Tighter Rules for Medical Marijuana Physicians?: Pot Events Roundup

This week's Cannabis Calendar kicks off with the prospect of tighter rules for medical marijuana physicians.

When the state Senate's Caregiver Act was signed into law May 18, part of the language required the Colorado State Medical Board to craft new guidelines by November 19 for physicians recommending medical marijuana. The first set of guidelines, released in September, were met with vocal disapproval from medical marijuana advocates and physicians alike because of requirements for physical examination, background checks of family and medical records, imaging studying and laboratory testing. The new draft, under consideration for adoption next week, has scaled back on the expensive testing requirements but remains controversial, as patients and physicians wonder how many people who would've previously been approved will now be denied medical marijuana recommendations.

The State Medical Board says it's trying to put medical marijuana requirements more in line with other medical treatments, while medical marijuana patients and advocates believe they're being steered toward the higher tax rates that come with recreational marijuana. The Caregiver Act didn't hide its goal of trying to decrease the patient pool by putting an end to bogus recommendations and "card mills" — where physicians churn out purple cards to whoever asks. If the new guidelines pass November 19, expect those card mills to slow down and that pool to get even smaller.

The hearing on these matters takes place at 9 a.m. on November 19, in Suite 1250C of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies headquarters, 1560 Broadway.

In the meantime, check out these marijuana events.

Put your nostrils to the test at the Trichome Institute's Interpening Cannabis Sommelier Course today (Tuesday, November 10), from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m at Colorado Free University. Just like a wine-tasting course, this hands-on class will teach students how to smell the differences between cannabis strains and detect unacceptable qualities in flower. Cost is $299. Licensed industry employees and groups of five or more should inquire about discounts. 21+

Clover Leaf University is rolling out a Cannabis Extraction Laboratory class today (Tuesday, November 10), from 4 to 8 p.m. at the CLU campus. The class will focus on extraction safety, room layouts, efficient working environments and government compliance. The class costs $299 to attend, and certificates from CLU and the Colorado Department of Higher Education will be presented upon course completion.

CLU is also teaching its Cannabis Breeding 101: Expert Strain Breeding and Genetics course today (Tuesday, November 10), at the CLU campus, from 4 to 8 p.m. For $299, students will learn about the genetics and manipulation of cannabis strains from growing professionals. After you pass, you should know how to efficiently breed marijuana no matter what the scale of your desired grow.


On Thursday, November 12, Green Labs will host Bend and Blaze — a free, 21+ yoga class with optional cannabis consumption — from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Participants must register on the Bend and Blaze eventbrite page.

The Grow School will hold a Grow 101 class on Friday, November 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For $149, students will learn about growing laws, equipment, air circulation, fertilization and more; course registration includes an online textbook. The southeast Denver address of the class will be revealed upon registration. Check out the Grow School website for more information.

The Colorado Cannabis Clinicians will present "Who's Afraid of the Big Dab Wolf?" on Tuesday, November 17, at 1700 Lincoln Street, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Focusing on understanding the potency and potential dangers of overdoing it with concentrates, Max Montrose of the Trichome Institute will lead a conversation about hash science and culture. Tickets are $15 for CCC members and $30 for non-members.

Know of an event that should be in the Cannabis Calendar? Send it to [email protected].