Marijuana has been making a number of headlines recently across our nation. With the Obama administration announcing that the federal government will hold off on prosecuting marijuana-related offenses in states allowing medical marijuana use, many users of the medicinal plant can take a smoke-filled sigh of relief. Medical marijuana is currently allowed in some form or another in 14 states.
In our own city of Portland, The Oregonian reports that two smoking lounges will open up for medical marijuana users. Of course, patrons must be medical marijuana cardholders, and also a member of National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).
Many issues arise. How can we smoke marijuana in these lounges when we can’t smoke cigarettes at other lounges? Does a lounge promote recreational use rather than medicinal? Don’t people have to drive to these lounges, where they can become impaired?
Write a letter to the editor here at the Vanguard and tell us your thoughts on the medical marijuana issue that spans not only our state, but the country as well. What do you think of medical marijuana, or marijuana in general? How do you think the matter should be handled? Let us know!