Rep. Phil Barnhart

Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem, has put forward a compromise that will clear the way for local municipalities to bar medical marijuana dispensaries from their domains for a year while they prepare to develop policies to regulate incoming outlets. The dispensaries gained state sanctioning last year through House Bill 3460.

Regence BlueCross BlueShield opposes the provision, arguing to keep current law where private insurers have the option to deny claims for alcohol or drug treatment if it’s a result of a DUII or other conviction