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Bayfield waffles on marijuana
Woman says doctor abused law in Denver
Herald Staff Writer
To attend
The next public meeting about how Bayfield should handle medical marijuana will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at the Bayfield Town Hall.
“I went up to a booth and the guy did not hesitate - did not hesitate - to write me a prescription so I could walk down to the local dispensary in Denver and get a bag of marijuana," said the woman, who would identify herself only as “Susie," on Monday night in Bayfield during a forum about dispensaries.
The meeting, moderated by Town Manager Justin Clifton, drew about 30 residents to discuss the future of medical marijuana in the town. The town has received two applications from dispensaries that wish to operate in Bayfield.
The meeting was held as the result of a Feb. 17 decision by the Bayfield Town Board to impose a 90-day moratorium on dispensaries in the town.
The board agreed to hold a series of public meetings about the issue before trustees decide to approve or deny any applications for dispensaries.
Impassioned arguments both for and against dispensaries were heard, but the conversation remained civil.
Travis Pollock, owner of the Natures Own Wellness dispensary in Durango, responded to “Susie's" story of medical marijuana abuse by explaining the difference between the doctors who write marijuana prescriptions and the dispensaries that sell medical marijuana to patients.
“The abuse that you witnessed is really unfortunate," Pollock said.
“If a doctor gives somebody the approval or the recommendation to be able to obtain their medical marijuana card, that's up to the discretion of the doctor … that has nothing to do with us as dispensary owners or caregivers providing medicine to these patients."
Colorado voters approved Amendment 20 in 2000, allowing use of medical marijuana in the state.
Bayfield resident Joe Mozgai wondered why dispensaries are just now beginning to appear because the law was passed nearly 10 years ago.
Clifton said the reason is likely linked to the Obama administration's decision not to prosecute dispensaries in states that have laws allowing medical marijuana.
“I think the proliferation of dispensaries and that topic go hand in hand," Clifton said.
The most recent Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment statistics show 166 residents in La Plata County have prescriptions for medical marijuana as of Sept. 30.
Because there are five dispensaries operating in Durango, concerns were raised at the Bayfield meeting regarding how many dispensaries are needed to meet the demand.
Pollock claimed the state health department statistics are not up to date, and there are actually many more patients in the county.
“My dispensary currently serves as the primary caregiver for about 200 patients," Pollock said.
Since opening last September, more than 700 patients with valid prescriptions have visited his business, he said.
David Wells, who has applied to open a dispensary in Bayfield, agreed with Pollock's assessment.
“There's enough people here that can support us opening … why force everybody to drive out of town?" Wells said.
pyoung@durangoherald.com Patrick Young is an intern at The Durango Herald.
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Durango Herald Calendar of Events
Friday, March 12, 2010
at 2:51:49 PM
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JoeW says...
Have the federal gov. open stores, sell it to everyone over 21,"that wants it". I think it would make thounds of new jobs.Less crime,more money for our contourys debt,and take a bourden off our allready overloaded court system.Just think if the goverment soldkind weed for $50 an ounce,and imposed a $10,000fine for anyone growing weed illegaly.With no jail time,so we dont have to pay for there incarseration! Wow,it's just an idea.*****************************************************************************
Wow matt, brilliant.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
at 11:31:14 AM
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matt says...
I agree with most of you.Sometimes I smoke weed.And I don't have a card.So I get it illegaly.I can get in alot of trouble if I get cought with it and not have a card. So I think it should be sold like alcohol.We will never stop people from using it,"EVER".So the "goverment" should sell it so cheep that it would drive out the local dealer,and help our economy.Still making it illegal for the average person to grow.What I am seeing now,is a bunch of people getting there cards. And they dont even smoke weed.Then they make someone there caretaker. They sell it illegaly,and give the so called pacient money.I think this is wrong!It is the classic case of give an inch and take a mile.I think if we realy want this to work.We need to close these loopholes and dispensuries.Have the federal gov. open stores, sell it to everyone over 21,"that wants it". I think it would make thounds of new jobs.Less crime,more money for our contourys debt,and take a bourden off our allready overloaded court system.Just think if the goverment soldkind weed for $50 an ounce,and imposed a $10,000fine for anyone growing weed illegaly.With no jail time,so we dont have to pay for there incarseration! Wow,it's just an idea.But what if? Last but least.Alchol is much worse.But history shows you the violance that happened when we made that illegal!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
at 8:56:08 AM
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allen says...
the argument that a drug is good or bad is no longer valid. tabacco and alcohol kill more people than all the illeagal drugs. I believe that as a 58 year old I should have the right to choose my own poison.marijuana is my drug of choice and the most benign of all.the laws should be about justice. our drug laws are not just. With our schools going broke don't you think that our tax dollars would be better spent educating our children rather than putting them in jail. smart kids don't do drugs.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
at 7:14:57 AM
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Robertf says...
