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The Humboldt Medical Marijuana Advisory Panel (HUMMAP) released comments on the Washington State rules for medical marijuana that are proposed by the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) pursuant to the I-502 voter initiative approved by Washington voters in 2012. HUMMAP is deeply concerned these proposed rules have the potential to highly damage the marijuana industry, or alternatively to strongly foster its healthy development. "It is a hugely important measure to the entire marijuana industry," said Robert Sutherland, spokesperson for HUMMAP. "Our members produce the finest marijuana in the world. We can continue to do this only if the models developed by government are healthy for the industry and the consumer," he said.
Nelson cited the critical comments on the proposed rules that have been made by the Center for Cannabis and Social Policy of Seattle. The executive director, Dr. Dominic Corva, has written that "We are concerned that these draft recommendations are based more in the production of political theater than in the realities of currently existing patient access, on the one hand, and a lack of understanding about Washington State cannabis markets on the other." Dr. Corva elaborated exactly why he makes these strong charges.
Dr. Corva also added that, "I-502 said nothing about medical cannabis when the voters passed it, and it is a perversion of public initiative process for the state legislature, or any public stakeholder including the governor's office and the Department of Revenue, to use it to dismantle the existing system of patient access." "Dr. Corva's comments are alarming to us," said Nelson. "They suggest the Liquor Control Board is not representing the Washington public, and the Washington public clearly expects fairness for the patients, the consumers, and the industry."
Similar concerns about the recent Colorado initiative were voiced at a public forum on Sunday, Nov. 10 by Scott Bergin, marijuana entrepreneur from Colorado. He reported that industry people such as himself had "made a mistake to trust the process to implement the [Colorado] initiative." The process was "dominated by people who feared marijuana and lobbied for restrictive rules." He added that the legislators writing the rules had close ties to the lobbyists for law enforcement, and that the industry has been highly damaged as a result.
"Rather than dwelling in the fears of the past, let's envision the best ways to have a vibrant and healthy industry for the many people who want and need marijuana," Sutherland concluded. "They have a right to it." The Humboldt Medical Marijuana Advisory Panel is a community-based nonpartisan policy group created four years ago to foster comprehensive approaches to legal marijuana policy, integrating health, safety, economic, and regulatory issues in Humboldt County, California and the United States. Formed by a public meeting process, HUMMAP speaks for the interests of legal marijuana growers, patients, caregivers, distributors and support services across Humboldt County.
News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Redwoodtimes.com
Author: Redwood Times
Contact: Contact Us - Redwood Times
Website: Are Washington marijuana rules at threat to the industry? - Redwood Times
Nelson cited the critical comments on the proposed rules that have been made by the Center for Cannabis and Social Policy of Seattle. The executive director, Dr. Dominic Corva, has written that "We are concerned that these draft recommendations are based more in the production of political theater than in the realities of currently existing patient access, on the one hand, and a lack of understanding about Washington State cannabis markets on the other." Dr. Corva elaborated exactly why he makes these strong charges.
Dr. Corva also added that, "I-502 said nothing about medical cannabis when the voters passed it, and it is a perversion of public initiative process for the state legislature, or any public stakeholder including the governor's office and the Department of Revenue, to use it to dismantle the existing system of patient access." "Dr. Corva's comments are alarming to us," said Nelson. "They suggest the Liquor Control Board is not representing the Washington public, and the Washington public clearly expects fairness for the patients, the consumers, and the industry."
Similar concerns about the recent Colorado initiative were voiced at a public forum on Sunday, Nov. 10 by Scott Bergin, marijuana entrepreneur from Colorado. He reported that industry people such as himself had "made a mistake to trust the process to implement the [Colorado] initiative." The process was "dominated by people who feared marijuana and lobbied for restrictive rules." He added that the legislators writing the rules had close ties to the lobbyists for law enforcement, and that the industry has been highly damaged as a result.
"Rather than dwelling in the fears of the past, let's envision the best ways to have a vibrant and healthy industry for the many people who want and need marijuana," Sutherland concluded. "They have a right to it." The Humboldt Medical Marijuana Advisory Panel is a community-based nonpartisan policy group created four years ago to foster comprehensive approaches to legal marijuana policy, integrating health, safety, economic, and regulatory issues in Humboldt County, California and the United States. Formed by a public meeting process, HUMMAP speaks for the interests of legal marijuana growers, patients, caregivers, distributors and support services across Humboldt County.
News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Redwoodtimes.com
Author: Redwood Times
Contact: Contact Us - Redwood Times
Website: Are Washington marijuana rules at threat to the industry? - Redwood Times
