Posted on Wednesday, 07 February 2018

 HB18-1187

GW Pharma Bill here in Colorado

 Update 3.19.2018

Please note that GHC was told today that HIA- CO "is in support of the carve outs, but not the bill". Before today it was understood that they hemp a fully in favor position on this bill which noted on both this website, newsletters and email blasts. Please contact Hia-CO directly with questions.

Committee hearing for the GW Pharma bill (1187) is tomorrow @1:30 in room 107 at the capital. Please feel free to call or text veronica with any question, concerns or if your lost at the capital.

There has been changes to the bill which will be posted here shortly. Please check back

If you missed one or both recent GHC free hemp conference calls on March 18th & 19th, about the GW Pharma Bill, please click on of the links below.

Listen/download Later:

ITunes: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/rss/itunes?id=6417153580:107259922

RSS: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/rss/podcast?id=6417153580:107259922

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Update 3.15.18 

Please note that we be discussing all new recent developments and discussions with everyone on calls.

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2.20.18 UPDATE

2.19.18 Audio - GHC Free Conference Call for Hemp Stakeholders @ Noon

2.19.18 Audio - GHC Free Conference Call for Hemp Stakeholders @ 4:20 pm

2.20.18 Audio - HIA CO Member Conference Call - 8:30 am (call starts at :40 in)

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 UPDATE 2.17.18

GW PHARMA BILL WILL NOT GO TO COMMITTEE ON TUESDAY @ 1:30, it will be rescheduled for a later date- more info will be posted soon.

**HEMP STAKEHOLDER CALL – MONDAY 2.19.18**

We will discuss the bill, concerns brought up during meeting, and more.

Call in #: 319.527.3373

Time: 12:00pm (Noon) & 4:20pm

Pin: 136042 (may not be required)

Listen/download Later:

ITunes: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/rss/itunes?id=6417153580:107259922

RSS: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/rss/podcast?id=6417153580:107259922

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UPDATE 2.16.18

Listen to Audio from meeting yesterday (2.15.18)

1. Full Audio From 2.15.18 Meeting

2. CRITICAL POINTS TO CONSIDER

3. Who will get access to GW drug in CO & GW Exclusivity

**Please note that if you are having issues with the audio to load, please use a different browser. thanks.**

HEMP STAKEHOLDER CALL – MONDAY 2.19.18

We will discuss the bill, concerns brought up during meeting, options we have and what to do at Committee on Tuesday regarding testimony.

Call in #: 319.527.3373

Time: 12:00pm (Noon) & 4:20pm

Pin: 136042 (may not be required)

Listen/download Later:

ITunes: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/rss/itunes?id=6417153580:107259922

RSS: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/rss/podcast?id=6417153580:107259922

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 2.15.18 Meeting Quick Overview (audio also available)

Most recent draft arrived that morning for meeting – not all people had copies provided, all were seeing the 2.14 and the 2.15 bill changes at that same moment.

GHC provided copies of the first bill language which was scrapped (on 2.13.18 after conversations with GHC, GW Lobbyist and Cindy Sovine w/Sovine Consulting) and a new draft was provided to GHC on 2.14.18 which was also posted via SM on the morning of 2.15.18

GHC desired changes and additions were discussed, specifically the Industrial hemp section and language that would be in line with the hemp foods bill definition.

Representative Janet Buckner was amazing, and we were all so grateful for her kindness and caring today. She truly does have the interest of both sick, disabled children as well as the co hemp industry at heart. She also explained the reason she supported this bill due to her passion and work with sick/disabled children.

Senator Don Coram (also present/not bill sponsor), mentioned his concerns about this bill, his experience with hemp and support of it as well as dropping some wisdom on us all about legislative process.

Sovine acknowledged there was a “mad dash” on 2.14 to change to bill to address industry concerns just recently brought up. 

Attendees were told that work was done for months on this bill with lobbyist Cindy Sovine and GW. It quickly became clear that the majority of the Colorado Hemp Industry had zero participation or awareness of this bill until just recently until notice by GHC. There was a great deal of concerns pointed out by different stakeholders of which both the Senator and bill Sponsor were most attentive to. GHC changes suggested for the hemp “carve out” – adding in …..including  all parts of the hemp plant including but not limited to….

