June 15, 2011 10:43 PM UTC

Who Cares for the Caregiver?

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• by: Car 31

Today, as I type, the Colorado Board of Health is hearing public testimony on proposed rules that further define what it means to be a medical marijuana caregiver. The proposed rule seeks to clarify a 2009 Court of Appeals decision stating that caregivers must provide more than just marijuana to patients. The proposed Board of Health rule states that patients shall not name a caregiver if all they are receiving is medical marijuana. Caregivers are the people who provide medical marijuana to 5 or fewer patients and are exempt from dispensary regulations.

Proponents of the rule argue that this will help crack down on fraudulent operations and help legitimize the industry in Colorado.

Opponents argue that caregivers will no longer be afforded the protection of the law and patients will go without medicine.  

Amendment 20 states that a primary care-giver:

means a person, other than the patient and the patient’s physician, who is eighteen years of age or older and has significant responsibility for managing the well-being of a patient who has a debilitating medical condition

What does ‘significant responsibility’ entail and how does we interpret the Court of Appeal’s declaration that a caregiver’s responsibility to their patient extends beyond the drug?

As usual, the proponents at today’s hearing put their best foot forward. One gentleman, who went by the nom de guerre Scooby, claims that his wife’s sexual attentions constitute significant responsibility and if the rule were to pass, well, let’s just say Scooby’s needs would not be met.

Other passionate advocates heckled, interrupted, berated, cussed and threw things at the Board of Health members to express their frustration before the lunch break.

During testimony on the medical marijuana regulation bills, we heard legitimate stories of how a man provided relief to his dying wife. We also heard moving stories of how those suffering from debilitating conditions found solace and liberation from illness courtesy of medical marijuana caregivers. These are the true heroes of today’s debate.

Caregivers deserve the full protection and consideration Amendment 20 offers, however, I support the idea that, in order to earn the title care-giver, one must provide more service to a sick person, than solely providing a drug.

What say you?