SALEM, Ore. - Some lawmakers think the state should be the lone grower and dispenser of medical marijuana.

They have introduced a bill that directs the state to create a marijuana production facility and distribute the drug to pharmacies, who would then dispense the drug to medical marijuana patients and caregivers.

Under current Oregon law, medical marijuana cardholders must grow their own marijuana or find someone else to grow it for them. House Bill 3247 would eliminate legal private marijuana grow sites.

Private growers have been accused of illegally selling pot to non-cardholders, and other grow sites have been targeted by burglars and robbers.

"There are growing concerns that private grow sites are being misused for illegal marijuana sales, threatening the safety and well-being of legitimate participants in the program," said Rep. Chris Harker, D-Beaverton. "(The bill) takes medical marijuana off the streets and into a safer and more secure environment."

The bill would impose a $98 per ounce tax on marijuana, which would cover the state's cost of creating a production center and operating the program, supporters said.

The idea would also protect patients in terms of quality control, supporters said.

"Many patients have no assurance that their marijuana is not laced with pesticides or other toxic chemicals," said Rep. Jim Thompson, R-Dallas. "If passed into law, this legislation will implement safe standards to dispense the drug through a tightly-controlled system.

A copy of the full text of the bill was not immediately available. It will be posted when we get a copy.