Pubdate: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 Source: Oregonian, The (Portland, OR) Copyright: 2004 The Oregonian Contact: http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324 Author: Bruce Alexander Knight Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1356/a07.html PATIENTS NEED SAFE ACCESS According to police ("Man who was shot had legal marijuana," Sept. 23), a Portland victim was apparently targeted for his medicinal crop on Sept. 20. The shooting demonstrates medical marijuana patients' need for safe access through dispensaries. Currently, patients who can't grow their own (or find a caregiver) must buy black-market medicine or go without. Security issues compound the problem. Measure 33 would allow state-regulated dispensaries to assume the security burden and supply medicine to qualified patients -- safely and reliably, at no cost to taxpayers. Voters' compassion in passing the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act six years ago has proven well placed. Many who then opposed it now acknowledge the marijuana act's success, but improvements are still needed for public safety. Please support Measure 33. BRUCE ALEXANDER KNIGHT Southeast Portland - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake