Chris Romer's long, strange trip ends with passage of HB 1284

Chris Romer's "long, strange trip" is almost over. The state senator who last fall decided to take on the task of shepherding legislation through the Statehouse that defines and regulates this state's booming medical marijuana industry saw House Bill 1284 pass the Senate yesterday, 26-9, with a major bipartisan push...

By Patricia Calhoun

May 7, 2010

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Chris Romer's "long, strange trip" is almost over. The state senator who last fall decided to take on the task of shepherding legislation through the Statehouse that defines and regulates this state's booming medical marijuana industry saw House Bill 1284 pass the Senate yesterday, 26-9, with a major bipartisan push.

It's all over but the shouting -- and there will still be plenty of that as the bill goes back to the House, which must approve the numerous amendments made after it left that body. Among them is one that makes the addresses of grow operations confidential. From there, it's on to Governor Bill Ritter's desk -- and, from what we hear, likely a court battle. But Romer won't be along for that part of the ride.

Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

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