Maine Task Force Approves Medical Marijuana Distribution Plan

[Dadfarm]

Augusta, Maine -- Maine's Medical Marijuana Task Force adopted its final report on Wednesday, which includes a proposal to the state legislature to establish a non-profit center to distribute medical marijuana.

The report, prepared for the legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and Criminal Justice, explains how the state can legally oversee medical marijuana distribution despite conflicts with federal law. By a vote of 16-11, the task force favored a legislative proposal to create a pilot program through which a centralized medical marijuana distribution center would serve registered patients. A board composed of community members would administer the center.

The task force was appointed by the Maine Department of Attorney General to evaluate strategies for implementing the medical marijuana ballot initiative that passed in November 1999. The new state law allows patients to grow and use medical marijuana, but distribution issues were left un-addressed, due to federal conflicts.

If the task force's proposal becomes law, Maine would be the first state to officially sanction a distribution center. Similar centers have been approved by about a dozen local governments across California, but no state government has yet taken this bold step. "I'm sick and tired of the threat of the Federal Government," said Maine Sheriff's Association President Mark Westrum, who served on the task force, according to the minutes of the task force's meeting on September 13.

"If the state authorizes a medical marijuana distribution center, it would be a win-win situation," said Chuck Thomas, director of communications for the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project. "The federal government will probably ignore it -- which would help countless patients in Maine and inspire other states to adopt similar laws. On the other hand, if the DEA raids the center, they would then have to argue in federal court that the people of Maine must submit to the dictates of federal bureaucrats. Photos of federal agents pointing guns at cancer patients would only hasten our efforts to finally change federal law."

In addition to Sheriff Westrum, the distribution proposal was also supported by Maine Chiefs of Police Association President Joe Rogers and Maine Hospice Council representative Candyce Powell.

Seven of the 10 state legislators who served on the task force also approved the proposal, including Sen. Anne Rand (D-Cumberland) and Rep. Michael Quint (D-Portland), who are preparing to introduce legislation to establish the medical marijuana distribution center.

[asamaine]

I believe this is a message put out 10 years ago. when I sat on the Govenors task force. Anne rand and Michael Quint and ethan stremling. all are no longer elected officials.
charlie wynott
asamaine.org