Implementation Of Medical Marijuana Law Raises Concerns For County Commission

Amendment 2, a constitutional amendment passed by Missouri voters that allows doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to patients with epilepsy, cancer, glaucoma, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Parkinson’s, continues to make area leaders ponder future actions.

Ste. Genevieve County commissioners discussed the issue last Thursday, again expressing frustration that more forethought had not gone into it.

“They passed the bill without  tying up all the loose ends,” Presiding Commissioner Garry Nelson said.

He reported speaking to an attorney for the Missouri Association of Counties, who had advised him that the issue “crosses federal lines” since using marijuana for any purpose is still a federal crime. A number of legal and liability issues will have to be figured out.

“That should have been done before they ever put it on the ballot,” Nelson said.

Nelson wondered whether a jury member who needed to smoke medical marijuana would be allowed to leave the immediate environs of the courthouse —where no smoking is permitted — during a trial. He also reiterated his concerns about truck drivers and equipment operators who may have used medical marijuana before or during work.

“There are too many potential repercussions which they weren’t ready for,” Nelson said.

See complete story in the February 20 edition of the Herald.