Bayfield resident-If you actually read what I wrote I said that according to FEDERAL law marijuana is a schedule 1 drug. According to Colorado Revised Statutes it is not. Show me in CO Revised Statute 18-18-203 (where the schedule of drugs is listed schedule 1-5) where marijuana is. You can't because it's not a scheduled drug according to state law. Posession of an ounce or less of marijuana in CO is a class 2 petty offense and hence a slap on the wrist. Possession of less than a gram of a shedule 1-4 substance is a class 6 felony. Can you see the difference?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 9:20:23 PM
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Erik says...
I stepped out of the tent in the morning and saw about a gallon size bag of pot on my Dad's lap and a reefer hanging from his lips. He shuttered a bit as he didn't want me to know he smoked the stuff. My older brothers had hooked him up with the goods upon his request. My Dad later told me while we were fishing that his doctor told him to get some pot and all the reasons why. I understood and really cared about my Dad's well being. This was in Texas circa 1981. A few months later, he died of cancer.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 6:07:20 PM
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blah blah says...
The US has been plundered by a corporate/banking elite, the middle class is being wiped out, the dollar is teetering on the edge of total devaluation, world war 3 is looming(if you didn't know), and everybody's worried about an herb that has been growing in the dirt since God knows when? Seriously!?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 4:32:25 PM
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amy says...
anonymous.... Marijuana is considered a schedule 1 drug......
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 4:13:31 PM
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Robertf says...
Cheryl, I totally agree with you that you do not have to let recreational or habitual drug use become a part of your life or your children's lives. That is not the issue here. You can not compare cocaine and methamphetamine to marijuana, they are not in the same ballpark, they are not even the same sport. It is obvious from your comments that you have little experience using or being around drugs, which I applaud you for. It is unfortunate that the federal govt has listed marijuana as a schedule 1 drug-meaning that it has no medical use and a has a high potential for abuse. CO state criminal law is much more enlightened and lenient towards marijuana use and possession. Marijuana is not even listed as a scheduled drugs and there are separate laws that treat marijuana differently than any other drug. WHY? Because as I said before it is a rather benign drug. I agree that you should teach your children that it is wrong to abuse or alcohol or any drug. Do you think that it's wrong for someone to come home after a long day at work and have 1 or 2 drinks to "take the edge off." Well if you do, I can see why you're against marijuana legalization. Take it from someone who has lots of experience dealing with people who are drunk, on drugs or both, marijuana by itself, is rather harmless. Alcohol and legal prescription drugs are abused far more than illegal drugs. Legalizing marijuana will not degrade society. The people who smoke marijuana will continue to smoke it and the people who don't won't. I don't know anyone who doesn't smoke marijuana that will runout and start smoking it just because it became legal. Your children aren't going to smoke it just because it's legal. They will make their own choices based on their life experience and what you teach them as their parent. Trust me I have gone to a lot of parents and had to tell them that I found their kid, smoking/possessing pot and they were totally unaware.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 3:31:27 PM
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attendthefair says...
Here's your issue - from Sara
I went to a friends house last night and her boyfriend has a "caregiver" that gives him marijuana and it was a pot party smokin night for all his friends he invited.
This is legal medical use? No, this is illegal use by a drug user. That's all it boils down to. Currently, its illegal. When it becomes legal, which is not the question here, then there will be no concern.
Sorry, but drug users are losers!
Whether its in bayfield currently or not is not the question, the question is do we want a store IN Bayfield.
All you do by spouting off the BS about how big of a user you are without being a true medical user is make the case stronger that we should not have it in bayfield....
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 3:23:32 PM
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Cheryl says...
The degradation of a once moral society is so apparent in some of these comments. Next, they will probably find a so called medical use for cocaine and meth. But, like some of the comments who cares, Right!!!! This is such a sad example of what some of us have to deal with, in teaching our children, that alcohol abuse and drug abuse are the wrong way to approach life. By doing what you are doing, you are welcoming this way of life into your life, I have a right to not let it become part of mine. So sad!!!!! Keep making these excuses and justifications of "medical" marijuana and let's see where we are in another 10 yrs.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 2:31:51 PM
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Voice of Reason says...
