The Medical Cannabis Finish Line Is In Sight

By Shawn DeNae

The stage is set, the contenders are in place and we either cross that finish line by legitimizing medicinal use, cultivation and dispensing of medical cannabis in law or it’s finished all together.

A dedicated group striving to protect medical cannabis access in Washington State gathered on Thursday as starters in a sprint.  Kari Boiter, the Americans for Safe Access National Advocate of the Year, lead the discussion with bullet strength detail.

The bottom line?  This grassroots effort needs funds to hire a lobbyist to represent interests in Olympia.  That’s the way it works and Boiter knows just the woman for the job who’ll deliver the communities’ message.

Any legislation presented in 2014 that meets these Core Values has stakeholder support.  Here’s the message, in its simple detail:

1. Patients must maintain the ability to possess and cultivate a 60 day supply as previously defined by the Department of Health.
2. Small, private non-commercial cooperatives must be preserved with clear guidelines.
3. Affirmative defense must be retained as it is in current law.
4. Commercial MMJ enterprises must be licensed and regulated by the State.
5. Medical cannabis must follow the same guidelines of taxation as other botanical medicines as per current WA State law.
6. Health care professionals must maintain the flexibility to adapt treatment plans to suit individual patients needs.
7. A dedicate workgroup of knowledgeable stakeholders must first study the impact of a patient registry before any action is taken to establish one.
8. Civil rights need granted so that no medical cannabis patients lose their housing nor their jobs nor should a patient be denied an organ transplant because of their cannabis use.  PTSD needs added as a qualifying condition as supported by evolving science proving it’s benefits.

The small crowd quickly pledged and departed with weekend commitments to gather the initial $25,000 in funds that will secure the Olympian influence and organization required to move forward.  The time to cross the finish line is within a short 45 day legislative session beginning Monday January 13th.

The procrastination to make a difference ends now.

Those of you that agree with the Core Values can help by giving generously at www.healthbeforehappyhour.org  The cannabis community thanks you.