[420 Girl]

CU's chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law-NORML@CU-hosted its second event of the semester in front of a full room of students eager to learn positive ways they can bring change to state and local governments, as well as how laws for medical and recreational marijuana usage affect students themselves.

"It's vital to know your rights if you're going to break the law, you should take responsibility for what you're doing and know how the laws affect you," Andy Bolzer, a photojournalism major at the Metropolitan State College of Denver, said. "And if you're not breaking the law, it's still best to be educated

Brian Vicente, executive director of Sensible Colorado who is also a Denver attorney specializing in marijuana cases, explained the details behind holding a medical marijuana license

"When you become a medical marijuana patient, you are then legally able to possess and cultivate six plants, as well as hold 2 ounces of loose marijuana," Vicente said

He also explained that though marijuana possession and consumption is legal under state law, it is in violation of federal law which takes precedence in courts.

Vicente said that according to state law, medical marijuana patients can designate someone of their choosing to be "caregivers," who are then legally allowed to grow, maintain, and possess the same amounts of marijuana in the patient's stead

According to Ron Hyman, the state registrar for vital statistics, those looking for medical marijuana licenses must have a recommendation from a certified physician, as well as submit a $90 annual fee.

Sensible Colorado's patient outreach coordinator, Dan Pope, said that there are roughly 600 doctors in Colorado who are willing to file medical marijuana recommendations, with the most common reasons being pain, nausea, and muscle spasms. Pope also said that in some cases, eligibility can be extended to patients who suffer any of these symptoms from prevailing medication for other illnesses.

"If you suffer from anxiety, the medicine you take can give you nausea," Pope said. "That makes you eligible to be a medical marijuana patient."

Sensible Colorado's involvement with NORML@CU will continue for at least a while longer. On Nov. 15 both groups will be joined by Safer Alternative For Recreational Enjoyment (SAFER) for a day-long "Marijuana Reform Summit" at Regis University.

According to Vicente, the meet will be the first of its kind in Colorado history, and will give attendees professional activism training, including information on how to speak with representatives and interpret state, local, and federal laws.

Students interested in attending must register in advanced at www.marijuanabootcamp.com

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