Senate Bill 964 for Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Program

The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) is in possible reoccurring scare by Oregon politicians that are against displaying  respect to the will of the voters. These politicians are supposed to be working on enforcing Oregon Measure 91, which legalized the use of recreational marijuana in the state for individuals who are over 21. Yet, these political figures have used a fair amount of their time trying to utilize this as an opportunity to fight ageist the OMMP.

Senate Bill 964, which is backed by Republican Senator Jeff Kruse, and Democratic Senator Ginny Burdick will grant certain amount of city council members and county commissioners to prohibit state license medical marijuana shops, without a mandatory public vote of the people.

This provision for medical cannabis businesses will damage Measure 91’s voter-approved opt-out procedure, requiring a vote of the people, whether in future legislation or future lawsuits. It is critical that any form of opt-out operation for marijuana businesses match the provision passed by over 56% of Oregon voters.

Senate Bill 964 is in opposition of voters and damages the priorities of Oregon and even the federal government. Simply opting-out of state regulated pot businesses will only intensify the illegal, black market.

Voters in Oregon want to reframe from dealing with cannabis as a crime and to gather as many individuals into a state regulated system as possible.