Oxycontin, fentanol, xanax, codiene, ritalin (there are too many to list). Besides Marijuana and alcohol, these "controlled" drugs are the most widely abused by today's youth and can be as addictive as any street drug. Just check out your local college campus. I realize battles can't be waged on Meth, Heroin (yes it's in our community), Coke, Ecstasy, LSD and prescription drugs at the same time but serioulsy people - Marijuana? We need to change our focus.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 2:08:53 PM
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D: says...
It is apparent there is a demand so why don't we just take advantage of the situation and legalize recreational use in Colorado. Colorado needs new tax revenue and this will not hurt your pocketbook it will just get rid of a black market. The police will still have jobs if you take pot out of the high schools in black markets and move it to the liquor store or pot store where intoxicants belong for access of those over 21. The sad part of this is that some people have conditions that pot could help but they are so stigmatized they rarely do.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 1:46:09 PM
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Sara says...
I went to a friends house last night and her boyfriend has a "caregiver" that gives him marijuana and it was a pot party smokin night for all his friends he invited. Such a shame. Wish this law was in place 20 years ago when I got caught with a bag - the PD questioned me for HOURS. How time has changed. LOL
weirdly enough I would like those waffles!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 1:22:26 PM
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Huck finn says...
Cut fossil fuel, meaning less commuting to Durango!......Face it ganja is a sacred plant used for thousands of years, and it will continue to be.....We are blessed to live in an area where we are liberated, and free to use natural medicines without prosecution.
The mental/ psycological/financial stresses from being arrested are detrimental to society, not the drug.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 1:16:59 PM
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DurangoJoe says...
Do they serve these marijuana waffles at the Diner?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 1:16:40 PM
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ElBee says...
The federal government will legalize it when it figures out a way to make money off of it and regulate it...then it will either be sold at Riteaid...or ordered cheaper from Canada...or at the liquor store and let's add on a sin tax...either way, this is just a temporary situation, as we are in limbo...one reason that hasn't happened yet is obvious...we can grow it ourselves...how do you regulate that...oh wait, there is prohibition...come on Bayfield, at least you'd get some tax dollars...do you know most folks these days (your neighbors) just have it delivered via US Mail!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 12:52:42 PM
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jane doe says...
I don't know the name or where it is, and personally don't care, but this is all information that Travis Pollock gave us in the meeting on Monday. I am just passing along what he told us....
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 12:50:26 PM
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No fog here says...
115+ people a day, 6 days a week is hard to believe. What is the name of this new dispensary in Durango? Where is it? You would think it would have been in the news.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 12:36:07 PM
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gone fishin' says...
Props to anonymous, and stay safe out there officer.
Cheryl, closed-minded mentalities like yours got us into this mess 100 years ago. And I'd like to remind you that the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition and the Holocaust were all carried out under a banner of "morals, dignity and faith". Oh, and the comment about the liberals was just rude... I'm a patient and a registered republican.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 12:35:25 PM
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jane doe says...
nope... not bad data... Travis Pollock told us himself! 700 a week.
and recently Durango opened up a 5th dispensary.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 12:24:16 PM
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No fog here says...
700 people a week? Not open on Sundays. Do the math. I don't believe it. I had always read that Durango has 4 dispensaries also.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 12:15:24 PM
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Jimmy C says...
ok here goes.. YES its a controlled substance.. so just be sure the means to obtain it is CONTROLLED. If you think ppl actually need all the drugs in their Bathroom Med Cabnets you should prolly invest in Johnson&Johnson or Bayer or whatever.. they make BILLIONS off of ppl using their "may cause death" substances/drugs and their CONTROL is thru prescriptions. The FDA moniters what they install in their man-made confections, who moniters whats in a PLANT? You want to stop this so-called epidemic.. go after the Dr. not the store. People have ALWAYS used it, and will continue to do so with or with-out this legalization.. in my opinion its better to have these places what the Officials know of and can moniter, AND its not going to be tampered with or "laced" to where someone could get injured, or killed cause of pesticides, or other Drugs that could happen if these people bought theirs off the corner pusher.
Last note, if we didnt spend Billions on the war ANY war, including the war on drugs, instead spent it on Education and taught our kids the hazards and the correct path, then we could trust them to make the right decisions regarding their life, if your scared your kids are going to do what they want, then make sure what they want is "moral" and "good".
nuff said ty
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 11:53:27 AM
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Robertf says...
