh and I’m sure you share this concern. The regulated and secure model of Medical Marijuana Centers is the best firewall against marijuana coming into the hands of minors..
In December, the U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder, said about medical marijuana that “people acting in conformity with the (state) law would not be an enforcement priority for the Justice Department.” Mr. Walsh’s actions are in direct contradiction of the U.S. Attorney’s position.
I urge you to ask Mr. Walsh to act consistently with Mr. Holder’s statement to Congress and our shared commitment to keeping children safe and reducing crime. Colorado’s regulatory model has accomplished the goals of providing patient access while also creating jobs and revenues that our state has used to fund drug treatment programs. This will allow me to work and be a productive member of society.
Sincerely yours,
______________________________
Here is an alternative last paragraph if you do not want to sign your name:
Regrettably, I choose not to sign this letter out of fear of reprisal from the federal government. It is a sad day for our republic when Colorado citizens following Colorado law cannot exercise their right to openly seek redress of grievences from the U.S. government.
Posted by Nick | January 23, 2012, 9:25 PMMMC/MIP OWNERS, here is an email written from the owner point of view to send to your U.S. Senators & Congressperson:
January 23, 2012
[Insert appropriate representative’s name and address]
Dear
I am writing out of concern over the recent decision by Mr. John Walsh, the U.S. Attorney for Colorado, to target Colorado’s medical marijuana industry. I request that you ask Mr. Walsh to stop shutting down licensed Colorado businesses. Mr. Walsh’s actions are in direct contravention of President Obama’s campaign promises and Attorney General Eric Holder’s sworn statement to Congress on December 9, 2011 that “people acting in conformity with the (state) law would not be an enforcement priority for the Justice Department.”
Mr. Walsh is inappropriately applying a law (Title 21, US Code, Section 856(a)) which was designed to punish illegal street dealers operating near school. He is misusing this law to shut down lawful businesses that are operating with approval from the State of Colorado and their local communities. Medical Marijuana Centers are not public places. They only serve sick, adult patients who have been certified as such by their doctor in a bona fide doctor patient relationship. Mr. Walsh’s actions are drastically hurting the sickest and most vulnerable members of our community because these patients will no longer be able to obtain the medicine they need.
In addition, Mr. Walsh’s actions puts at risk 700 local business and 8,000 to 10,000 Colorado jobs, and will cost local governments millions in lost revenue. An industry survey revealed that over $400,000,000 has been contributed to Colorado’s economy by the medical marijuana industry and millions in state and local tax revenue.
Colorado has implemented a stringent, tightly regulated medical marijuana program to implement the will of the people as expressed in amendment 20, Colorado’s medical marijuana constitutional amendment. Our tightly regulated state licensing program – which passed with bipartisan support in our state legislature — permits local governments to decide where medical marijuana centers can be located including banning them altogether. Colorado is pioneering the development of a safe regulatory process for the production, distribution and sale of medicinal cannabis.
I am as concerned about children getting access to illicit drugs as Mr. Walsh and I’m sure you share this concern. The regulated and secure model of Medical Marijuana Centers is the best firewall against marijuana coming into the hands of minors.
A recent study of over 32,000 students presented to the American Public Health Association in 2011 found that “while marijuana use was common throughout the study period, there were no statistically significant differences in marijuana use [among youth] between states in any year.” Indeed, a recent report from Colorado Springs showed that school officials did not see any increase in cannabis consumption among students despite the presence of nearby medical marijuana centers. It is the illegal street dealers, not medical marijuana centers that we need to keep our children away from. These street dealers are the ones who lure children into using dangerous drugs. Medical marijuana business owners have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to build facilities and comply with state regulations and would not jeopardize that investment for a quick sale to a child.