Some Concerns brought up:

• GW Patents and potential effect on our industry as we currently know it
• Concerns about Colorado Hemp industry’s investments being jeopardized by out of country pharma company
• GW drug will benefit about 1000 children in Colorado for 2 specific conditions
• Industry believes in and recognized the benefits of cannabinoids
• Perception of reality – adding fuel to fire to feds
• FDA   will be releasing 300 page amendment/update regarding CBD
• Plea to Colorado leg. – not opposed to children getting medication. Protect CO Industry and not walk with blinders on about current FED administration.
• 1^st stepping stone for big pharma or corp to hurt local businesses and farm
• The perception to the rest of the sates and the FEDs by allowing this bill to pass- acknowledging CBD is a drug
• Future actions down that road by FDA which are currently unknown and no one can guarantee
• Specific group of children in Colorado will not have access to CBD rx drug (approx. 1000 according too GW) if not passed
• Bill title still has the word Cannabidiol
• Hemp stakeholders were concerned the bill was moving to fast.  GW contended this was urgent to pass and sick kids needed it.
• Concern that we were only looking to protect GW efforts of CBD perception of drug and not hemp products with CBD currently being produced as food in Colorado.
• GHC addressed FDA position of CBD & existing state laws for hemp (cultivation and SB-196 provisions)
• All lobbyist in room continued to try and reassure that the new bill language was addressing issues being raised.
• Adding the word Board of Pharmacist to clearify
• GW recognized that their products will be more expensive and for those parents who cant afford their drug could use other options, like CBD products currently sold in Colorado.
• VC attempted to get group to agree with the direction of the new language of the law. Some agreed while others still had valid concerns they wished to address and were given time to do so.
• It was clear that there was no consequences with the current language of the bill as of 2.15.18 and the existing bill language as of 2.15.18. it was concluded that everyone could follow updates on GHC site, contact Cindy and Craig (Ganga Law). We agree there would need to be more discussion and conclusion of how to address Tuesday and Industry position on this bill.
• Overall there was no agreement on the

Listen to the full audio (above) of the meeting (approximately 1 hour)

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UPDATE 2.14.18

 KEY TALKING POINTS/UPDATES (Meeting 2.15.18)

#1 -  thank you for coming & participating in this critical issue regarding CO hemp & CBD. Your voice matters always!

(note: always into yourself before speaking and be sure to state what kind of hemp stakeholder you are (farmer, processor, manufacture, extractor, consumer, etc – focus on point, don’t ramble)

QUICK OVER VIEW: in a past legislative session, CO passed a law which restricted Dr. from prescribing and pharmacist from dispensing “marijuana”. GW’s bill attempted to override old law with new law. GHC said no way. Old bill language has been scrapped and changed into new version as of 2.14.18.

New version - undo existing CO law (18-18-406) preventing marijuana RX and dispensing for any FDA approved “marijuana” drug. Also (need to) add additional language further protecting Colorado hemp, hemp foods, cannabinoids, compounds and derivatives from any & all parts of the hemp plant (in line with hemp foods bill). DOSE NOT CREATE A NEW LAW JUST FOR CBD.

This new language w/changes (excluding Bill title issue- to be addressed and discussed) is, overall,  acceptable to the majority of the Colorado Hemp Industry and ensures there will not be immediate or future un-foreseen consequences within our state (hemp industry) after GW gets FDA approval on or around June 2018

WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 48 HOURS:

• GW bill original language is gone. (attached)
•   New bill revision/language and needed changes being discussed today (attached)
• Changes still needed: the word cannabidiol must be removed and replaced w/marijuana (section1). We cannot agree to any bill specifically for CBD or any other cannabinoid.
• Hemp Section: change to “Industrial hemp such as but not limited to hemp foods, cannabinoids, derivatives, compounds from any part of the hemp plant. In line with Hemp Food definition.
• Title Issue – will discuss

ATTACHMENTS:

1. FIRST BILL LANGAUAGE
2. NEW VERSION OF BILL LANGUAGE (without changes still needed) change word cannabidiol to marijuana & additional language into hemp section –“Colorado hemp, hemp foods, cannabinoids, compounds and derivatives from any and all parts of the hemp plants.”)

Thank you for all your time and efforts,

Veronica Carpio/Hemp Farmer/Founder of GHC_

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UPDATE 2.12.18

STAKEHOLDER MEETING w/ one or more bill sponsors and GW Pharma lobbyist

Time: THURSDAY (2.15.18) at 11:15 am (LIMITED ROOM)

Location: State Capital - Barney Ford room on the 2nd floor.