As a law enforcement officer in SW CO-I don't care if you believe that or not-I think it's time the state and federal govt just legalized marijuana and regulated it, the same way we regulate alcohol. From what I have personally seen alcohol and prescription drugs are far more addictive and harmful to people and society than marijuana, which I believe is a pretty benign drug. I think they should put an age limit on the sale of it, 21 yrs old maybe, and sell it the same way we sell alcohol. We are fighting a battle that will never be won. On top of that I have never gone to a domestic violence call fueled by marijuana or had a person fight with me because they were high. I can't say the same thing about drunk people.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 10:30:53 AM
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ABC Girl says...
I know potheads are everywhere that wasn't my point. Everyone is acting like these despenseries are gonna change Bayfield and its not.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 10:23:20 AM
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amy says...
its not about being "self rightous" its about adding to the already existing problem....
And Bayfield isn't alone with having "potheads"... they are everywhere!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 10:17:47 AM
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ABC Girl says...
Sorry to break it to all you self rightous bayfield people but Bayfield has one of the biggest amounts of potheads regardless of the dispenseries. I went to high school in bayfield and live in bayfield and there are tons of people/kids there who already smoke pot regardless of these dispenseries. Its not gonna change Bayfield to add these despenseries, Bayfield just doesnt want outsiders to know the truth about their town.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 9:53:49 AM
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amy says...
yes... there is no argument that there is already a long standing problem across the world with addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol - but why add to it?!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 9:30:02 AM
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farmer says...
really? people dying in Iraq, Afganistan, in drunk driving accidents, domestic violence, and you people are gonna take a stand on whether or not people smoke herb?? way to pick your battles bayfield! get real and stand up for something that makes a difference! I love to hear the elite conservative right tell people how to live their lives while demanding no tells them how to live theirs. If you were REALLY concerned with " teaching morals, dignity and faith to our families" you wouldnt be so worried about making laws, you wouldnt need to.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 9:19:50 AM
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Jen says...
Unfortunately, Ive seen a ton of misuse and abuse as well in both Durango and Denver. I absolutely believe that marijuana has very useful medicinal purposes. Its great that people who are suffering from chronic illnesses who find no relief elsewhere can now legally have access to medical marijuana. However, the reality is that there are very loose restrictions and many "addicts" who suffer from nothing other than lack of self control and lethargy are waltzing right in and collecting these prescriptions. I mean its giving people who seriously don't need marijuana for medicinal purpose. These apparent doctors are merely handing over false justifications for procession or use to people who have no legitimist medical condition to process it. For instance a person on probation for a felony who wants to sidestep the system to continue "smoking weed" can easily do that by seeing a dispensary doctor and obtaining an rx. In the long run these misuses will result in tighter restrictions which will affect the people who really need it. Additionally, it is important to question our legal infrastructures ability to keep all of this in check. Employers- what if you ban marijuana use on the job and someone sues you for disregard to their disability. Will insurance premiums go up? How many more people will be driving under the influence? How many more parents will use in form of their kids? What will happen to illegal use of marijuana, will it become a more or less serious crime? Can we tax marijuana sale to help struggling schools?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 9:05:27 AM
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vinny says...
I believe the big concern on most peoples mind is the likelihood of abuse not the legitimate medical user. Unfortunately I have never heard of a drug addict or alcoholic ever quitting because it is illegal. Access to marijuana for our young often seems easier than alcohol because alcohol is regulated while marijuana remains black market. Drug dealers do not care about the age of their customers or their medical needs. Regulation and access for those that need it is the best, safest and obvious solution for either side of the fence. Abusers always have and always will find ways to get around any system. The world is changing constantly and we need to find common ground for all of us.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 8:56:45 AM
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Name them says...
"How could a Doctor that sees a person once really know if the patient is really in need of the medical marijuana?"
The same way I can walk into your doctors office and tell them my issues and walk out with scripts for drugs known to kill instead of something that never has.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 8:54:23 AM
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Kate says...
Cheryl,
What makes your way of life so "right?" Morality is not exclusive to conservatives. You are making grand, sweeping generalizations about liberals.
Alcohol causes far more problems than marijuana. Should we shut down the two liquor stores in Bayfield too?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 8:43:17 AM
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jane doe says...
also... this article misquoted Mr. Pollock on the part that he himself (Mr. Pollock) has a doctor on hand at his dispensary 1 day a week writting these "prescriptions" which are really recommendations. How could a Doctor that sees a person once really know if the patient is really in need of the medical marijuana?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 8:35:43 AM
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Jarrod says...
Where exactly in Bayfield do I purchase these marijuana waffles?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 8:33:52 AM
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Hyped Agenda says...
