Durazo and Golash-Boza: Merced residents should be able to access medical cannabis

The Merced City Council had a study session last Monday to talk about medical cannabis.

The city is concerned over new state regulations approved last year that require cities and counties to establish marijuana ordinances by March 1, or the state law will prevail.

Despite over two dozen local residents speaking in favor of medical marijuana and against a ban proposed by the Planning Commission, the Merced City Council unanimously voted to ban medical marijuana cardholders and caregivers from growing cannabis for their own consumption and commercial dispensing (such as dispensaries and delivery). But city staff members were instructed to gather more information and conduct study sessions to consider viable options for allowing medical cannabis for personal cultivation, dispensaries and safe delivery.

We can assure our representatives that any valid research will demonstrate that allowing medical marijuana use, sale and consumption is the best policy for our community.

Medical marijuana has been proven effective at treating a broad range of serious health issues, including anorexia, arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, HIV or AIDS, glaucoma, migraines, persistent muscle spasms, severe nausea, seizures, wasting syndrome (cachexia) and other diseases with debilitating chronic symptoms.

Certain compounds in marijuana, such as CBD, have been found to have therapeutic properties, while not having mind-altering effects. University of California researchers recently concluded marijuana should be used in treating neuropathy patients as well as spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, as other remedies are often unsuccessful alleviating these painful conditions.

It is unconscionable the Merced City Council would consider denying residents this much-needed medical treatment that could be available locally and economically.

Regulated medical marijuana use and sales are better for everyone. When medical marijuana sales are regulated, users can more safely ensure they are purchasing the quantity and quality of cannabis and its extracts they need. Regulation ensures users know exactly what they are getting. When alcohol consumers go to the liquor store, they know whether they are purchasing vodka – which contains 40 percent alcohol – or beer, which contains just 5 percent.

Medical marijuana users should have the same right to know how much CBD and THC compounds are in the cannabis they are buying. Regulation is the best way to ensure that.

Though some people might fear marijuana is dangerous, rest assured marijuana is much less dangerous than tobacco and alcohol – substances freely available to adults. Unlike alcohol, no one has ever died from marijuana overdose. Unlike tobacco, marijuana is rarely addictive.

More importantly, there is sufficient evidence that marijuana improves the well-being of those with chronic and disabling medical conditions. The impact of illness would be reduced and quality of life enhanced by inexpensive and personal cultivation (for those without resources to obtain from other jurisdictions) and local dispensaries (for those too ill to cultivate or travel).

We urge our city’s elected officials to consider the scientific evidence that shows that regulated medical cannabis sales are the best option, and request that city staff partner with experts and community members to pass ordinances that allow residents safe, affordable and reliable access to medical marijuana.

This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Durazo and Golash-Boza: Merced residents should be able to access medical cannabis."