Tonight I will be attending a meeting of the Lewiston City Council which is considering new restrictions on medical marijuana caregivers who grow medication for 2 or more patients. The new restrictions would severely limit where medical marijuana caregivers could cultivate plants and would subject these caregivers to municipal registration, fees, high-tech security systems, additional licensing, and background checks.
The restrictions are designed to address problems that don't exist. In fact, Maine has permitted the lawful cultivation of medical marijuana by caregivers for over 10 years without problems. The recent change in the law was designed to increase access for patients, not create new barriers for access. While the law expressly permits reasonable regulation of dispensaries, it simply does not grant municipalities the right to restrict patients and caregivers.
If you live in Lewiston, come to tonight's meeting (7pm) or let your City Councilor know:
Caregivers should not be pushed out of their homes in order to help their loved ones obtain legal medication.
This proposed ordinance contradicts the will of the people and the actions of the legislature, both of which voted last year overwhelmingly to increase access for Maine patients through creation of dispensaries. Specifically, Lewiston voters approved the statewide medical marijuana law by a vote of 7171 in favor to 5213 opposed.
Again - these proposed regulations are inconsistent with the Maine Medical Marijuana Act as written and with the intent of the people and the legislature. The restrictions in the proposed regulations were not required by the legislature and are required by no other municipality. We urge Lewiston to reject these restrictions to insure that seriously ill Mainers continue to have safe, legal and adequate access to medical marijuana.
Click here to read the ACLU of MAINE's letter to the Lewiston City Council.
Here to find more information about the Lewiston proposal.
Or here for email links for Lewiston City Councilors.