August 26, 2011

RE: MMJ Patient Resource, Education, and Research Funding Proposal

PROBLEM STATEMENT: Patients across Colorado are often uninformed, have no access to a centralized knowledge base of information, and there are few widely accepted studies that further our education base on cannabis. The State of Colorado has an opportunity to provide that information in partnership with the cannabis industry. First, there is a lack of current research and development conducted by independent third parties that is widely accepted amongst the cannabis industry herein Colorado and across the United States. Second, patients lack a standardized informational helpline tied to a knowledge database to assist in answering patients questions related to the benefits, risks, and general information related to cannabis as a treatment option. Last, there is a lack of general information provided to patients when choosing to use medical cannabis in treating their illness. LEADING THE WAY: Colorado currently leads the nation in the implementation of medical cannabis laws and reform. Colorado is one of only three states with an established medical cannabis market, has the second highest patient count in the country, and has the highest number of patients that purchase their medicine from a regulated business at 69%. i Furthermore, demand for cannabis as medicine continues to grow nationally, as well as in Colorado. In continuing to lead this newly formed industry responsibly, more can be done to ensure patient safety. We applaud the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environments (CDPHE) efforts to determine the feasibility of a MMJ registry fee reduction, but we would like to ensure patients needs are put first when analyzing the MMJ registrys budget. It is important the CDPHE disclose the existing surplus amounts that prompted the fee reduction, as well as consider the appropriation of a percentage of registry funds to provide needed resources back to patients. THE PROPOSAL: We propose that 15% of the overall MMJ registry budget be allocated to a patient fund setup to further the development of best standards and practices for the use of cannabis as medicine. Specifically, allocation of funds should: 1. Fund research and development through a grant approval process 2. Implement a cannabis specific patient assistance help-line staffed by trained professionals. 3. Fund the distribution of educational pamphlets providing pertinent information to all cannabis patients. This allocation can help support a public/private partnership to achieve these goals. This allocation will ensure patients are educated and protected through proven scientific methods and procedures recognized across the nation and take that emerging responsibility out of the hands of the CDPHE.

Sincerely,

Vincent P. Palazzotto MMAPA - Executive Director www.MMAPA.us

(t/f) 855-MMAPA-4U x711 405 S. Platte River Dr. Denver, CO 80223

The State of Medical Marijuana Markets, See Change Strategy LLC, Kris Lotlikar, Publisher, 2011