If DEMOCRAT
Medical marijuana has widespread support across the country, with polls showing support as high as 80%. President Obama promised not to interfere with our state’s medical marijuana laws. If the president doesn’t hold true to his campaign promise, he is going have a hard time activating his base here in Colorado this time around. Colorado’s medical cannabis program is saving tax dollars spent on a failed cannabis prohibition program and generating new taxes that are being used to educate Colorado’s children and provide for the general welfare of its citizens.
———————————–
If REPUBLICAN, use this instead. This might also be used with democrats.
Colorado is saving the tax money spent on a failed cannabis prohibition program and is generating millions in new taxes that are being used to educate Colorado’s children and provide for the general welfare of its citizens. Like other herbal medicines, medicinal cannabis is a substance that can and should be regulated by Colorado under the 10th amendment. This ensures that local communities and states have the opportunity to decide for themselves how they want to regulate the product rather than being dictated to by the federal government.
__________________________________________________________________________
I respectfully request that you ask Mr. Walsh to stop this unwarranted attack on the right of Colorado to effectively regulate an industry operating wholly within the state of Colorado. Please protect our community from the overreach of the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Sincerely yours,
_______________________
FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT WANT TO SIGN A LETTER, consider this as your closing paragraph:
Regrettably, I choose not to sign this letter out of fear of reprisal from the federal government. It is a sad day for our republic when Colorado citizens following Colorado law cannot exercise their right to openly seek redress of grievances from the U.S. Government.
Posted by Nick | January 23, 2012, 9:28 PMSUPPORTING BUSINESSES can use this letter to email to their U.S. Senators & Congressperson:
January 23, 2012
[Insert appropriate representative’s name and address]
Dear
I am writing because of concern over the recent actions of U.S. Attorney John Walsh’s decision to force the closure of many Medical Marijuana Centers in Colorado. Mr. Walsh’s actions are in direct contravention of President Obama’s campaign promises and Attorney General Eric Holder’s sworn statement to Congress on December 9, 2011 that “people acting in conformity with the (state) law would not be an enforcement priority for the Justice Department.”
Mr. Walsh is inappropriately applying a law (Title 21, US Code, Section 856(a)) which was designed to punish illegal street dealers operating near school. He is misusing this law to shut down lawful businesses that are operating with approval from the State of Colorado and their local communities. Medical Marijuana Centers are not public places. They only serve sick, adult patients who have been certified as such by their doctor in a bona fide doctor patient relationship. Mr. Walsh’s actions are hurting sick and vulnerable members of our community because these patients will no longer be able to obtain the medicine they need.
In addition, Mr. Walsh’s actions puts at risk 800 local business and 8,000 to 10,000 Colorado jobs, and costing local governments millions in lost revenue. An industry survey revealed that over $400,000,000 has been contributed to Colorado’s economy by the medical marijuana industry and millions in state and local tax revenue. My business is one of those that has benefited from the investments the cannabis industry has made in Colorado. [share something of the positive impact the MMJ industry has had on your business, ability to stay in business, jobs you have/keep, etc]
I am deeply concerned that the actions of the U.S. Attorney to shut down tightly regulated businesses will only increase the demand for marijuana from unegulated sources and empower street dealers who will target vunerable populations.
I am as concerned about children getting access to illicit drugs as Mr. Walsh and I’m sure you share this concern. The regulated and secure model of Medical Marijuana Centers is the best firewall against marijuana coming into the hands of minors.
A recent study of over 32,000 students presented to the American Public Health Association in 2011 found that “while marijuana use was common throughout the study period, there were no statistically significant differences in marijuana use [among youth] between states in any year.” Indeed, a recent report from Colorado Springs showed that school officials did not see any increase in cannabis consumption among students despite the presence of nearby medical marijuana centers. It is the illegal street dealers, not medical marijuana centers that we need to keep our children away from. These street dealers are the ones who lure children into using dangerous drugs. Medical marijuana business owners have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to build facilities and comply with state regulations and would not jeopardize that investment for a quick sale to a child.
