The people of the State of Oregon find that:

(1) Patients and doctors have found marijuana to be an effective treatment for suffering caused by debilitating medical conditions and, therefore, marijuana must be treated like other medicines;

(2) Oregonians suffering from debilitating medical conditions should be allowed to use marijuana without fear of civil or criminal penalties when a doctor advises that using marijuana may provide a medical benefit and when other reasonable restrictions are met regarding that use;

(3) ORS § 475C.770 to 475C.919 are intended to allow Oregonians with debilitating medical conditions who may benefit from the medical use of marijuana to be able to freely discuss with doctors the possible risks and benefits associated with the medical use of marijuana and to have the benefit of professional medical advice; and

(4) ORS § 475C.770 to 475C.919 are intended to protect patients and doctors from criminal and civil penalties and are not intended to change current civil and criminal laws governing the use of marijuana for nonmedical purposes. [Formerly 475B.785]