Medical Marijuana & the PDGA
This is a topic that a few of my non-tourney playing disc buddies were bringing up to me and asking how I, as a TD, would handle this question coming up. I had forgotten about it until overhearing a hypothetical discussion about this issue out at the Aloha Sushi Classic this last weekend.
So I asked the PDGA how they would rule on this issue, and for those interested, here is how it went:
*********
I am a tournament director in Washington State. We now have a number of players who have a prescription for smoking medical marijuana. What are the PDGA's rules that apply to a player in a sanctioned event taking medicine prescribed by a doctor?
It doesn't feel/seem right to allow players to smoke pot during their round, but I can't think of any other time I, as a TD, would tell a player they arn't allowed to take medicine prescribed by their doctor.
What does the governing body (PDGA) rule on such a matter?
Mike Rideout
************
Mike,
The PDGA does not allow the use of Medical Marijuana during a PDGA sanctioned event. Most states don’t allow the use of Medical Marijuana in public at all. Some are actually very specific about it not being allowed in public parks.
I did a quick look up and you can go to:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=69.51A&full=true to view the Washington State Law.
It includes:
69.51A.060
Crimes — Limitations of chapter.
(1) It shall be a misdemeanor to use or display medical marijuana in a manner or place which is open to the view of the general public.
The PDGA would certainly consider any of our sanctioned tournaments as a “place which is open to the view of the general public.”
I hope that helps,
Andrew
Andrew F. Sweeton
PDGA Tour Manager
***********