APPLICATIONS COMING IN FROM AROUND THE STATE

The state isn't issuing medical marijuana registration cards yet, but
several people have applied.

Dr. Grant Higginson, state health officer, recommended submitting
applications as soon as possible, even though the Oregon Health Division
has until May 1 to issue the cards.

"As soon as the registration system is up and running we'll start
processing them," he said.

The state will verify information in the applications, but that doesn't
mean it will hunt down users and perform exams, he said.

"I don't think the act gives us the authority to go in and question
physician judgment," Higginson said.

Since doctors determine a patient's medical condition, those wishing to
apply should visit their physician for documentation.

"They also need the note to say that they may benefit from the medical use
of marijuana," he said. The recommendation must come from an Oregon
licensed physician.

Send the medical information and the physician recommendation, along with
the doctors name, address and telephone number, in a packet that includes
the name, address and birth date of the applicant. Someone who wants to
designate a primary care-giver should include that name and address.

All information should be sent to: Dr. Grant Higginson, state health
officer, Oregon Health Division, 800 N.E. Oregon St. Number 925, Portland,
OR 97232.

Applicants should keep their own copy of the documentation, Higginson added.

Call the Health Division at (503) 731-4000 for information.

The state does not provide a list of physicians willing to make a
recommendation, but Higginson said some are willing to do so.

"We have gotten those written notifications from a number of physicians
from a number of different parts of the state," he said, although he didn't
have specific locations.

No figure were available on the number of people who have applied.
Applications are locked away until the registration system is activated.

Oregonians for Medical Rights, an organization that championed passage of
the medical marijuana law approved by voters last November, has fielded
about 350 requests for information about the law. It offers a toll-free
number, (877) 600-6767.