Oregonians Fighting for Fair Cannabis Laws Strengthen Numbers

All are welcome to join the Rally, Tuesday, Feb 23 at High Noon, before the Hearing for SB 1598 begins.

Image: Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - "The most important part is showing up." This simple fact is true in every case where a showing of support is needed. This year, the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program is at risk, and the collective voice of the people is what's needed most.

The Marijuana Legalization Committee Hearing for SB 1598 is being held Tuesday, Feb 23. Activists and concerned Oregonians will be meeting on the Capitol steps at noon for a rally, before the afternoon's Legislative activities. There will be a couple of canopies set up for shelter, as there is expected to be some rain.

The Marijuana Legalization Committee (not a public meeting as of yet) Hearing for SB 1598 will be held in Hearing Room 343.

An activist from southern Oregon, Sandy Diesel, will attend along with two busloads of Oregonians anxious to be heard.

"Our wonderful public servants do not give us any notification of when these public hearing will be. In the past month, we literally found out 24-48 hours prior. This past Tuesday, they did not announce the public hearing until we were actually already in transit for previously scheduled meetings," said Diesel.

"Our last opportunity is next Tuesday, if they allow a public hearing. We may not know until the day before."

The hearing will be broadcast on a laptop, with external speakers, for people who may be testifying (should it become a public hearing) but are not able to be in the main meeting chambers.

In addition to the Hearing, meetings with staff and Legislators have been scheduled regarding some of these topics:

• Reduce patient fees to a min. of $25, max. of $50 for all patients.
• Restore protections from warrant-less searches for gardens not participating in commerce.
• Restore 24 mature plants to patient gardens within city limits & rural residential areas.
• Remove grower fees for patients, or initiate a one-time address registration fee.
• Oregon OMMP provider residency: maintain patient refugee establishment, but ensure that providers and businesses are Oregon based, or institute residency requirements for primary investors/stockholders.
• Expansion of ACMM to include 51%+ patient/provider participation.

There will be a letter delivery procession, with district Legislators, as well as members of the committee, receiving letters from their constituents who were unable to attend.

"It is neither assumed or expected that any of these topics are the opinion or aim of those not present. Nor is embracing all of them expected for participation or collaboration," said Dan Koozer, event organizer.

"The spirit is in protecting the Oregon medical program, offering opportunity to Oregonians in their home state, and helping to establish a system that incorporates all the aspects of the cannabis community, as well as their host communities."

‪#‎SaveOMMP‬ ‪#‎patientslivesmatter‬ ‪#‎patientsbeforeprofits‬ ‪#‎righttogrow‬ ‪#‎educatebeforeyouregulate‬ ‪#‎firetheoha‬

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