Marijuana prohibition sought in Klamath County

Klamath Falls, Ore. – A Klamath County Commissioner says he’s hoping someone will organize an effort for a county wide ban on marijuana.

Commissioner Tom Mallams says he thinks Klamath County would support an initiative to ban marijuana…

“It could be very detailed, or it could be very simple – something where, ‘we’re passing an ordinance saying that medical marijuana, and recreational marijuana is not considered legal in Klamath County.”

55% of Oregon voters passed Measure 91 last November, legalizing recreational marijuana.

However, 56% of voters in Klamath County voted against the measure…and people in Klamath Falls are still divided on the issue.

Jeff Dickie: “Remember what happened with prohibition with the alcohol It turned more people into alcoholics than you’d believe.”

Carlos Rodriguez: “I think we need to get away from it. It’s pretty much like alcohol – people get abused to things like that, and then our kids would grow with a wrong mentality.”

James Wetsch: I’m totally behind legalization, and think it’s a good thing.”

Deanna Franks: “For me personally, I would vote no – I don’t subscribe to the practice, or think it’s a good idea.”

Cindy Simono: “You don’t need to be judging people for what they, they can’t afford prescription medications sometimes – so this is an alternative for a lot of people.”

Putting a marijuana prohibition measure on the Klamath County ballot would require getting about 1,200 verified voter signatures.

Commissioner Kelley Minty Morris says that while she doesn’t think marijuana is a ‘good fit’ for the community, she wouldn’t mind having local voters weigh in.

Commissioner Jim Bellet says he still wants to see what the state will do – though he adds that he would not favor a ban on medical marijuana.

Commissioner Tom Mallams says that while the board could put the issue on the ballot, he’d favor the initiative process in order to gauge public support.

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