Topics of discussion at recent OPN/OPAN meetings:

Topic: Chemical Bigotry
Discussion: Chemical bigotry would be a good as part of a campaign. Chemical bigotry is a civil rights issue, and OPN is writing funding requests based on it. Expertise in grant writing comes from doing and sometimes failing. It's a sin to not at least ask. OPN is forming a Grant Writing Committee and seeking volunteers. Please contact Brandy Zink at bzink@ohiopatient.net if interested.

Topic: SB 74
Discussion: Several Ohio House and Senate members have indicated an interest in reintroducing SB 74 into the next legislative session. We need to get letters from them promising this.

Topic: Local Initiatives
Discussion: The introduction of a local mmj initiative is being planned for the City of Lakewood. Resolutions there can be passed by city council vote. We need letters to put politicians on record. Other good cities to target include Athens, Youngstown, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
RESOLVED: Will pursue other cities for local initiatives.

Topic: Chapters
Discussion: Chapters are already written in the OPN bylaws. By forming local chapters and initiating paid dues we can develop local programs and improve our financial situation. A Membership Committee should be formed to plan this roll-out. We are therefore seeking volunteers for the Membership Committee. It includes Brandy, MJ, and Cher so far. If anyone is interested in participating, they should e-mail Mary Jane Borden at mjborden@ohiopatient.net.

Topic: Strategic Plan OPAN
Discussion: What is the vision of OPAN for 2007? One goal should be to gain committee hearings and the media attention that results from them. We should be making overtures to our opposition to try to neutralize them. The endorsement of nurses and doctors is as important as that of legislators. We need to let doctors know about their legal rights. Some don't know about prescription Marinol.

Topic: 1/22/06 Day of Action for ASA
Discussion: The medical marijuana movement needs to project an image of strength. We also need to do something meaningful, as well as meet with Federal legislators. January 22 is new Congress. This would be a good project for local chapters.