Stormy Ray’s Co-op bill would eliminate 3 – and 4 – patient gardens

Oregon voters did not pass Measure 74 on November 2, which sought to implement a regulated medical marijuana supply system for patients.  Meanwhile, Stormy Ray has been working quietly on a cooperative bill that would implement patient-owned and operated cooperatives to sell medical marijuana to registered cardholders.  Stormy Ray, however, has refused to share the text with the patients and activist community for any discussion — until now.  On Friday January 7, Stormy Ray notified the activist community that Rep. Mike Schaufler will introduce the bill (referred to as LC-798) in the upcoming week, potentially as soon as Monday, January 10.

Many patients often have to resort to the black market, which is an unacceptable source for medicine.  Many patients would be happy to learn that there may soon be a medical marijuana supply system in the form of cooperatives.  However, this bill eliminates medical marijuana gardens for more than two patients – which may disturb many activists and patients who are currently satisfied with the status quo.

Further, under the current law, a patient can designate one person to grow for them (commonly referred to as the “grower”) and another person that assists with their personal care (known as a “caregiver”).  LC-798 will eliminate the grower card, and redefine the caregiver card.  A patient will be allowed to grow for themselves, assign a caregiver to grow for them, or assign their grow site to a cooperative.  If a patient would like to grow or have a caregiver grow for them, it MUST be in the residence of the patient or the caregiver – no other locations are allowed.  While this provision is not effective immediately (it would go into effect January 1, 2013), the remainder of the bill would go into effect immediately.

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Stormy Ray’s Co-op bill would eliminate 3 – and 4 – patient gardens