"Some of us still believe in teaching morals, dignity and faith to our families." REALLY? How immoral is it to let a cancer patient use MMJ to be able to eat? How much dignity is involved in making those in need suffer? How much faith do you have in a diety that "created" a plant you are so scared of?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 8:32:53 AM
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jane doe says...
I was at that meeting and I have been doing some research and, so far, found 2 articles that have stated that Vail, Aurora , Centennial, Greenwood Village , Greely and Broomfield have ALL refused to license disepnsaries. And their reasoning seems very understandable and logical.... Medical Marijuana is still illegal under Federal Law. And in Aurora , City officials have said that any licensed business in the city must be lawful. Because the sale and possession of Marijuana is illegal under federal law, city officials say the dispensaries aren't legal and they will continue to bar them from Aurora . Also in one of the articles dated October 2009 it stated that Vail is waiting to get more information from things like the Colorado Municipal League's Report that is expected out in 2010 that would outline how various municipalities throughout the state have handled the dispensaries and their ripple effects on communities. Maybe Bayfield should wait to read this same report. It makes sense.
There are already 5 dispensaries in Durango... 4 of which opened within 1 month of each other. If we open one in Bayfield, where will it stop? They will become as common as convinent stores on every corner.
And actually, this article is not quoted correctly.... Travis Pollack told us that he has 700 per week going through his dispensary.
I TOTALLY agree of the use of Medical Marijuana for those who truely need it such as cancer patients, etc. But it is getting out of control. Are there really so many thousands of people in LaPlata County that Travis has to have 700 people a week go through his shop? How many go through the other 4 dispensaries in Durango?
We need to open our eyes and not stick our heads in the sand... People who really need it should be able to get it - those with "aches and pains" are abusing it.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 8:00:46 AM
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earnyourturns says...
Do people actually think Bayfield is "shoving marijuana down peoples throats" if they allow a few dispensaries to open? Let's try to be a little more open minded about things.....
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 7:55:56 AM
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Common Sense says...
I'm sure there are many doctors who would, without hesitation, prescribe Prozac, Amoxicillin and other 'drugs' at the drop of a hat without delving into a patient's genuine needs. There is already a drug problem in Bayfield. It has saturated the schools, and it permeates throughout society. Allowing for medical marijuana is neither going to impede nor expedite the use and abuse of marijuana in Bayfield. It's already here. It's a moot point. So, Town of Bayfield? Do what you want to do. But you're not going to curb marijuana use by restricting dispensaries in town.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 7:54:12 AM
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Cheryl says...
The only thing Bayfield is trying to do is live by good, honest standards. The reason the Nation, our State and our county is in the trouble it's in is because of the liberal people, who do no longer have or support a meaningful way of living. Bayfield is working hard to keep this way of life in their community. Just because some of you have no standards and believe in a free liberal way of living, doesn't mean the rest of us have do, nor do we need to put up with it being shoved down our throats. The above abuse stated in the article is probably one of many, not brought forth. Some of us still believe in teaching morals, dignity and faith to our families.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 7:42:23 AM
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attendthefair says...
I'm not a patient or a user in any way, but neither am I against those that do need it. While I do not agree with the "medical" BS that is used for people to obtain it, as I believe that about 80% do not need it and only make up a story in order to be able to smoke.
The town could use the small amount of tax dollars that a SINGLE store would provide. After a lot of thought, I say we should give it a chance but we should also watch it like a hawk. The first offense, no matter how small, should be prosecuted to the fullest allowed, store shut down and everything the owner has should be taken away.
Make this perfectly clear, and it may be a business that "could" be welcomed into Bayfield.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 6:27:44 AM
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Drove by says...
This is the dumbest argument from ignorant people. Its a cinch to get alcohol as a minor and drive around and kill yourself, then the doctor will prescribe your friends "safe" drugs for depression that in studies have caused suicidal thoughts and all kinds of other horrible side effects. Yet when the the subject of a natural herb comes up people get all self righteous. I would rather have someone with the munchies then some drunk driver puttin our lives and the lives of our chidren at risk. WAKE UP BAYFIELD!!!!!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
at 5:41:07 AM
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marie says...
Think about the tax dollars it would bring. Oh, that's right, Bayfield doesn't need to worry about that. They will allow stimulus money for a walking path, but for faster internet for business development no way. And what about Dove Ranch? An Albuquerque developer and a bunch of Mexicans to schlap up the houses, meanwhile there is how many construction workers that live here out of work? Praise the Lord.