• 28
  • July
    2011

Medical marijuana is legal in Oregon, under specified conditions.

But even for people with a legal medical marijuana card, getting hold of the substance often poses big logistical challenges.

For one thing, there is no certain supply source. A holder of a medical marijuana card can grow, possess and consume his or her own medical marijuana. But there is no dedicated supply system. The state's marijuana program is merely a registration procedure. It does not deliver any marijuana to anyone.

Many would-be users of medical marijuana are very frustrated by this situation. And the number of people affected is significant; over 40,000 patients hold valid medical marijuana cards.

Of course, it would be different if there were dispensaries, as in California. So far, however, Oregon has not allowed them. In November 2010, voters turned down Measure 74, which would have legalized dispensaries. The vote was 58 percent to 42 percent.

So what now?

The problem is not just the lack of a dependable supply source for medical marijuana cardholders who are seeking to acquire marijuana legally. It's also the fact that over-zealous law enforcement officers often over-react to activity that is perfectly legal under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act.

The debate about dispensaries and other aspects of the law continues, with many questions unresolved.

If you have been charged with a marijuana-related offense, such as possession with intent to distribute, seek experienced legal counsel immediately. You should not have to pay the price for a medical marijuana law that is not written as clearly, or enforced as consistently, as it should be.

Source: "Medical Marijuana: Dispensaries," Oregon Capitol News, 7-27-2011