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LISTENING SESSION Residents tell OLCC: Don't restrict legal pot Patridge vows not to block implementation of Measure 91 Comment By Damian Mann Mail Tribune DailyTidings.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Feb. 19, 2015 at 11:25 AM Updated Feb 19, 2015 at 12:02 PM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Feb. 19, 2015 at 11:25 AM Updated Feb 19, 2015 at 12:02 PM » RELATED CONTENT • Raising pot could lift all power rates » Social News Oregon officials heard loud and clear Wednesday night that they shouldn't mess with Oregon's medical marijuana program as the state gets ready to legalize recreational cannabis July 1. "To think we can merge the two systems is a catastrophe waiting to happen," said Michael Monarch, who said his Talent dispensary deals with thousands of patients. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission, which held its fifth marijuana listening session at Southern Oregon University, also heard that growers should have the option of producing plants for both recreational use as well as for medical marijuana patients. More than 350 people attended the session, the second highest number just behind Eugene, where 500 people showed up. The 11 listening sessions being held around the state are part of a year-long rule-making process that will culminate in providing licenses to growers, processors, wholesalers and retailers of recreational marijuana. Oregon voters approved Measure 91 in November, joining Washington and Colorado in legalizing recreational marijuana. After July 1, a resident could grow four plants and possess up to 8 ounces of dried marijuana. However, the OLCC is wrestling with questions about how many plants could a licensed recreational grower produce and how it should track the cultivation process from seed to harvest to prevent sales on the black market. Rob Patridge, OLCC chairman, said his agency will look at computer-scanning equipment that will make it easier to track seeds. A Medford resident and Klamath Falls district attorney, Patridge told the audience he didn't support Measure 91 but vowed not to erect any impediments to its implementation. He said he grew up in the valley and remembers going to SOU as a child. "Who would think we'd be here years later talking about marijuana," he said. OLCC Commissioner Marvin Révoal said he likened the budding marijuana industry in Oregon to the wine growing region of Napa Valley. "This is the most exciting thing I've been involved in other than my family," he said. The audience indicated it wanted as few restrictions as possible on recreational marijuana, but had generally mixed reviews about what kind of licensing should be required of "bud-tenders," who would provide advice to customers on the merits of different strains of marijuana. A majority of the audience objected to growers coming in from outside the state, or allowing corporations to conduct industrial grows. They generally objected to installation of cameras on licensed grow operations, but thought some security was necessary. Labeling edibles with clearly marked doses was also generally favored. Some audience members thought the calls for more restrictions were coming from the same people who have opposed legalizing marijuana for decades. Dale Anderson said he doesn't support the idea of keeping marijuana out of public view for fear it could encourage children to want to consume it. "Some concerns are kind of stupid," said the 60-year-old who lives in Provolt. "You could walk into a convenience store and see beer. That doesn't make you want to drink it." Some audience members expressed concerns about the impact on the watershed from large marijuana grows, while others raised concerns about edible marijuana falling into the hands of children. "The concern I have is the edibles," said Kristen Paulson, a 37-year-old Williams resident. "I have a 3-year-old, and they get into anything." At the same time, she didn't think an arthritic grandmother should be forced to open a child-proof cap to access her medication. Andreas Met, a 51-year-old Central Point resident, said the existing medical marijuana industry shouldn't be touched, and he expressed concern about the government interfering too much. He said the company he works for, Portland-based Golden XTRX, extract oils from marijuana for patients. "We're trying to make money in this industry," he said. "Over-regulation is going to make it more difficult to make." Danny Gregg, a 63-year-old Ashland marijuana user, acknowledged he'd grown pot for 40 years, predating both the medical and recreational marijuana laws. "Don't worry, nobody's coming after you," said Jeanne Lawson, who helped facilitate the OLCC forum. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow him on www.twitter.com/reporterdm . By Damian Mann Mail Tribune DailyTidings.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Feb. 19, 2015 at 11:25 AM Updated Feb 19, 2015 at 12:02 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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