STATE MAY TAKE OVER GROWING MEDICAL POT

Lawmakers Say House Bill Would Improve Public Safety

The state would take over growing and distributing marijuana to
patients in the medical-marijuana program under a bill introduced in
the Legislature on Wednesday.

"Our current system isn't working, and we need to move quickly to
protect patient safety," said Rep. Ron Maurer, R-Grants Pass.

House Bill 3274 directs the state to establish and operate a
marijuana production facility and distribute the drug to pharmacies
for dispensing to cardholders and primary caregivers. The bill
imposes a $98-per-ounce tax on marijuana, which would cover the
state's costs of operating and securing the production center.

Lawmakers said they think the bill would improve public safety by
eliminating private medical-marijuana grow sites.

Some private growers have been accused of illegally selling marijuana
to noncardholders, and other sites have been targeted by burglaries
and home invasions.

"House Bill 3274 takes medical marijuana off the streets and into a
safer and more secure environment," said Rep. Chris Harker, D-Beaverton.

It also could improve patient safety.

"Many patients have no assurance that their marijuana is not laced
with pesticides or other toxic chemicals," said Rep. Jim Thompson, R-Dallas.

Oregon voters approved the state's medical-marijuana law in 1998,
making it the second state in the country to remove criminal
penalties for medical marijuana. Currently, 13 states allow medical marijuana.

In 2004, voters rejected a measure that would create state
distribution centers.

Current law allows registered patients to possess six mature cannabis
plants, 18 immature seedlings and 24 ounces of usable cannabis.

"Oregonians have voted to authorize the use of medical marijuana, yet
the Legislature has failed to provide adequate safeguards for
citizens who have a legitimate need for it," said Rep. Carolyn Tomei,
D-Milwaukie.

As of January, 20,842 patients and 10,424 caregivers held
medical-marijuana cards.

The bill has not been assigned to a committee.