John Payne Interview

November 10th, 2018 – Columbia, MO

John Payne is is the campaign manager for New Approach Missouri (the driving force behind Missouri Amendment 2). Amendment 2, a constitutional amendment to allow medical cannabis in Missouri, passed by a margin of 66 percent to 34 percent on November 6th, 2018.

Brian (Missouri Medical Marijuana): John Payne, thanks for taking time to chat!

John: No problem!

Brian: The burning question on everybody’s mind: What would be a “best case” and would be an “average case” for how long people can expect to get doctors recommendations – and then an actual dispensary to be open for walk-ins?

John: So, I think, in the best case for getting those certifications is probably within – let’s say the patient card – the patient card will come out in June. They will be able to apply for patient cards in June and then have those probably in hand by July. That’s what it calls for under the amendment. Is it possible that gets delayed a little bit? Possibly, but I think the department seems to be working really hard on it and wanting to make sure this happens in a timely manner.

But for dispensaries to actually be open, I think we’re looking at probably – I think they’ll be businesses that are functioning by December of next year. But then of course they’ll have to grow the product and get it ready and put in dispensaries so probably best case you’re looking for early 2020 to actually have product out there. Worst case maybe we’re looking at summer of 2020.

Brian: Do you think there is a benefit to having a locally owned and created directory of Missouri providers? (This would be in contrast to Weedmaps and Leafly if you’re familiar with those.)

John: I certainly think it’s a good for – I want this industry in general to have a lot of local control and people from the state involved. So, yeah, I think that’s a good thing. And also locals tend to tend to know the lay of the land better than the out state folks do.

Brian: What might be the most common misconception with the rules or the laws or the amendment or program in general?

John: Well probably the most common misconception is that, a lot of people think that they are going to lose their guns because they participate in the medical marijuana program – which there is federal rules against using marijuana and using guns – but the medical marijuana amendment did nothing to change that because that’s a federal law which hopefully we’ll see some movement on here in the near future. But as far as the state law: we protect every right you have under state law.

Brian: Do you have any advice for doctors interested in recommending marijuana?

John: Well one, I would say first you know, do some more research and know what you’re doing there. But I think, you know, a lot of doctors are starting to come around on this and I certainly want to encourage them to think about this in terms of the relative safety of medical marijuana compared to benzodiazepines, opiates and some of the other pharmaceuticals that we are currently using, and I think doctors will find that their medical marijuana can be not only more effective, but also far safer.

Brian: All right. Thanks so much. Anything else you want to add?

John: I think that’s good. Thank you for having me!

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