POT: HOT TOPIC AT THE CAPITOL

On the same day lawmakers debated the future of the state's Medical
Marijuana Act, the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that county sheriffs
can't deny medical marijuana users concealed handgun permits.

Attorney Leland Berger, who represented the medical marijuana users
at the court, testified Thursday. He told lawmakers their proposed
changes to the act should be reconsidered. "Please kill this bill,"
he said. "This is a bill that shouldn't go anywhere."

House Bill 3664 would give Oregon State Police a database of medical
marijuana growers. It also would limit the number of people growers
can provide medical cannabis to, from four to two.

Voters created the medical marijuana program in 1998. There are two
newly established cannabis clubs in Bend, the Central Oregon
Alternative Therapy Club and the Herb Center.