If DEMOCRAT
Medical marijuana has widespread support across the country, with polls showing support as high as 80%. President Obama promised not to interfere with our state’s medical marijuana laws. If the president doesn’t hold true to his campaign promise, he is going have a hard time activating his base here in Colorado this time around. Colorado’s medical cannabis program is saving tax dollars spent on a failed cannabis prohibition program and generating new taxes that are being used to educate Colorado’s children and provide for the general welfare of its citizens.
———————————–
If REPUBLICAN, use this instead. This might also be used with democrats.
Colorado is saving the tax money spent on a failed cannabis prohibition program and is generating millions in new taxes that are being used to educate Colorado’s children and provide for the general welfare of its citizens. Like other herbal medicines, medicinal cannabis is a substance that can and should be regulated by Colorado under the 10th amendment. This ensures that local communities and states have the opportunity to decide for themselves how they want to regulate the product rather than being dictated to by the federal government.
__________________________________________________________________________
I respectfully request that you ask Mr. Walsh to stop this unwarranted attack on the right of Colorado to effectively regulate an industry operating wholly within the state of Colorado. Please protect our community from the overreach of the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Sincerely yours,
_______________________
FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT WANT TO SIGN A LETTER, consider this as your closing paragraph:
Regrettably, I choose not to sign this letter out of fear of reprisal from the federal government. It is a sad day for our republic when Colorado citizens following Colorado law cannot exercise their right to openly seek redress of grievances from the U.S. Government.
Posted by Nick | January 23, 2012, 9:32 PMTALKING POINTS FOR BUSINESSES, PATIENTS & EMPLOYEES TO USE IN TELEPHONE CALLS TO COLORADO’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:
Talking Points For MMC/MIPs
1. The people of Colorado have spoken many times on the issue of medical marijuana. We are the only state in the nation that has amended our Constitution provide cannabis medical relief for over 130,000 patients with the average age of 39 for men and 41 for women.
2. Together, the people of Colorado; the patients of Colorado; the Colorado MMJ business community; and the state and city legislators have created the best and only regulatory system in the nation. This system is working and being praised by other states and law enforcement. The patients are served a higher quality of cannabis free from contaminates and the business community is providing thousands of jobs and revenue throughout the state. .
3. Department of Revenue cameras monitor every purchase and every patient that enters an MMC. This all-encompassing system ensures no minors or people without the state issued “red card” are admitted into any MMC, MIP or Grow facility. There is no evidence of any MMC selling cannabis to children.
4. Supporting the MMC system helps ensure that cannabis bought by teens is greatly reduced. The regulation and end of alcohol prohibition made buying alcohol much more difficult for teens. The marijuana Black Market can not compete with a legally regulated medical retail system that protects our children, playgrounds and schools.
5. The business of medical marijuana is good for a strong Colorado economy. We are a leading Colorado industry in job creation. Since 2009, over 500 Medical Marijuana businesses have been established in Denver and over 700 in Colorado. Between 8,000 and 10,000 jobs have been created and over $400,000,000 pumped into Colorado’s economy by the cannabis industry. Medical Marijuana Sales Tax Revenue for 2010 was $3,580,336.
Weekly Talking Points For Patients/Family
1. All Americans should have the personal freedom to choose the course of the medical treatment based on their doctor’s recommendations. The idea the US Government is making medical decisions for the people of Colorado is reason for concern. This is an assault on our civil liberties.
2. There is no evidence cannabis is a gateway drug. Statistically speaking, children start consuming caffeine, smoking cigarettes, and drinking alcohol years before trying marijuana.
3. The pain relief provided by medicinal marijuana is dramatically less expensive the Big Pharma drugs. In an economy where more than 1.5 million- or nearly one in three- Coloradans have either no health care coverage at all, or their health insurance does not adequately cover the costs of medically necessary services relative to family income, access to medicinal marijuana is the best option. Cannabis provides natural relief, with no side effects, at a cost favorable to many.
