2014 OR Senate debate: on Drugs

Jeff Merkley: Positives of pot legalization outweigh the negatives

"I think folks on both sides of the argument make a good case," Merkley said. "And there is concern about a series of new products--and we don't have a real track record from Colorado and Washington. But I feel on balance that we spend a lot of money on our criminal justice system in the wrong places and I lean in favor of this ballot measure."

While politicians nationwide have been reluctant to stake out a position on the issue, Merkley is unlikely to be the last to so explicitly announce his support for legalization as attitudes toward the drug continue to shift. As an increasingly clear majority of Americans support the idea of legalizing the drug, more are expected to follow.

Jason Conger: Voted NO on retail medical marijuana establishments

1. The Oregon Health Authority shall establish by rule a medical marijuana facility registration system to authorize the transfer of usable marijuana and immature marijuana plants from a marijuana grow site to the medical marijuana facility.
2. The registration system must require documentation that demonstrates the medical marijuana facility meets the state qualifications
3. To qualify for registration, a medical marijuana facility:
   • Must be located in an area that is zoned for commercial or industrial use
   • May not be located at the same address as a marijuana grow site
   • Must be registered as a business with the Office of the Secretary of State
   • Must not be located within 1,000 feet of a public or private elementary or secondary school
   • Must not be located within 1,000 feet of another medical marijuana facility.