cannabisnews.com: State-Run Medical Marijuana Facility State-Run Medical Marijuana Facility Posted by FoM on April 02, 2001 at 18:02:16 PT By Jerry Kropf Source: Register-Guard What's up: The Legislature is taking up House Bill 3812, which would direct the Oregon Health Division to establish a state-licensed and supervised medical marijuana facility. The facility would grow and oversee distribution of marijuana to residents with certain medical conditions that qualify them to use marijuana as a medical drug.Under voter-approved Oregon law, these patients can grow their own or designate a caregiver to grow it for them. About 1,900 Oregonians are registered card holders, and the state receives about 20 to 30 applications a day.Pro: For better or worse, Oregon voters have legalized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. As more patients qualify as card holders in the medical marijuana program, they create demand for the drug. Oregon should acknowledge this reality and create a network for production and distribution of marijuana, so it can better ensure that it doesn't fall into the hands of people without a legal right to use the drug.Con: This is a Pandora's box of unanswered questions and unintended consequences. The state has no business getting into the business of growing and distributing marijuana. Patients have developed their own network to ensure that those with a need and a legal right can access marijuana. Also, federal law prohibits the use of marijuana and the U.S. Supreme Court has hinted that medicinal marijuana laws may be unconstitutional.Next hearing: The House Agriculture and Forestry Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 3812 Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in Hearing Room 50.In depth: Search for HB 3812 or listen to Tuesday's public hearing live at: http://www.leg.state.or.us/Streaming video coverage is available at: http://www.pctv.state.or.us/ The Oregon Health Division has a Web page on the medical marijuana program it runs:http://www.ohd.hr.state.or.us/hclc/mm/Key players: Rep. Jeff Kropf,R-Albany. Chief sponsor and chairman of the agriculture committee. Phone: (503) 986-1437; email: kropf.rep state.or.usDr. Grant Higginson, state health officer, acting Health Division administrator. Phone: (503) 731-4000; e-mail: grant.k.higginson state.or.us The Health Division has not taken a position on the bill.What people are saying: "I'm strongly against medical marijuana. However, since we've got this animal, we've got to control it and live with it." - Kropf."Any time you have a controlled substance with a record of leading to other, more serious drugs, I'd have concerns about our ability to control it." - Rep. Wayne Krieger, R-Gold Beach. He is a member of the agriculture committee and a retired Oregon State Police officer.Every Monday during the legislative session, The Register-Guard will highlight a top issue before lawmakers and help you get involved. Questions? Contact Capitol bureau reporter David Steves at (503) 363-3451 or by e-mail at: rgsalem aol.comNote: Legislature This WeekSource: Register-Guard, The (OR)Author: Jerry KropfPublished: April 2, 2001Copyright: 2001 The Register-Guard Contact: rgletters guardnet.com Website: http://www.registerguard.com/ CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #2 posted by maagain on April 03, 2001 at 05:10:06 PT look listen learn "Any time you have a controlled substance with a record of leading to other, more serious drugs, I'd have concerns about our ability to control it." - Rep. Wayne Krieger, R-Gold Beach. He is a member of the agriculture committee and a retired Oregon State Police officer.the prohibition is what is leading people to other drugs which are so much easier to hide. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by DEDBR on April 03, 2001 at 03:54:45 PT: Oregon Med. At twenty to thirty applications a day,any politician must soon see its political suicide to say anything against this issue now. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: