MEASURE 33

Supporters of Measure 33 say that it addresses shortcomings in the
original legislation that authorized use of marijuana in Oregon to
treat certain medical conditions.

About 10,000 Oregonians now use marijuana with a doctor's prescription
to ease pain, nausea and conditions such as glaucoma and muscle
spasms. The main problem with the original legislation, backers say,
is that many of those who are in the greatest need of its benefits are
bedridden or otherwise unable to tend growing plants. Some have taken
to buying marijuana on the black market.

Measure 33 would allow the sale of marijuana to medical marijuana
cardholders through licensed dispenseries, increase the amount of
marijuana each patient is allowed to keep on hand, add to the number
of conditions for which it could be prescribed, and add nurse
practitioners to the list of those who could legally prescribe the
treatment.

Our editorial board was divided on this issue. A majority of the board
voted in favor of endorsing Measure 33, but some members had serious
concerns that such a massive loosening of the standards would lead to
rampant abuse. They also were disturbed by one provision of the bill,
which would require county health departments to become marijuana
dispensaries in counties in which no private dispensaries were
established. That's a potential new burden that Wasco, Sherman and
other counties in the region might have to shoulder, at the expense of
other programs.

With serious reservations, The Chronicle supports Measure 33.