DENVER — Post-traumatic stress sufferers may soon qualify for medical pot in Colorado.
But the state plans to add significant new limits before patients get permission to use pot to treat PTSD.
The state Senate on Tuesday approved a bill to make PTSD the 10th qualifying condition for medical pot. At least 15 other states already allow PTSD sufferers to use pot. The Senate agreed that minors need parents’ permission and other hurdles before getting pot.
Colorado considers marijuana legal for all adults over 21, but minors still need a doctor’s recommendation to get the drug. And veterans receiving federal benefits need a doctor’s recommendation in order to use pot without risking some benefits.
The measure now heads to Gov. John Hickenlooper, who has not said if he supports the change.
— Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA — The mayor of Philadelphia says Pennsylvania should legalize marijuana so police don’t have to expend resources on busts like the one in his city over the weekend.
Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney says Saturday’s raid at a warehouse hosting a pot-smoking party might have been “overkill.” Police arrested 22 people and seized more than 50 pounds of marijuana. About 175 people were allowed to leave without charges.
The mayor says he understands why police busted the party, citing the large amount of marijuana present and potentially dangerous conditions in the building.
But he says marijuana legalization is “the real solution.”
In 2014, the city made possession of small amounts of the drug punishable only by a citation and a fine, but marijuana sales weren’t decriminalized.
— Associated Press
DENVER — Marijuana stores in Denver will be able to stay open until 10 p.m. starting next Monday.
Denverite reports the Denver City Council voted 11-2 Monday to approve the later store hours.
Councilwoman Kendra Black says the longer hours are a matter of convenience for consumers.
Councilwoman At-large Debbie Ortega and Councilman Chris Herndon voted no. They had been advocates for multiple amendments aimed at scaling back the extended hours.
The state allows marijuana stores to be open until midnight. Denver’s previous law allowed business to stay open until 7 p.m.
— Associated Press
PARK CITY, Utah — A man who was denied a lung transplant at the University of Utah because marijuana was found in his system has died after suffering complications from recent surgery.
Reports say 20-year-old Riley Hancey of Park City died Saturday from complications with his double lung transplant at the University of Pennsylvania hospital.
Hancey was admitted to the University of Utah hospital in December, diagnosed with pneumonia and put on life support two weeks later. He was denied a transplant in early April after marijuana was found in his system.
University of Utah Medical Center says it doesn’t transplant organs for people with active alcohol, tobacco or illicit drug use.
The University of Pennsylvania added Hancey to its transplant list in March and moved him to Philadelphia. He received the double lung transplant March 29.
— Associated Press
DENVER (AP) — Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has ordered a review of public marijuana smoking, slow trash cleanup and fence hopping that left a downtown park in a “disrespectful state” during and after last week’s 4/20 marijuana celebration.
The mayor tells The Denver Post the inquiry could lead to penalties for organizers and affect how the event unfolds in the future.
The mayor has expressed unease about the annual gathering that attracts tens of thousands of people to Civic Center Park.
Event producer Santino Walter apologized and took “complete responsibility” for trash that was strewn about the park the morning after the event. Walter attributed the garbage problems to a scheduling mistake that affected cleanup.
— Associated Press
