1. Marijuana Legalization in Oregon: A Step Too Far

2. 1. Some History Oregon has long had a sensible approach to marijuana...

3. 1973 Oregon became the first state to decriminalize possession of user amounts of marijuana – Less than one ounce Reference: 1973 Oregon Laws, Chapter 680 (Enrolled House Bill 2936)

4. 1998 Oregon was the second state to approve of medical marijuana Reference: 1999 Oregon Laws, Chapter 4 (1998 Ballot Measure 67)

5. 2013 We have also dramatically reduced crime levels and sentencing for marijuana offenses It is now nearly impossible to be sent to prison in Oregon for a state marijuana crime Reference: 2013 Oregon Laws, Chapter 591 (Enrolled Senate Bill 40), and Chapter 649 (Enrolled House Bill 3194)

6. 2013 Current possession offense levels: – Marijuana (leaves, stems, and flowers) Under 1 ounce = Violation 1 to under 4 ounces = Class B misdemeanor 4 ounces or more = Class C felony – Marijuana product (hash, hash oil, etc) Under ¼ ounce = Class B misdemeanor ¼ ounce or more = Class C felony Reference: ORS 475.864

7. 2. Colorado and Washington

8. Do we really want this kind of marketing in our community? Marketing

9. Marketing to Youth THC-infused products attractive to youth...

10. THC-Infused Products Attractive to Youth

16. Predictable results...

19. Young man leaps to death after eating pot-laced cookie

20. Predictable results...

21. And DUII Marijuana impaired driving offenses in Washington have gone up 40%, in just one year Source: Dr Fiona Couper, Washington State Toxicologist (2014)

22. 3. Marijuana is not harmless

23. Marijuana Addiction Rates When use begins: – As an adult, there is a 1 in 11 chance of becoming addicted – As an adolescent, there is a 1 in 6 chance of becoming addicted Source: Anthony, JC, Warner, LA, & Kessler, RC (1994); Giedd, J N (2004)

24. 2013 Oregon Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions (by primary drug of abuse) Source: Oregon Health Authority (2014)

25. 2013 Oregon Drug Abuse Treatment Admissions (by primary drug of abuse) Source: Oregon Health Authority (2014)

26. Increased Potency Three-fold in last 15 years Five-fold since 1960 Source: Mehmedic, et al (2010)

28. Do we really want more Oregonians using marijuana?

29. More Effects on Youth Negative effect on learning and academic achievement Persistent and heavy use by adolescents reduces IQ by 6-8 points Source: Meier, MH, et al (2012); MacLeod, J, et al (2004).

30. Mental Illness Marijuana use poses a significantly increased risk of triggering mental illness

31. A stoned workforce for Oregon? Marijuana use is linked to low productivity and job performance Source: NIDA (2011); Fergusson, DM, and Boden, JM (2008)

32. And Retail Pot Shops in Our Community

33. Marijuana Legalization in Oregon: A Step Too Far