cannabisnews.com: State's Medical Marijuana Program Runs a Surplus





State's Medical Marijuana Program Runs a Surplus
Posted by CN Staff on June 25, 2003 at 07:23:03 PT
By Andrew Kramer, Associated Press
Source: Associated Press
Portland - Oregon's medical marijuana program is running a financial surplus, and will get rid of it by reducing fees for people who qualify for federal poverty assistance. Oregon is the first of the nine states that allow marijuana to be smoked for medicinal purposes to offer discounts to low-income people, advocates of the drug say."This sounds like a pioneering idea," said Dale Gieringer, an activist with the National Organization for Reform in Marijuana Law, in a telephone interview from Oakland, Calif.
"States should encourage this medicine," he said. "It's very economical and helps people reduce their pharmaceutical bills."Under Oregon's voter-approved program, the state Department of Human Services issues medical marijuana cards for $150. It then charges a $150 annual renewal fee.Cards are commonly issued for AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis or glaucoma. Some doctors sign off on cards for back pain or headaches.The state has issued more than 5,500 cards since 1999, and the popularity of the program has brought a $300,000 surplus over the past two years, said Mary Leverette, the program's director.Beginning July 1, low-income people who qualify for Supplemental Social Security Income or the Oregon Health Plan, the state's version of Medicaid, can apply for a card for $50. They will also pay $50 for the renewal fee.Everybody else will continue to pay $150 for new applications. The renewal fee for everybody was reduced to $100.The other states with medical marijuana laws are: California, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, Maryland and Colorado. Some state's charge only nominal fees, such as Hawaii's $25. There is no fee in California. Source: Associated PressAuthor: Andrew Kramer, Associated PressPublished: June 25, 2003Copyright: 2003 Associated Press Related Articles & Web Sites:CaNORMLhttp://www.canorml.org/SOMM-NEThttp://www.somm-net.org/Hemp & Cannabis Foundationhttp://www.thc-foundation.org/More Medical Marijuana Use Lowers The Cost http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16688.shtmlGroup To Help People Use Pot as Medicinehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16094.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Post Comment