Gov's Council Getting Breifed about OMMP
The Governor's Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse Programs is going to get breifed about the OMMP on Aug.26 at 9:30. It is always good to hear what they are up to and what they are saying about us.

The More the Merrier!

Having us there has made an impression on them. I was informed at the last meeting that they were dropping plans to raise our OMMP fees and abscond with the surplus revenues generated.

They could be hearing about the current case with OGF member GreenTeam. Being there is a way to help support her case.

Or it could just be a report of how many people are in the program and how much money it has.

Details are here:

http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2008news/2008-0819.pdf

Meeting Report

It is important to note that we packed the house, and that the Governor’s Drug Policy Analyst was there to see it. That will get back to the Governor, for certain. Clearly the Governor is seeking information about our program. That is good: it means we have his attention.

Tawana gave a big slide-show presentation on OMMP mostly statistics that OMMP normally gives out and information about who qualifies for the program.

Then MAMA Sandy gave a talking to them with her usual message about evaluating all drugs on an equal basis.

After that it was Tawana and MAMA Sandy on the grill. The Council had a great many questions. Tawana and MAMA Sandy answered them as best they could, but many of their questions could not be answered at this time. I tried to write most of their questions down, but there were so many!

• Does OMMP reject applications? Does OMMP confirm that patients have the condition that qualifies them for OMMP?
• How many gardens, and how are they monitored?
• Are there a small number of doctors who refer a large number of patients for the program.
• What kind of labels are on marijuana-based medication?
• Are patients told not to drive under the influence?
• Employment Issues: What is a debilitating condition?
• Ads about OMMP: are they legal, can the Council do anything about them?
• Cardholders in treatment: How many has MAMA referred?
• Stats: Most agencies report by age & gender, OMMP does not. Why & will you?
• Can you track if doctors are doing new referrals or renewals?
• Is the doctor informed if the patient gets a DUI for MMJ?
• What percentage of patients in the program have a debilitating condition?

The Council is also concerned about norms in the community. They are very upset about several things.

• Flaunting the ability to use marijuana
• Cannabis Competitions
• Sampling between growers
• Sampling between patients
• 420 Church, cannabis as sacrament
• Tribune articles about OMCA/ Caregivers Cup
• Young OMMP patients, under 18

The Council mentioned articles in the Tribune and the Oregonian about Medical Cannabis Competitions. They do not like to see us in the news. They do not like the Cannabis Cups. They do not want any kind of publicity for the program.

They do not want us in the workplace. They thought we would all be bedridden dying people, not people who could ever hold a job.

Of Special Note: the building is appallingly non-compliant with ADA. Their accessible entrance is around back, and the front entrance has at least 3 blatant violations. It is a new building, so it’s unexcusable.