Please be aware that Bob Hoban, the HIA-CO and all member's of the Hemp Policy Round Table currently are in SUPPORT of this bill language as is, according to the their lobbyist and HIA-CO. 

GHC and all our members are NOT in favor of this bill.   The Colorado Hemp Industry is NOT IN SUPPORT of this bill  as is and agrees it must not pass Committee.

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Please save this page and check back often for updates on this bill. It is critical that we all take a unified industry position on this GW bill. Any new law can have unforseen consequences and it is very important that this agenda does not impact Hemp in Colorado in any way, now or down the road.

GHC is working on getting a stakeholder meeting set up with the sponsors of this bill. It is a perfect opportunity for them to hear our concerns and understand how this could impact the hemp industry.

There currently is language in the bill attempts to address the concerns of the Hemp Industry but we are not convinced this provides any protection in the end for us.

Please take a min to read the bill. CLICK HERE

Have questions? Call or text 720.401.5609 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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This Bill presents many significant concerns for the Colorado Hemp Industry:

1. This Bill will only help special interests, specifically GW Pharmaceuticals (a foreign company). GW Pharma holds exclusive licensing rights to patents owned by the federal government regarding Cannabis and its derivatives as a medicine. The classifying of CBD in State Statute as a medicine would provide a legal standard for GW Pharma to inhibit all CBD in the State of Colorado, which is not licensed through GW Pharma. Colorado would be handing over an entire State economy to a foreign company.
2. The FDA regularly approves new drugs for prescription by doctors and the State never writes those drugs into Statute. The classification of CBD as a prescribed ‘drug’ is not needed. This Bill holds hidden intent to write specific language into Statute.
3. Similar Bills in other States have resulted in significant problems for otherwise legal State residents.
4. Colorado is already looking to regulate CBD and other Hemp related products through a Hemp Foods Bill. This Bill will remove Hemp and its derivatives from the Food and Drug Act as well as properly regulating those products through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The Hemp Foods Bill is a Bill which should be promoted instead of 1187.

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GOOD INFO TO READ, RESEARCH and REFERENCE

GW Patents:

https://patents.justia.com/assignee/gw-pharma-limited

These are just a few....click link to see more (it is a bit shocking)

• USE OF CANNABINOIDS IN THE TREATMENT OF DEGENERATIVE SKELETAL MUSCLE DISEASES
• Publication number: 20170304217Type: ApplicationPublication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Vincenzo Di Marzo, Colin Stott, Keith Foster, Fabio Iannotti
• Applicant: GW Pharma Limited
• Filed: October 14, 2015
• Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of degenerative skeletal muscle disease. In particular the degenerative skeletal muscle disease is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Preferably the cannabinoids are one or more of: Cannabidiol (CBD); Cannabidivarin (CBDV); and Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).
• EXTRACTION OF PHARMACEUTICALLY ACTIVE COMPONENTS FROM PLANT MATERIALS
• Publication number: 20170290869Type: ApplicationPublication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Brian Anthony Whittle, Colin A. Hill, Ian R. Flockhart, David Victor Downs, Peter Gibson, Gary William Wheatley
• Applicant: GW Pharma Limited
• Filed: March 23, 2017
• Abstract: The invention relates to the extraction of pharmaceutically active components from plant materials, and more particularly to the preparation of a botanical drug substance (BDS) for incorporation in to a medicament. It also relates to a BDS of given purity, for use in pharmaceutical formulations. In particular it relates to BDS comprising cannabinoids obtained by extraction from cannabis.
• USE OF ONE OR A COMBINATION OF PHYTO-CANNABINOIDS IN THE TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY
• Publication number: 20170273913Type: ApplicationPublication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Benjamin Whalley, Gary Stephens, Claire Williams, Geoffrey Guy, Stephen Wright, Tetsuro Kikuchi 
• MORE ON GW....
  
