Friday afternoon I was able to speak with Tom Burns, the man in charge of the Pharmacy program in Oregon. I called him at Rep. Andy Olson’s suggestion … as I was concerned about what I’m reading in the rules for dispensaries that has come out. Tom didn’t have any good news for me. I emailed this information out today, but if you aren’t on our email list, you didn’t receive it. For those of you who did, I am sorry for the duplication, but we’ve got to get the word out to everyone we can.
At this point, we are not sure what we will do at Albany’s Canna Kitchen & Research, LLC (ACK&R). There are lots of options, and we’re seeking information on various issues. Our goal is to continue creating custom Smokeless Cannabis Remedies for our patients. We simply cannot absorb the cost of the testing we are being told that will be required, and we cannot imagine how they can force a grower to have their own homegrown tested. Does it make sense to you? Stand up and shout!
Pasted below is the email I sent to members today. If you would like to be on our email list, please send an email to info@cannakitchenandresearch.com and we will add you.
From: info@cannakitchenandresearch.com
To: info@cannakitchenandresearch.com
Subject: HELP! Canna Conversion prices could triple!
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2014 11:50:31 -0700
Dear family and friends,
As suggested by Representative Andy Olson, I spoke with Tom Burns, the head of pharmacy at the Oregon Health Authority regarding the “Dispensary Rules” requirements because I was concerned about what we are facing.
According to Mr. Burns, businesses like Albany’s Canna Kitchen & Research, LLC (ACK&R) were not considered when the OMMP dispensary rules were made. Therefore, there were no provisions made for people bringing their own Cannabis to a business such as ours for conversion to a Smokeless Cannabis Remedy (SCR). In light of this, as of March 3rd (two weeks from now) ALL Cannabis that is brought to us for conversion will be required to be tested for mold, mildew, and pesticides and once it’s converted it has to be tested for THC and CBD levels. Are you prepared to pay $100 or more in addition to the $50 you are paying for 100 capsules? I didn’t think so, so I am informing you and letting you know what I believe will help.
You need to send an email to Representative Andy Olson (he was the elected official on the dispensary rules committee) at rep.andyolson@state.or.us with a courtesy copy (cc in your email) to tom.burns@state.or.us Let them know that you have been using Smokeless Cannabis Remedies from ACK&R, LLC and that you are appalled that they will require patients who bring their own to be tested at a cost of more than $100. If you have grown it, you know what has been sprayed on it, etc… and are not going to spray something that is harmful! Additionally, is it important to you to know the THC and CBD levels? Sure, it’s nice to know information, but do you really want to have to pay to have each and every product you have converted tested? ACK&R can’t afford to have testing done without passing on the cost … so it is IMPERATIVE that you stand up and shout at the top of your lungs that this is UNACCEPTABLE and must be dealt with immediately. They were fully aware of our operation and what we do when they created these rules.
Know that this is scheduled to go into effect in TWO WEEKS on March 3rd. Also … we are being forced to apply as a dispensary at Albany’s Canna Kitchen and Research, LLC … which will mean some changes. Not all of these changes are known at this time, but if you would like to read what we are facing as far as rules and regulations, you will find them here: http://www.oregon.gov/oha/docs/333-008-FINAL-MMJ-DISPENSARY-RULES.pdf (ADDED: This is the link for the FAQ’s, it’s much easier to breeze through: http://www.oregon.gov/oha/mmj/Documents/MMD%20FAQ.pdf )
Thank you for your help with this, we will march forward in one way or another. We are excited for what the future brings, we just don’t feel you should be required to have all this testing done … it isn’t going to be cheap. We will be doing all that we can to keep prices down.
Be sure and get your product in EARLY this week to ensure processing prior to 3 March. This is serious stuff! Appointments are needed, call to make yours – 541-981-2620. If we are not available, leave a message with which day and time you would like to come in and we will call and confirm. Thank you!
Rhea & Kendra