Oregon's Measure 74 Serves the Needs of Patients

Advocates say it adds more choices for patients, but doesn’t affect the current MMJ program.

(SALEM, Ore.) - With so much discussion taking place regarding Oregon’s Measure 74, which allows medical marijuana to be sold at lawful dispensaries, having the facts straight is mandatory.

The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program was approved by voters in 1998, and currently has nearly 40,000 patients that have been registered by more than 3,500 doctors - approximately 1 out of every 7 licensed in the state of Oregon. Though patients can use marijuana legally, many of them have a difficult time getting their medicine.

Measure 74 would add a regulated supply system of dispensaries and producers to the current medical marijuana law (which requires patients to produce their own medicine). Licensed producers will grow the marijuana and sell it to dispensaries.

M74 will allow dispensaries in Oregon
M74 will allow producers (those who choose to grow for dispensaries) to supply those dispensaries
M74 will have a $1000 annual fee on the producer for these dispensaries
M74 will have a 10% tax on the gross revenue
M74 will not cost patients who want to grow or continue to grow for themselves
M74 will not have a 10% tax on the gross for patients who grow for themselves
M74 will not cost a grower who wants to grow or continue to grow for his or her personal patients
M74 will not have a 10% tax on the grower who grows for their personal patients
M74 only affects those who choose to become producers or work for a dispensary. The rules, regulations and fees only apply to producers and dispensaries and do not affect growers, patients or caregivers in any way.
by Anthony Johnson

Some voters are surprised by the appearance of this measure on the ballot, however it received a lot of support in the initiative process. The Coalition for Patients’ Rights 2010, working with Voter Power, turned in well over the necessary amount of signatures to the Secretary of State office last spring, which was accomplished fairly quickly, without much hype.

Chief petitioners say that the Oregon Regulated Medical Marijuana Supply System, which Measure 74 creates, will be funded by license fees and taxes on dispensaries and producers.

They have a good track record. OMMP, the Oregon medical marijuana program, has earned a positive reputation for taking care of the state, contributing over $1million to the general fund after just a few years. If the measure passes, advocates estimate that it will raise $10 million-$40 million the first year.

Both dispensaries and producers will be subject to inspection and auditing by the health department. All employees will have to be over 21 years old and pass criminal background checks. Dispensaries will not be located near schools or in residential areas and must submit security plans with their applications to DHS.

Though this measure specifically appeals to the needs of legal medical marijuana patients, some skeptics say that “medical marijuana's expansion would send mixed signals to our youth.” Education is key here, as misinformation spread between social groups (of all ages) is the main reason the whole truth is not revealed.

Anthony Johnson, co-author of Measure 74 lists the main objections he has heard and offers his answers here. “There are a few misunderstandings about M74 among some Oregon medical marijuana card holders,” he said. Without looking at the marijuana dispensary issue completely, one cannot make an informed decision on November 2. Transparency is the only acceptable strategy to improve the standards of care for sick and ill Oregonians.

24 Oregon voters who chose to participate in the Citizens’ Initiative Review process, randomly selected, said this:

“Public policy impacts all citizens—we have had the opportunity to closely review material not readily available to voters—and have tried to examine both sides of this measure in an unbiased manner.

The majority of the panelists agreed that “Measure 74 creates a safe, compassionate and prompt access program for Oregon medical marijuana patients, introduces regulation, and is financially sound.”

One of the 11 statements in favor of Measure 74 in the voters pamphlet (two are against) was filed by pain patient Alice Ivany of Toledo, Oregon. Ivany explains in her statement how the loss of an arm led to overuse injuries and pain in her “good” arm.

As a result, Ivany was approved to use medical marijuana in 2001, but she was forced to go 17 months without it, because she could not find a supplier. “There was nowhere to get medical marijuana,” says Ivany. “I was embarrassed to ask around or put anyone in harm’s way.”

Ivan coped by using narcotic pain relievers, but suffered negative side effects. “Sometimes, the only thing worse than the pain was the [prescription drugs],” Ivany writes. “Narcotic pain relievers put me out of commission. I was often depressed, and unable to be active.”

Ivany finally obtained medical marijuana, and she says now that “[i]t killed the pain without dulling my senses or ruining my days.”

She says Measure 74’s promise of improved, safe, convenient access to medical marijuana is important in light of her own experience. Ivany wants patients who are qualified to use medical marijuana to have an easier time finding it than she did.

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kevin saunders October 21, 2010 4:28 pm (Pacific time)

i urge all potential dispensaries to go 'delivery only'..it will save you tons of money on overhead and will save you hassle from local jurisdictions..put your egos aside and know that the novelty of dispensaries will eventually wear off and start with delivery services..its safe,green and more cost efficient.it is the trend in california as we speak..now this as iam the first and only do do this in oregon,exactly one full year ahead of the rest..now open in monterey california,Coasterdam Cannabis Clinic is now the premier delivery service of half priced PRIZED meds in California..we offer multiple discounts to vets,clients of methadone clinics and peeps on SSI..remember,vote Kevin P. Saunders for Mayor of Lincoln City.iam the only candidate in oregon running on a cannabis tourism and taxation platform..its time!

nick b October 21, 2010 4:21 pm (Pacific time)

"Though this measure specifically appeals to the needs of legal medical marijuana patients, some skeptics say that “medical marijuana's expansion would send mixed signals to our youth.” Education is key here, as misinformation spread between social groups (of all ages) is the main reason the whole truth is not revealed" as mentioned briefly above i also feel it also important to educate all sides. sure we dont want our kids thinking "smoking weed is ok to do, so do it"; however most people judging medical marijuana never look at the pharmaceutical downsides of pills and other medicines and how extreme they can be in comparison to MJ. im glad yall are still reporting, bless salem news!

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