Comment sought on marijuana rules for Oregon

The public is invited to comment on new state rules that put into effect changes in Oregon's medical-marijuana law.

The changes to the 1998 voter-approved law are contained in Senate Bill 1085, which the 2005 Legislature passed and which takes effect Jan. 1. The program is run by the Department of Human Services.

The legal changes allow a registered patient or caregiver to possess 24 ounces of dried marijuana and to grow as many as six mature plants and 18 seedlings. The 1998 limits were 3 ounces, three mature plants and four immature plants.

But patients and caregivers no longer could argue in court that having more than the specified amounts is a medical necessity, giving them a defense against prosecution. Caregivers also would be limited to growing for no more than four patients per year.

The proposed rules changes set an application fee of $100, effective Dec. 1 For Oregon Health Plan and Supplemental Security Income recipients, it is $20.

The rules cover how people register (there are more than 10,000 cardholders), how growing sites are registered and other aspects of the program.

Written comments are due by 5 p.m. Dec. 22 to the Department of Human Services, PO Box 14450, Portland OR 97293-0450. For information, call (971) 673-1226.

A public hearing is scheduled at 1 p.m. Dec. 22 in Suite 110 of the State Office Building, 3420 Cherry Ave. NE, Keizer.