  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/02/11/uk-set-cannabis-boom-gw-pharma-storms-ahead/- This company will not be bringing any jobs or revenue to the US. This takes a billion dollar industry out of SD
  http://seekingalpha.com/article/4043840-gw-pharma-results-set-exciting-2017
  http://mmjreporter.com/why-gw-pharmaceuticals-plc-adr-nasdaqgwph-is-getting-market-attention-2413.html
  http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/activists-cash-pharmaceutical-companies-killed-med/137163930
  http://gwmac.com/cooper-and-unterman-big-pharma/
  http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/medical-pot-activists-fear-epilepsy-drug-could-undercut-them
  https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/15/business/marijuana-based-drug-found-to-reduce-epileptic-seizures.html?_r=0
  
  http://natural.news/2016-03-22-latest-science-study-proves-that-cannabis-is-effective-in-the-treatment-of-epilepsy-but-pharmaceutical-companies-will-dominate-the-industry.html
  http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-cannabis-gw-pharma-idUKKCN0HW29C20141008
  http://pediatriccannabissupport.com/2015/07/21/antecdotal-epidiolex/
  http://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/cully-stimson/pot-pushers-dirty-little-secret-fda-approved-thc-drugs-already-exist- This a pharmacutical company sponsored article. Interesting take on what 30 years of activism work means to them. Money trumps all
  https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/big-pharma-marijuana-legalization
  http://mjinews.com/epidiolex-launch-2017/
  http://www.forbes.com/sites/debraborchardt/2016/09/28/gw-pharmaceutical-gets-closer-to-forcing-fda-on-cannabis/#54707dc222d9  This is forbes talking about their projections for money
  
  http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/105/PDF/Intro/LB167.pdfhttp://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/105/PDF/SI/LB167.pdf
  http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/105/PDF/CS/LB167.pdf
  http://www.ice-epilepsy.org/michelle-welborn-pharmd.html Is Michelle a GW Employee? She is registered in SD as a lobbyist under their company. She testified in NE as the Director for ICE on the exact same bill as SD. She is also the CEO of Bravo Pahrma which promotes themselves as being the first to market the generic version of Epidiolex. (please note: this page has been removed oddly - this page, before removed, stated "Bravo Pharma would be the first to right for generic Epidiolex"
• Nebraska’s Bill GW Pharma
• ___________________________________________________________________________________
• Applicants: GW Pharma Limited, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Limited
• Filed: November 9, 2016
• Abstract: This invention relates to the use of one or more cannabinoids in the treatment of epilepsy and more particularly to the use of one or a combination of cannabinoids in the treatment of generalized or partial seizure. In one embodiment it relates to the use of the cannabinoid THCV, as a pure or isolated compound, or as a plant extract in which significant amounts of any THC naturally present has been selectively removed. In another embodiment the phytocannabinoid is CBD.

 https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/wjqp5n/big-pharma-wants-a-monopoly-on-one-of-weeds-key-medicinal-compounds-nd

https://www.newcannabisventures.com/gw-pharma-phase-2-trial-using-cbdv-to-treat-adults-with-focal-seizures-misses-primary-endpoint/

https://www.gwpharm.com/products-pipeline/research-trials/therapeutic-areas

https://www.gwpharm.com/about-us/news/gw-pharmaceuticals-plc-announces-us-patent-allowance-use-cannabidivarin-cbdv-treating

https://www.gwpharm.com/products-pipeline/research-trials/cannabinoid-compounds

http://ir.gwpharm.com/static-files/da05bdcc-ea79-4d80-aebd-185ef783bea1

https://www.leafly.com/news/politics/leafly-exclusive-gw-pharma-moving-cbd-bills-low

 https://www.newcannabisventures.com/gw-pharma-clarifies-state-lobbying-efforts-in-advance-of-epidiolex-approval/

https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientsum.php?id=F110026%20%20%20&year=2017 (missing 2017 and 2018 $ amounts)

"GW has a proprietary and extensive library of “phytocannabinoids” through the breeding of unique “chemotypes” (plants characterised by their chemical content). Currently available cannabinoids include:

• CBD(Cannabidiol)
• CBDV(Cannabidivarin)
• CBDA(Cannabidiol - Acid)
• CBDVA(Cannabidivarin - Acid)
• CBC(Cannabichromene)
• CBG(Cannabigerol)
• CBGA(Cannabigerol – Acid)C
• BGV(Cannabigerovarin)
• CBN(Cannabinol)
• CBNV(Cannabinovarin)
• THCA(Tetrahydrocannabinol – Acid)
• THCV(Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
• THCVA(Tetrahydrocannabivarin – Acid)
• D9-THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol)
• D8-THC(Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol)"

Source: https://www.gwpharm.com/products-pipeline/research-trials/cannabinoid-compounds