Oregon Likely to Have Dispensaries on Ballot, Reclassifies Marijuana as Schedule II Drug
Last week was a busy one for medical marijuana reform efforts in Oregon.
First, the signature drive to put an initiative on the November ballot that would add medical marijuana dispensaries to the state’s existing law is coming to a close. With more than 74,000 signatures already verified, it is highly likely that this initiative will appear before the voters this year.
In other news, the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled that medical marijuana patients applying for a concealed-carry handgun license could not be denied based on their status as a “drug user.” While legal to use with a doctor’s recommendation in Oregon, marijuana is still considered an illegal drug under federal law. According to the federal Gun Control Act, marijuana use can be justification to prevent a person from carrying a concealed firearm. According to the Court of Appeals, however, state and local law enforcement personnel are required to follow state law, which does not explicitly prevent medical marijuana patients from obtaining the license.
Finally, with another groundbreaking move by a public entity, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy has voted to reschedule marijuana as a Schedule II drug. While this will have little effect on medical marijuana in the state, it carries a symbolic importance in the greater national campaign to remove marijuana from the overly restrictive Schedule I. In February, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy recommended the same change, but Oregon appears to be the first state to actually enact it. Marijuana still remains a Schedule I drug on the federal level.
With all these moves to legitimize marijuana going on, it seems like things are looking up for Oregon patients. Make sure to keep your eye on Oregon in coming months to see if the dispensary initiative qualifies and if voters approve it in November.
Tagged with: ballot initiative and Board of Pharmacy and concealed-carry and Iowa and Oregon by the author
7 comments
November has a lot of hope attached to it but I believe moving MJ from schedule I to a Schedule II classification is by far history that will never be forgotten and most appreciated over the next century! : )
I agree, it gives marijuana clot as something with medical benefits. It will be nice to have this as ammunition when talking to prohibitionist.
I agree, if we can get state by stae to reschedule to 2, then we will be able to force congress to rescedule, effectively ending prohibition. In my lifetime I’m 63 in just fair health! but am eligible as a med patie nt if Ill house would vote yes like the senate did God bless mj and mpp and the ILl senate!!
Since I have a felony for marijuana, it is illegal for me to own a firearm to protect my family. I am dependent on the local police to protect my family in case someone violently tries to harm my family. However, the local police will probably be too busy enforcing marijuana laws and arresting innocent people for a substance safer than alcohol rather than protecting my family. The police arrested more people in 2008 for simple possession of marijuana than for violent crimes! What happened to the Constitution and Bill of Rights?
I discovered this morning, that I’m getting sicker at a MUCH faster rate.. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE grab a copy of this video and post it all over the place..
Thanks in advance…!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1jNf5abxBQ
This is very good news and also great news for the other states who can also reclassify cannabis to Schedule 2.
Step in the right direction.
dominoes falling!
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