Attorney: Utah medical cannabis compromise ‘undermines’ voters’ decision

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A pair of pro-marijuana groups in Utah accused the Mormon church of “extreme undermining” with regards to a medical cannabis ballot measure.

The letter, sent by attorney Rocky Anderson on behalf of the groups Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Education (TRUCE), and the Epilepsy Association of Utah, accuses the church of trying to interfere with the ballot measure passed by voters on Nov. 6.

The measure creates a state-regulated growing and dispensing operation and allows people with certain medical conditions to use the drug in edible forms.

It does not allow smokable cannabis.

Backers, lawmakers and opponents – including Drug Safe Utah and the Mormon church – crafted a compromise just before the election that would change the measure by:

  • Blocking some marijuana edibles such as cookies that might appeal to children.
  • Calling for five privately licensed “cannabis pharmacies,” instead of the 40 private dispensaries allowed under the measure, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.
  • Establishing a state-run central-fill pharmacy.
  • Not allowing people to grow their own marijuana if they live too far from a dispensary.

The groups represented by Anderson are calling for the cancellation of an upcoming special session of the Legislature set up as part of the preelection compromise.

Anderson called it a betrayal by other marijuana groups to “cower to the demands” of the Mormon church after about 52% of the state’s voters approved the measure.

He said the groups he represents are considering a lawsuit.

– Associated Press