Pot, Providers, Pests, and a Picnic!

Thought I'd provide a brief recap of Tuesday's Regional Meeting...

Medical Marijuana:

Although medical marijuana is now legal in Connecticut, it is important for providers of federally-funded housing to remember that it is still considered illegal by the federal government.  

Refer to this blog's June 2nd post regarding guidance on medical marijuana.  ALL concerns regarding applicant / resident use of medical marijuana MUST be brought to the attention of the RM, ADPM and/or DPM.

The powerpoint from Tuesday's training is available for download here.

Provider Services:

Charlie Barratt (Resident Services Coordinator for Orford Village) gave us an overview of services available for low-income residents.  He had good news regarding Social Services; while they've had their share of challenges lately, the situation has improved.  

As always, the goal of working with community providers is to keep residents happy, healthy, and safe in their homes for as long as possible.  To that end, it is important that Administrators and RSCs work as a team.

Pests:

Waltham Pest Services provided information on bedbug control.  It is important to remember that bedbugs are secretive insects; they will hide in numerous spaces such as seams in furniture, behind electrical outlets, in screw holes, and in the folds and seams of clothing, upholstery, or luggage.  

It is essential that residents are aware of, and comply with, treatment requirements such as bagging items  and leaving them sealed until all treatments have been completed.  Other steps may include disposing of items that cannot be treated, and laundering clothing appropriately.

It is essential that Residents and Management follow EHM's pest prevention policy.  It is always better to be proactive to the maximum extent possible when dealing with bedbugs.

One suggestion Waltham provided was to ensure that when having furniture delivered, always ask to be the first delivery of the day, in order to avoid having new furniture contaminated by other furniture picked up for disposal during stops.  

Picnic!

Lunch was a "pot luck" which featured hot dogs, hamburgers, and an absolutely stunning collection of various salads, side dishes, and desserts.  Yum!  Due to the rain, we were relegated to inside, but that d

idn't do much to dampen the picnic spirit.  Thanks to all who shared your culinary talents!

Thanks to the staff at Woods Edge / Oak View for hosting our Regional Meeting, and for all the work that goes with setup, cleanup, and cooking!  

Medical Marijuana

A short time ago, we encountered our first resident with a prescription for medical marijuana. It won't be the last time. Medical marijuana is here, and is legal in both CT and MA. There is a fairly complicated online registration process for both. Conditions that may result in a prescription for medical marijuana include: 

• Cancer 
• Glaucoma
• Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 
• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) 
• Hepatitis C 
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease 
• Crohn’s Disease 
• Parkinson’s Disease 
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 

Medical marijuana may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying patient’s physician. 

It is very important for Administrators to understand the distinction between state and federal law. While state law permits use of medical marijuana, federal law considers any use of marijuana to be a crime - whether or not it is prescribed. 

Applicants in federally funded housing (including LIHTC sites) who are discovered to use medical marijuana MUST BE REJECTED, without exception. 

When a resident in federally funded housing is found to be using medical marijuana, the facility has the discretion as to whether or not eviction is appropriate. Several factors will be considered in this instance, including the level of disturbance to neighbors, and whether or not the resident can use it in a non-smoked form. Medical marijuana is never permitted as a deductible medical expense in federally funded housing. 

For state funded facilities, legal use of medical marijuana is just that - legal. 

Smoking of any substance in a non-smoking facility is an issue. 

Further information on this topic will be provided at the upcoming Regional Meeting. 

If you receive information that indicates an applicant or resident in federally funded housing is using medical marijuana, please consult with your Regional Manager and/or the Assistant Director or Director of Property Management immediately. 

Helpful Links:
HUD Medical Marijuana Memo (2014)
CT Medical Marijuana Information
MA Medical Marijuana Information