About MAMA

  In 1982, seven women met in a mountain cabin outside of Mosier, Oregon. They were concerned about the harm caused by the misuse and abuse of all drugs.  
   Frustrated by the emotional, narrow focus on illegal drugs by existing parents' groups and the government, they felt a need to address the broader issues of drug policy. Together, these women created the concept that was to become Mothers Against Misuse and Abuse (MAMA), with an approach based on personal responsibility and informed decision making, with respect for human dignity.  
   After nearly 30 years MAMA, directed by Sandee Burbank, has gained the respect nationally and internationally of those who seek a more comprehensive approach to drugs than zero tolerance.
MAMA believes we must educate people so they can make informed decisions about the plethora of drugs available today, which are aggressively advertised and readily available.  It is not enough to just educate the children.  Adults too must understand this vast technology as it is their example which will most affect how youngsters approach drug use.

MAMA's Board of Directors

(Left to Right)

Martin Schwarzbach (President) - Carol Lee Garner (Board Member) - Anita Reyes (Board Member) - Deborah Oerther (*Founding Member) - Sandee Burbank (Executive Director) -  Jennifer Burbank (Board Member) - Mark Miller (Board Member)

  Our desire is to create an atmosphere that allows us to reach out with concern, love and understanding to those with substance abuse problems, who are now alienated or persecuted by the current drug war.  
  If people are abusing drugs, we need to find out why, and then address the cause. For some it will be through drug education or treatment. For others it will require training in social skills so they can find satisfaction in their lives, without resorting to substance abuse.

   We must judge all drugs by the same standard and develop drug policy based on science and reason. Only then can we appeal to our citizens' desire to live healthy and satisfying lives. 
   MAMA has developed an approach based on personal responsibility and informed decision making, with respect for human dignity.  We produce publications and give presentations, participate in drug policy conferences throughout the United States, sponsor educational tours to educate the public, media and lawmakers.  We produce a newsletter and maintain our web site, www.mamas.org . 
   MAMA has been involved with the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program since its beginning in 1998. MAMA has 28 years of experience providing harm reduction education. At MAMA's clinics we help patients with a diagnosed medical condition, which qualifies under the OMMP, to register with the Program.

At the MAMA Clinic

*Patients get help understanding the registration process for the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program.
*Patients get assistance gathering needed medical records.
*Patients meet with a doctor, who reviews the medical records and performs a physical examination.
*When the medical records are in order, and the doctor agrees that Cannabis might help, the doctor will sign the patient's application to enter the program.
*Patients will also meet with staff, who will provide information from the OMMP regarding the law, and explain harm reduction in the use of cannabis, including alternatives to smoking and how cannabis may interact with other medicines.

Check out "Our Clinics" page to get more important information about the process.
Clinics are scheduled in Portland, Bend, and The Dalles.