4. Colorado is one of 15 states that has more deaths by prescription overdose than traffic accidents. Many patients, along with the their doctors recommendations, are choosing to use only holistic pain relief due to the overwhelming risk of addiction, organ damage or death associated with ALL opiate pain relievers.
5. The people of Colorado have spoken many times on the issue of medical marijuana. We are the only state in the nation that has amended our Constitution provide cannabis medical relief for over 130,000 patients with the average age of 39 for men and 41 for women..
Weekly Talking Points For Industry Employees
Loss of my job & what will happen to me and my family
You got into the business to provide meds to people with debilitating conditions, not children. Share your personal story about why.
Up to 1000 jobs are likely to be lost if this continues
The financial contribution the industry is making to Colorado’s economy vrs. the unregulated market.
Give Colorado’s regulatory system a chance to prove a regulated industry is better FOR EVERYONE than an unregulated market.
Personal background before getting into the industry
Posted by Nick | January 23, 2012, 10:09 PMHello Cannabis Pioneers,
WHAT TO DO ON THE “DAY OF ACTION,” WEDNESDAY, 1/25
Our responsibility, yes, yours and mine, is to demonstrate strong grassroots support throughout Colorado for our industry. Our first thrust will be a patient and industry supported letter and telephone call campaign to educate Colrado’s congressional delegation officials about our views and concerns. Subsequent efforts will be directed at Holder & Obama, then state & local officials.
We want to make an impact by sending these communications all on our “Day of Action,” Wednesday, January 25th, so get yourself, your employees, your patients, and your vendors to do participate on that date.
Attached is a folder with four letters. The letters are written from the point of view of patients, employees, MMJ businesses, and supporting/vendor businesses. We are urging you to get these letters out to your patients, employees & vendors and ask them to email and/or fax fax them to members of Colorado’s congressional delegation (See attached list of representatives & senators).
We recommend NOT to use snail mail. We found out that congressional staffers don’t see snail mail for weeks if not months after they are sent.
Can you imagine what the impact would be if every cannabis business, supporting business and patient were to send these five letters to their respective representatives? It would be close to one million communications all in one day. That would have one hell of an impact.
EMAIL/FAX CAMPAIGN
Please review these letter templates and determine how you can use them to support our movement. You are free to modify the letters as you see fit. Take out, change or add comments as you choose. However, keep the tone respectful while stressing the urgency of our situation. The main thing is to get the comments to these officials. COPY AND PASTE THE LETTERS INTO THE EMAIL, ATTACHMENTS WON’T GET OPENED. Here are some ideas:
1. Send your own email & fax to the appropriate official (both senators Bennet & Udall and congressperson). Print the letters & give them to your patients to sign & send via fax. Try to get them to do it while they are in your store.
2. Email the letters to your patient list and ask them to send to the representatives.
3. If you can, have the letters on a computer at your center that patients can log into with their own email address and send.
4. Try to include something personal about how and why you got into the business and ask patients to share a bit of their personal need for cannabis.
5. If you know of local officials supportive of our industry, ask them to use the letters as a basis for opposing the federal intervention in our state.
6. If you know of businesses or business organizations that might be supportive of our cause, get them to send the letters in emails or faxes.
7. Post the letters on your website for patients to copy & send to the appropriate decision maker.
8. Post them on your facebook page and ask your followers to forward to the representatives.
9. Use twitter to send the following message: PLEASE FIGHT TO SAVE SAFE CANNABIS ACCESS IN COLORADO, GO TO THE ADVOCACY SECTION OF http://act4co.org
TELEPHONE CAMPAIGN
In addition to electronic communications, there is a list of “Talking Points” to use as the basis for phone calls to representatives offices. Share them with your patients, vendors & employees. Send them to your landlords & vendors to get them to support us. When your patients are in your center, try getting them to call officials right then and there. Consider giving them a discount if they make the call right now. Offer them your own phone to make the call.
As Franklin said of the Declaration of Independence, “We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
Posted by Nick | January 24, 2012, 2:28 PM