Pubdate: Wed, 10 Apr 2013
Source: Register-Guard, The (OR)
Copyright: 2013 The Register-Guard
Contact: http://www.registerguard.com/web/opinion/#contribute-a-letter
Website: http://www.registerguard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/362
Author: Jim Greig

BILL WILL IMPROVE MARIJUANA PROGRAM

With the nation all abuzz over marijuana legalization, it's important 
to note that efforts continue to improve Oregon's Medical Marijuana 
Program. One improvement under discussion in Salem is House Bill 
3460, sponsored by Rep. Peter Buckley, D-Ashland, and Sen. Floyd 
Prozanski, D-Eugene.

The Licensing and Regulating Medical Marijuana Facilities Bill will 
bring the state's medical marijuana production under a cohesive 
umbrella. For patients such as myself who can't grow their own 
marijuana, I can't overemphasize how much the bill would help us find 
consistency in supply, both in availability and in quality control. 
Over the years, I've seen volunteer growers come and go, with quality 
ranging from excellent to poor.

There are now about 200 medical marijuana cooperatives and 
dispensaries operating in Oregon. Enforcement varies from community 
to community. In Multnomah County, law enforcement has adopted a 
hands-off policy, but enforcement elsewhere can be less cooperative.

HB 3460 is sensible regulation that covers zoning and quality 
control, increases Medical Marijuana Program fees and gives it more 
rule-making authority.

Oregonians know marijuana is an effective and safe medicine. 
Legalization may be right around the corner, but patients need a 
better program now.

HB 3460 is a big step toward that goal.

Jim Greig, Americans for Safe Access

Greenleaf
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom