MARIJUANA LAW HERE TO STAY

I am a nonuser who spoke at the recent fact-gathering hearing in Eugene on
Oregon's medical marijuana program. My wife has a pending application for
an Oregon medical marijuana card. She has a long and strongly documented
medical history of wrenching pain and physical deterioration. I would like
to point out some important details not covered in The Register-Guard's
Dec. 7 story.

1) These newly implemented "rules" by state health authorities have delayed
over $135,000 in uncollected state fees that may never be recovered. The
new rules themselves have cost taxpayers over $57,000 in meetings with
federal officials and attorneys, paperwork and salary demands by state
health officials.

2) It was revealed that almost every primary care physician may treat up to
1,000 patients each within a six-month period and may prescribe any kind of
drug accordingly. This is not unusual, and yet no one thinks about it. And
every doctor has a small percentage of shady patients feigning symptoms
with such physicians. Dr. Philip Leveque has done nothing unusual, except
that he has been made out to be unusual to create this "new rule and
regulation" climate.

3) It was obvious that the wording in these "rules and rapid-fire
amendments" assured that misconstruing them would be inevitable.

4) A proposal to make all Oregon doctors immune from prosecution from
charges involving medical marijuana was discussed.

5) Twenty people testified but nearly 100 attended.

6) Finally, it was revealed that no matter the obstacles, the Oregon
Medical Marijuana Act is here to stay and it will survive, thrive and
continue onward.

Dan Woodmark

Eugene