Objections raised to bans on smoking, flavoring of medical cannabis

Members of the public objected to cannabis regulations at a meeting of the state’s Medical Cannabis Commission Monday.

During a public comment period on emergency regulations the commission adopted last month, several people objected to a ban on smoking, saying it is the fastest way to get medicine into your system.

Edward Williams of Lincoln said he is a disabled veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. “If you have PTSD and you wake up in the middle of the night, you need relief. You don’t need to take an edible or something else that’s going to maybe work in an hour or two,” Williams said.

But Commissioner Lorelle Mueting read a statement from Commissioner Monica Oldenburg, who was not present, who said research shows smoking marijuana causes lung damage and other problems.

Testifiers also objected to regulations prohibiting adding flavoring to cannabis. Supporters of that prohibition say it would reduce chances of accidental ingestion by children; critics say flavoring could be needed to help patients tolerate the medicine.

Commissioner Bruce Bailey said changes to the regulations could be proposed before the next commission meeting Sept. 2.