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Lost
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Citizen panel weighs in on medical marijuana initiative; 13 of 24 people support Measure 74
Kimberly Melton, The Oregonian
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Healthy Democracy Oregon24 citizens from all over Oregon spent five days in Salem evaluating Measure 74, which would create a medical marijuana supply system.
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0
48
Share A citizens panel narrowly supported a ballot measure that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon.
For five days, a group of Oregonians from all over the state have been interviewing experts, listening to advocates and wading through data and reports as part of a pilot project to get voters' take on one of the citizen initiatives on the November ballot.
Of the 24 participants, 13 supported Measure 74, which establishes a medical marijuana supply system, as well as assistance and research programs. For the first time, the findings of this Citizen Initiative Review panel will appear in the Voter's Pamphlet.
In the pro-statement, panelists said they supported the measure because the dispensary system would allow patients to acquire medical marijuana more quickly, generate jobs for Oregon residents, and create a self-sustaining program that has the potential to increase state revenue.
They also felt the measure would add more regulation to the current Oregon Medical Marijuana Program.
The 11 panelists who opposed the measure said it didn't provide enough details about the maximum number of dispensaries, the purchase limit for individuals and penalties for violations.
Additionally, they felt the increase in availability of marijuana could increase illegal activity and fraud.
John Sajo, an advocate and co-author of Measure 74, brought a group of scientists, attorneys and medical marijuana cardholders to speak to the group this week. He likened the process to an intense focus group.
"This is all new territory for us," Sajo said. "It's been an interesting and challenging process, a good process so far. I think we've learned a lot about what people care about and what people focus on in the measure."
Elliot Shuford and Tyrone Reitman, the co-directors and founders of non-profit Healthy Democracy Oregon, persuaded the 2009 Legislature to endorse the Citizens Initiative Review as a pilot project, with the results appearing in the state-produced voters' guide.
Both say they wanted to provide an opportunity for Oregon voters to hear about the citizen initiatives from other Oregonians, and not just from advocates or opponents of the measure.
No state tax money was involved in the two-week pilot. The cost of $150,000 for each review comes from grants and private donations.
As part of the legislation, the project will be professionally evaluated by a team from the University of Washington.
Last week, a group of panelists evaluated Measure 73, which would establish minimum sentences for repeat sex offenders and drunken drivers. Twenty-one of 24 panelists opposed that measure.
-- Kim Melton
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/08/citizen_panel_weighs_in_on_med.html
Kimberly Melton, The Oregonian
Follow Share this story
Story tools
Healthy Democracy Oregon24 citizens from all over Oregon spent five days in Salem evaluating Measure 74, which would create a medical marijuana supply system.
14
0
48
Share A citizens panel narrowly supported a ballot measure that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon.
For five days, a group of Oregonians from all over the state have been interviewing experts, listening to advocates and wading through data and reports as part of a pilot project to get voters' take on one of the citizen initiatives on the November ballot.
Of the 24 participants, 13 supported Measure 74, which establishes a medical marijuana supply system, as well as assistance and research programs. For the first time, the findings of this Citizen Initiative Review panel will appear in the Voter's Pamphlet.
In the pro-statement, panelists said they supported the measure because the dispensary system would allow patients to acquire medical marijuana more quickly, generate jobs for Oregon residents, and create a self-sustaining program that has the potential to increase state revenue.
They also felt the measure would add more regulation to the current Oregon Medical Marijuana Program.
The 11 panelists who opposed the measure said it didn't provide enough details about the maximum number of dispensaries, the purchase limit for individuals and penalties for violations.
Additionally, they felt the increase in availability of marijuana could increase illegal activity and fraud.
John Sajo, an advocate and co-author of Measure 74, brought a group of scientists, attorneys and medical marijuana cardholders to speak to the group this week. He likened the process to an intense focus group.
"This is all new territory for us," Sajo said. "It's been an interesting and challenging process, a good process so far. I think we've learned a lot about what people care about and what people focus on in the measure."
Elliot Shuford and Tyrone Reitman, the co-directors and founders of non-profit Healthy Democracy Oregon, persuaded the 2009 Legislature to endorse the Citizens Initiative Review as a pilot project, with the results appearing in the state-produced voters' guide.
Both say they wanted to provide an opportunity for Oregon voters to hear about the citizen initiatives from other Oregonians, and not just from advocates or opponents of the measure.
No state tax money was involved in the two-week pilot. The cost of $150,000 for each review comes from grants and private donations.
As part of the legislation, the project will be professionally evaluated by a team from the University of Washington.
Last week, a group of panelists evaluated Measure 73, which would establish minimum sentences for repeat sex offenders and drunken drivers. Twenty-one of 24 panelists opposed that measure.
-- Kim Melton
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/08/citizen_panel_weighs_in_on_med.html
